Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, Titus 2:12 If we are honest with ourselves one of the hardest areas to overcome in our lives is worldly passions. I struggle with this just as much as any other Christian. I watched the super bowl half-time show with my family this past Sunday. As my children and grandchildren were watching the show I was struck with the thought that I have becom

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 How, as Christians are we able to avoid sin in our lives? Most of us have read, heard, and even memorized Psalm 119:11. But do you know what the two preceding verses tell us? In verses 9 and 10 we read, How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! God gives us the tools to avoid sin in

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Ephesians 5:6 We live in a day in which our nation has cast aside the commands of God against sexual immorality. Fornication, adultery, and homosexuality God calls sin, our nation now says that it is nobody’s business what goes on between consenting adults. We have legalized homosexual marriage and call it normal. We think nothing of two people living t

And take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God Ephesians 6:17 The first five pieces of the Christian armor are defensive. Equipment Christians can use to defend against spiritual attack. While the sword is also a means to defend oneself, it is primarily an offensive weapon. Why would an offensive weapon be listed with the other pieces of armor? Why would a Christian need an offensive weapon? The sword used by Roman soldiers was known as a gladius and in the hand

And take the helmet of salvation, Ephesians 6:17a The fifth piece of God’s armor is represented by the Roman soldier’s helmet, without which he would never enter battle. Some of the helmets were made of thick leather covered with metal plates, and others were of heavy molded or beaten metal. They usually had cheek pieces to protect the face. The purpose of the helmet, of course, was to protect the head from injury, particularly from the dangerous broadsword commonly used in t

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 Well today we is the first day of the New Year. The New Year means different things to different people. For some it is an exciting time as they look forward to what the New Year will bring. For others it may be a time to reflect

We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 1 John 5:19 Every day I hear another story of the magnitude of the ungodliness of our nation. I am reminded by John that the world lies in the power of the evil one. We should never be surprised how the ungodly act because we know they belong to Satan. Peter wrote to all believers, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange

Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, Ephesians 1:4-5 I was having a discussion with Pastor Jamie the other day about the conversion of Charles Spurgeon. It reminded me that it is not by flowery words or convincing arguments that we come to Christ. It is by God’s grace and His sovereignty that we c

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 What does the life of a Christian look like? Being crucified with Christ means that our old nature has been nailed to the cross and is replaced by a new nature which is Christ’s. He who loved and died for us now lives in us, and the life we live is by faith in Him. It means sacrific