Mary and Martha wept because of the absence of Lazarus. Jesus wept because of the presence of sin and death.
Just as Jesus purged temple courts with zeal, we can join with him in overturning tables of corruption in our own hearts.
In the middle of his letter, Peter brings us to the absolute center of the gospel's goodness when he writes these simple words in 3:18: “that he might bring us to God”.
While all of Scripture's covenant promises may have had earlier (temporary or limited) fulfillments, Paul confirms that only in Jesus Christ were all of these promises fully and finally fulfilled.
For the glory of God, Christians should primarily gather in order to contribute to a meaningful experience that blesses others.
We boast in the Lord because he's not only exposed the foolishness of our wisdom and power, but wonderfully, he's also given us true wisdom and power by giving us Jesus.
Peter's story reminds us that every true disciple, that every genuine child of God, will be sifted.
Wonderfully, Jesus provides reassurance to each one of us who has laid his or her own life on the altar and said, “This I entrust to you, Lord.”
If you personally confess that Jesus is “the Christ”, what does that mean? What exactly are you saying you believe when you make that declaration?
As full as the Jesus-guided fishing net may have been, even fuller was Peter's new understanding of the identity of Jesus.
In this often misunderstood verse we find the secret of facing any and every circumstance.
The jewel of God's wisdom in creating a new humanity is on display in the church of Jesus.
Just as Paul burst forth with the doxology ('glory-word') we find in Romans 11:33-36, we also should be inspired to testify of God's glory.
Jesus was not simply the Messiah of Israel, he was ultimately the Savior of the world; of all humanity.
When Jesus prays in the garden before his death, we should be inspired by both his love and his example of prayer.
Jesus describes in this passage the radical rejection of, the liberating loss of, a faith-filled forsaking of sin and self.
When Jesus calls us to uncertain places and new faith experiences, we can trust that no matter how scary it gets, he will not let us sink.
Repentance is a new heart-posture that pushes sin away rather than continuing to embrace it.
The one who is patient (with this kind of patience) is the one who perseveres in godliness in painful times.
Use a day like this on our culture's calendar (i.e., New Year's), not to think about what could be in the new year, but instead, to reflect on what has been; that is, to look back on this past year with the singular goal of gratitude.
The Savior who “yesterday” offered that perfect sacrifice, is the same Savior who “today” still intercedes “on our behalf” in light of that same sacrifice.
Even though the extent of our sin was so vast, even though it was so persistent and so poisonous, on the cross, Jesus addressed, for every single saint, every single instance of our cosmic betrayal, every moment of our rebellion and perpetual idolatry before God; every single instance past, present, and future; full and final resolution to our incalculable moral debt.
The impeccability of Christ is the sinless-ness of Christ. But more than that, it is his inability to sin.
Even when disagreements with one another slow our work, we can trust that God is still at work.
If you've received forgiveness of your sins from God, then you've also received the Spirit.
According to Jesus, children reveal in a special way what it means to receive and walk in God's kingdom.
Though we can be tempted to tell ourselves were 'well', real wellness only begins when we acknowledge our sickness.
A disciple isn't simply blessed by "the work of ministry". He or she is equipped for that work, to also be a blessing.
How did Jesus help fishermen become "fishers of men", or make disciples who would also make disciples?
There is no call higher than the call of Christ on your life. Have you responded to His call?
When Daniel prays for God's people, he's also teaching us about praying in light of the priority of God's glory.
Daniel reminds spiritual exiles about their relationship to and in Babylon. Learn more now.
God as our Shepherd is the most committed of all committed relationships. Learn more in our latest message.
Does the word of God cause you to tremble? Learn more about what that means through the prophet Isaiah. Listen now.
Why did New Testament keep coming back to Psalm 110 in regard to Jesus? Learn more in our latest message.
Though it may sound like a confused timeline, Jesus really is present in the book of Psalms.
As David set God always before his eyes of faith, as he practiced God's presence, everything was different.
What might we learn about worship from David's expressions of worship in the Psalms? Listen now.
To be faithful with God's word means a heart set on studying, doing, and teaching his truth.
When Elijah met God on Mount Sinai, he was confronted by both his greatness and grace. Learn more in our latest message.
Steven wanted his listeners to see themselves in the mirror of the Old Testament. God wants us to do the same.
That God looks at the heart, and not just appearances, means both our condemnation and salvation.
Consider how a prostitute points us to the reality of God preparing the way before his people.
Though we often make excuses as if the word was "far off", it is actually very near to us.
How should Christians understand and apply the Ten Commandments? Learn more in our latest message.
What should holiness look like in your life, and how does love factor in? Learn more in our latest message.
What might the intercession of Moses for God's people teach us about interceding in prayer?
What might change when you accept that God was sovereign over the specifics of your birth?
The faith God graciously credited to Abraham as righteousness in Genesis 15 is the faith powerfully on display in Genesis 22.
In times of uncertainty, when God seems distant and silent, how can I know God will keep His promises to me?
In times of uncertainty, when God seems distant and silent, how can I know God will keep His promises to me?
If we don't walk away from the Revelation singing, there's a good chance we didn't understand the book.
If we don't walk away from the Revelation singing, there's a good chance we didn't understand the book.
Jesus knocking at the door is a picture of him seeking the smug believer not the lost unbeliever.
Jesus knocking at the door is a picture of him seeking the smug believer not the lost unbeliever.
The future is certain according to God. What is uncertain is how that future is shaping our present.
Can those who seek him still hear the voice of Jesus today? If so how? Learn more in our latest audio:
While some believe 'seeing is believing', John's Gospel calls us to believe without seeing.
Most think of the Jerusalem Temple as sacred space. But consider what Peter tells about the fullness of that sacred.
Since we are regularly tempted to look away, John encourages us to really "see" the kind of love God has given us.
Paul wasn't explicit, but he couldn't have been clearer about the most important spiritual gift.
Will Christians, even though forgiven, still be judged by God in the end? Learn more now.
When it comes to politics, Jesus wants to remind us there are two spheres. Learn more in our newest audio.
Our culture regularly tries to sell us on the comfortable life. But what does Jesus think?
In times of need, so many ask, "How can I help?" God answers that question in light of our deepest need.
The gospel not only brings you into God's family, it should also shapes your earthly family.
Putting on the armor of God is not a magical or mystical practice. It's a gospel practice.
Who was Jesus talking about when he spoke of "the least of these my brothers" and why does it matter?
Spiritually speaking, misplaced trust leads only to eternal exclusion. Learn more in our latest audio.
To love fellow believers means bearing their burdens. Learn more in our latest message.
The Christian life is like a footrace, a challenging reality by which God consistently calls us to persevere.
While this chapter rebukes legalism head on, it also speaks to the other extreme. Learn more in our latest audio.
The mission of the church involves multiplication, but that's more than hearts converted. Learn more.
When God opens a door for his word, what should be our response? Learn more in our latest audio.
Though we often look for power in all the wrong places, for all the wrong reasons, God graciously offers us the power we need most.
If you're wondering how to save your life... eternally... Jesus has something you need to hear.
Two storms. One 'storm breaker'. Consider what Mark 4 & 5 reveals about the greatness of Jesus.
We often make decisions in light of things as they 'should' be, not in light of things as they really are.
If you're a believer, then you were given to the Son by the Father. Only the "given" believe.
Jesus wants you to come to him. But to do so for the right reasons, so you don't leave with the wrong conclusions.
If Jesus can feed thousands from five loaves and two fish, he can certainly satisfy your hungry heart with his abundant life.
Three witnesses that confirm Jesus is exactly who he claimed to be. Learn more in our latest message.
What can we learn about being a son (or daughter) of God from what Jesus reveals about being the Son of God?
How might God calling Abraham to "go" affect our lives of faith today as followers of Jesus?
It's a question God regularly asks us, and a question we should regularly consider: "Do you trust me?"
In a world of deepening division and glorified individualism, how can the church model something radically different?
Jesus Christ can simply speak, and it is so. Jesus Christ simply speaks, and life overcomes death.
When it comes to ministering to others, what does it mean to "reap" for Jesus? Learn more in our latest message.
To whom or to what do you turn as a trusted source of information? Did you know Jesus is above all of these?
“Like the first basket full of produce from a soon-to-be harvest field, Jesus' victory gives us a taste of what can be ours”
If you have new life in Jesus, then at this very moment, you have a representative before the throne of God.
How did Jesus prove he was who he claimed to be? The resurrection! Learn more in our latest audio.
You may have heard John 3:16, but have you heard you it in its original context? Be encouraged by our latest message.
While many know the phrase, what does it actually mean to be "born again"? Learn more in our newest message.
It's a hard message to hear, but Jesus knows what's in you. Do you? Learn more in our latest message.
If Jesus can turn water to wine, what can he transform in your life, in your time of need?
You may pray, but how do you pray? God calls us to continual, watchful, and thankful prayer.
Should we really confess our sins to one another? Listen now to our latest audio message.
Love for one's enemies is a radical notion, especially when Jesus defines your notion of 'enemy'.
What aspect of following Christ is less 'firing squad' and more 'death by starvation'? Find out now in our latest message.
The incomparable identity of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith. Learn why and learn more.
How might God work if we were to pray this prayer for one another this Christmas season?
Consider how the righteous man of Proverbs points us to the Righteous One, Jesus Christ.
The humble man or woman has a right estimate of God's infinite worth and of their own finite worth.
How might Proverbs' portrait of ideal leadership shape your prayers for our leaders? Learn more in our latest message.
Your relationship with God's word can reveal a lot about your relationship with God. Learn more.
How should Christians talk about politics? As with all our speech, "to the glory of God".
Though candidates want to promote theirs, the policy agenda of King Jesus is far more important. Do you know it?
As the only perfect leader in all of human history, Jesus Christ must be the standard against which we measure all human leadership.
Why our political involvement must be subservient to and shaped by our Kingdom involvement.
Though we may not think it, we can end up treating some parts of the Bible as 'throwaway' verses.
Remember that time Jesus referred to the foreign woman as a "dog"? Wait.. what? Learn more in our latest message.
Even when you are in unsafe circumstances, you are safe in the Savior. Learn how in our latest message.
Is the world a safe place? No. But also, yes... when we trust in the power, pleasure, and purposes of God.
The Holy Spirit brings power to every believer. But power to do what? Learn more in our latest message.
What exactly does it mean to be "taught by the Spirit"? Learn more about the Holy Spirit's work in our latest message.
"Mine" might be the exclamation of a selfish toddler, but it's also the declaration of gracious God, through his Holy Spirit.
How is focusing on the Holy Spirit missing the Spirit's own focus? Learn more in our new audio.
In a world full of lies about alcohol, have you ever really heard the truth? Listen now to our latest message.
Parents, when you discipline, do you do so as one disciplined? Learn more about God's fatherly work in our latest message.
Has laziness kept us from what God wants to teach us about laziness? Learn more in our latest message.
Can the book of Proverbs help you to be a better friend? Consider what God has revealed there about friendship.
When is it wise to say nothing rather than something? Learn more about godly silence in our latest message.
Will eternity involve floating on a heavenly cloud, playing a harp? No. There is real substance to what God has in store for us!
The empty tomb can result in a full heart, since the risen Jesus also saves us from spiritual death.
Scientists today search for a way to stop death. But Jesus solved the death dilemma 2000 years ago.
Unless you fully understand the ugly truth about death, it's hard to fully appreciate the beauty of resurrection.
When it comes to a crisis, the most important thing is not surviving, but standing firm in faith.