Which is it? Are we supposed to carry one another’s burdens, as Galatians 6:2 says: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”? Or should we carry our own load, as Galatians 6:5 (only three verses later) says: “For each will have to bear his own load”? First, let me remind readers … Continue reading Should We Bear One Another’s Burdens? (Galatians 6:2) or Carry Our Own Load? (Galatians 6:5)
Category: Spiritual Life
What Does it Mean to Do Things “in the Spirit”?
Frequently in the Bible, and especially in the letters of the Apostle Paul, we come across the expression “in the Spirit”—or similar such expressions. This kind of expression is used in various ways in the Bible, but the one I’m drawn to today is when people do things “in the Spirit.” What kinds of activities … Continue reading What Does it Mean to Do Things “in the Spirit”?
Eight Things I Learned from David Needham
Earlier this week, David Needham, my former teacher at Multnomah Bible College, passed into the presence of the Lord at the age of 94. During the past few days, I have been reflecting upon his profound influence on me. Here are eight things I learned from my beloved teacher. 1. Awe in the Presence of … Continue reading Eight Things I Learned from David Needham
How Not to Apply the Bible
Twelve young adults sit on couches, chairs, and floor pillows around a living room with their Bibles open. Let’s listen in on their conversation. “We’re continuing our study in the life of Samson. You’ll recall that the Philistines shaved Samson’s head and then blinded and imprisoned him after Delilah tricked Samson into revealing that his … Continue reading How Not to Apply the Bible
What Does Grace Do? An Unusual Choice of Words by the Apostle Paul
What do you mean, Ken…what does grace do? Grace doesn’t do anything. Grace is unmerited favor from God. It is something given. Grammatically, grace isn’t the subject of the verb; it’s the object of the verb. It’s the thing that God bestows. Right? Yes…usually. But not in every case. Although you are entirely correct to … Continue reading What Does Grace Do? An Unusual Choice of Words by the Apostle Paul
Remember Those Who are Mistreated
Last night I read through a recent issue of Voice of the Martyrs magazine (about 15 pages). It is my practice—a personal discipline if you will—to read through every new issue of this magazine. In all honesty, I am often a bit reluctant to do so, but the reason I open and read is because … Continue reading Remember Those Who are Mistreated
Something Important about Forgiveness
When Jesus hung on the cross, did he forgive those who crucified him? Technically, no. Jesus prayed that the Father would forgive his persecutors. He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). He asked God the Father to forgive his murderers, and thereby transferred the decision of … Continue reading Something Important about Forgiveness
Seven Favorite Christian Books of 2023
Welcome to 2024! As we enter a new year, I want to share my seven favorite Christian books of 2023. Note that my very favorite books of the year are at the bottom of this list, so you’ll want to keep reading. #7 The Spirit Said Go: Lessons in Guidance from Paul’s Journeys by Mark … Continue reading Seven Favorite Christian Books of 2023
One Mark of Christian Maturity
Most biblical indicators of Christian maturity involve a person’s developing character qualities. But I have observed another common quality among Christians who could be described as “mature”—by which I do not mean “older,” but people who have developed well as Christians, whatever their age. Here is one (less frequently discussed) mark of Christian maturity. Spiritually … Continue reading One Mark of Christian Maturity
“Ask Jesus into Your Heart”: Only Your Heart?
Apart from the fact that the expression “ask Jesus into your heart” isn’t found anywhere in the Bible—the closest similar phrase being “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” (Eph 3:17), which is a verse directed to Christians—there is another problem with the idea of asking Jesus into your heart. In modern-day English, … Continue reading “Ask Jesus into Your Heart”: Only Your Heart?
Kindle Afresh 