In Hebrews 13:5 we are exhorted to “be content with such things as ye have.” The Greek word translated as “content” literally means “to ward off.” What does warding off have to do with being content? The answer is that being content is one of the best ways to ward off the wiles of the devil. […]
Stamp of Approval
In II Timothy 2:15, we are told to be diligent to present ourselves as workmen who are approved by God. The word translated “approved” is the Greek word dokimos which was a title given to money changers who were men of integrity who were scrupulously honest and always carried only genuine coins. In those days […]
Different Yet One
In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul uses the members of the human body to help us understand how the Church should function. The many members of the human body come in different shapes and sizes. It is quite obvious that a nose is very different from a ear and a toe performs in a manner that […]
Preparing to Run the Race
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul uses the analogy of an athlete getting himself ready to run the race with the goal of winning the prize. This athlete will go to great lengths to prepare for the race especially in the prize is something of great value. Imagine an athlete who sets his sights on winning […]
Giving Thanks
As the year 2015 draws to a close, we can look back and be thankful for all the Lord has done for us. Even though it seems like the world and our nation is in a moral decline, and in spite of trials, crises, and troubles in our lives, we are to give thanks to […]
Spiritual Immunity
It is an undisputed fact that we are under constant attack from the enemy. Just as we strive to develop an immunity to the bacteria and viruses that are trying to compromise our physical health, we must build up our spiritual immunity to the attacks of the enemy. How do we overcome the attacks of […]
Becoming Mature
In Hebrews 5:12-14, the author identifies mature Christians as “those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Christian maturity is the result of constantly exercising our spiritual senses. The human body has five senses—sight, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touch—which act as inputs to the brain. These five […]
Overcoming Anger
Most Christians will acknowledge that they are in a constant struggle with anger. Some will claim that anger is one of the human emotions given to us by God and so there is nothing wrong with expressing it. However, the emotion of anger is similar to the the feeling of physical pain that we experience. […]