God entrusts you to speak, to sacrifice, to crush serpents. He calls you to be true to your nature — the one he gave you — and play the man that you are. And that man is not timid, not unassertive, not feeble in the faith: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
Unless we are willing to examine all things carefully, we cannot hope to have any defense against reckless wandering faith. The desire for discernment is a desire born out of humility. It is a humility that acknowledges our own potential for self-deception—“the heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it” (Jeremiah 17:9).
God’s command is simple: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:5). But obedience to it? Far from simple, for we’re naturally drawn to whatever will itch our ears and suit our passions. We’re a rebellious people who’ve wandered and turned away from listening to the truth (see 2 Timothy 4:2-4).
God has not given us the platitudes of worldly optimists. He has given us firm handholds for hope in “His precious and magnificent promises” (2 Peter 1:4). And that should make us the most optimistic people of all.
Jesus commends another type of piety—a secret piety that will be rewarded by the Father. The contrast is stark. We can pursue the glory of the Father by humbling ourselves, or we can pursue our own glory by exalting ourselves before others. We simply cannot do both.
If God could only wait for us to make the first move toward him, there would be little hope for your rebel son or daughter. But God is free to step into any life, at any time, and that means there is always hope.
Christians aim to live a life that is centered on God. Here are some ways to cultivate that kind of life: Recognize that Whatever You Are Doing Now Is Only for a Time The world wants you to believe that everything is stable, secure, and permanent. But it is not...
Here are 5 Key Connections from recent Christian articles around the web, including the difference between legalism and discipline, how God's grace leads us into worship, and more. God’s Grace Makes Some People Worship (Colin Smith, Unlocking the Bible) Here’s why you believe, if you are a Christian: God set...
...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) Year after year, search data on...
"This Week at Unlocking the Bible" features new articles, radio programs, devotionals, and ministry updates
