Summary: In the character chains from Peter and James, we learn how God strengthens our faith with adversity, like weights on our muscles. They challenge us to grow in the pains of trials and struggles of this life. Introduction In my last post, I talked about the first two character…
Summary: No one likes to go through trials, suffering, and pain. But God can use these trials to strengthen the faith and character of Jesus’s disciples, and make us more like Jesus. Introduction In my last post, I talked about God’s goals in our spiritual formation. In this post, I…
Summary: I look at some of God’s goals and making us spiritually formed to look like Christ. Every disciple of Jesus learns God's goals through a lifetime how to grow closer to the image and example of Jesus. Introduction In my last post, I concluded my teaching on the Sermon…
Summary: Jesus tells us not to judge others, but other places in Scripture talk about judging others. What’s the difference, and how does the disciple of Jesus know when and how to judge others? Introduction In my last post, I talked about how Jesus’s disciples handle worry and anxiety. In…
Select Summary: Jesus gives several reasons we must not allow worry and anxiety to rule our lives. Throughout His teaching on worry, Jesus tells us why worry wastes are life and changes nothing. Introduction In my last post, I discussed Jesus’s hard to understand teaching on having good or bad…
Summary: The disciple of Jesus must have one allegiance to Him alone. We cannot serve all these other masters. We cannot put morality on hold. We must be good stewards of the gifts God entrusts to us. Introduction In my last post, I talked about Jesus’s teaching about valuing heavenly…
Summary: Jesus requires that we give generously to those in need. We must follow the Spirit’s leading so we know what to give. It’s not always money. We will receive a reward from someone and someone will receive glory for our giving. The question is who. Introduction In my last…
Summary: Jesus gives us an impossible task when He commands us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. How can we do that? Only with the help and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. Introduction In my last post, I discussed oaths and retaliation.…
Summary: Jesus teaches us a new way of reacting to our offenders. He calls us to have godly integrity and character, to not steal the character of others and to not retaliate or try to get our own justice. Introduction In my last post, I talked about what Jesus says…
Summary: When you hold anger against another Christian or an unbeliever, you must take the first step to reconcile your relationship and bring peace between you and God again. Introduction In my last post, I talked about how Jesus fulfills the law and how we become great in God’s kingdom.…