Jesus Denounces Moralism (The Most Respectable False Gospel)

Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the publican is one of the clearest denunciations of moralism in all of Scripture. The shocking point is that the religious moralist went home unjustified, while the repentant sinner went home justified. The issue was not that God approves of sin. The issue was that God rejects self-righteousness and gives mercy to sinners who humble themselves before Him.

Moralism is one of the most dangerous religious errors because it often looks clean, disciplined, respectable, and biblical. It talks about good behavior, strong families, clean living, moral standards, religious Continue ReadingJesus Denounces Moralism (The Most Respectable False Gospel)

Everyday Carry for Christians: What Believers Should Never Leave Home Without

The believer's everyday carry includes the Word in his heart, the cross on his back, the death of Jesus in his body, the mind of Christ in his thinking, the armor of God in spiritual battle, the fruit of the Spirit in his character, love as his outer garment, prayer as his constant breath, thanksgiving as his attitude, the gospel as his message, a clear conscience before God and men, burdens for others, and hope in the return of Christ.

Everyday Carry, often called EDC, usually refers to the practical items a person keeps with them every day. A pocketknife, flashlight, pen, wallet, phone, multitool, or keys may seem ordinary, Continue ReadingEveryday Carry for Christians: What Believers Should Never Leave Home Without

The Love That Brings Us All the Way Home

Life may take us to unexpected places, but the love of God in Christ brings us all the way to our final home in heaven.

Life takes us to unexpected places. Sometimes those places are joyful, a new marriage, a new child, a new home, a new season of usefulness. Sometimes they are painful, a Continue ReadingThe Love That Brings Us All the Way Home

Sin Has Consequences, But Repentance Brings Mercy (With 38 Examples from the Bible)

Sin always brings consequences, but repentance changes how the sinner meets God’s judgment, when the heart truly turns back to God.

One of the clearest patterns in the Bible is that sin always matters to God. Disobedience is never treated as harmless, small, private, or excusable simply because a person had Continue ReadingSin Has Consequences, But Repentance Brings Mercy (With 38 Examples from the Bible)

Divorce and Remarriage (The Biblical Question of Abandonment)

Marriage is a holy covenant that should not be broken. But the sin of abandonment can separate what God has joined.

Few subjects require more biblical care, pastoral tenderness, and spiritual honesty than divorce and remarriage. Marriage is holy because God designed it. Divorce is grievous because it tears apart what Continue ReadingDivorce and Remarriage (The Biblical Question of Abandonment)