Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV) Paul said a lot of great things in Scripture about the nature of our identity in Christ. This verse, however, is one of the best. “If anyone is in Christ” …
The unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord. (Acts 14:2–3a, ESV) “By this my Father is glorified,” Jesus said, “that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:8). Isn’t that what we …
“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV). God the Father is able to heal the hurt of every human heart, and Zephaniah 3:17 …
And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3, ESV)! On God’s Top Ten list, the very first rule, the commandment that earns the #1 spot, states who He is. “I am the LORD your God, who brought you …
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23, ESV). Who are you? The world would like to answer that question for you. Let’s debunk five identity lies the culture promotes and the Church too often parrots. 1. …
“But as for you and your servants, I know that you do not yet fear the LORD God” (Exodus 9:30, ESV). God could deliver you today—He could—from whatever situation is causing you pain and heartache and upset and struggle. And since He could, you probably think that He should. Why would God delay when He …
Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11, ESV) When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Most people, in assessing their own identity, view themselves too negatively: “I’m ugly. I’m a failure. I’m a phony. I’m …
Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God”? (Isaiah 40:27, ESV) Sometimes, even though you’re boldly seeking the Lord and staying open to whatever fresh reminder of truth you can learn from His Word, the only thing you …
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18–19, ESV). So much time is wasted by looking back. In the world around …
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits (Proverbs 18:21, ESV). How many adults still feel the sting of angry words they heard as children? And how many of us have said words we later regret? The tongue has the power to destroy. “Death …
