Living a Holy Life
Humankind is not naturally honest (Psalm 116:11). Dishonesty has worldly rewards–lying can often bring financial gain, power, or temporary satisfaction. But the rewards come at a price. Dishonesty leads to more and more wickedness (Proverbs 17:4). Lying to fulfill worldly desires ultimately results in the loss of everything a person has, including his life. Hell’s inhabitants will include “all liars” (Revelation 21:8). “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36). (read more)
It is very clear in the teachings of the Scripture that no Christian is sinless (1 John 1:8-10), but it is also clear that God expects the true believer to not sin habitually. “No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in Him, and he cannot practice sin because he is born of God” (3:9). J. C. Ryle in his book on holiness gave eight reasons why holiness is necessary in the Christian’s life. (read more)
by John MacArthur
There is a distinct line drawn between those who are true believers and those who are not. The false deny their sin, the true confess it. (read article)
"The Apostle Paul gives us his own definition of the Christian life in Galatians 2:20. It is 'no longer I, but Christ'. Here he is not stating something special or peculiar--a high level of Christianity. He is, we believe, presenting God's normal for a Christian, which can be summarized in the words: I live no longer, but Christ lives His life in me."
Read Watchman Nee's classic book on a life of "knowing," "reckoning," "presenting," and "walking in the Spirit." (read book online)
by Charles R. Swindoll
We all know what the absence of integrity looks like. We see it daily in the news, whether it’s in greedy, dishonest executives, pork-happy politicians, or athletes on steroids. Chuck Swindoll issues a challenge for the Christian to stand apart from the crowd by knowing the lines that can’t be crossed in order to maintain a spotless reputation as a follower of the God of righteousness. (read article)
by Charles R. Swindoll
This is an article for those who have a past that they’re having trouble moving on from, whether it’s because of failures, unjust treatment, or painful loss. Chuck Swindoll states that God has promised to give us the ability to forgive others and ourselves as He fills our lives and our thoughts with His presence and power instead. (read article)
by Dr. Bill Bennett
Once a year Americans celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November. The American Thanksgiving consists of three things:
1. A Reunion of Family
2. The Consumption of Scrumptious Food.
3. A Formal Short Prayer of Thanks.
However, Christian Thanksgiving goes far beyond the American Thanksgiving. Let us note seven ingredients which go into Christian Thanksgiving. (read more)
by J.C. Ryle
Love is a grace which all people profess to admire. Thousands, I suspect, would not be ashamed to tell you that they knew nothing about justification or regeneration, about the work of Christ or the Holy Spirit. But nobody, I believe, would like to say that he knew nothing about "love!" If men possess nothing else in religion, they always flatter themselves that they possess "love."
In nothing does the fallen condition of man show itself so strongly, as in the scarcity of Christian love. There is little faith on earth, little hope, little knowledge of Divine things. But nothing, after all, is so scarce as real love! (read more)
The Apostle Paul described true worship perfectly in Romans 12:1-2: “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable, or well pleasing and perfect.” This passage contains all the elements of true worship. (read more)
by Keith Krell
It’s been said, “Only two things in this world are eternal—the Bible and people.” If this is true (and it is), it only makes sense to build your life around those things that will last forever. Think about it: God’s Word will last forever…people last forever…everything else disappears. In light of this sobering reality, how should we live? We should live our life backwards from the judgment seat of Christ and ask, “What difference will my life make in 10,000 years?” (read more)
by Chris Good
There are a lot of accusations going around in Christian circles about people "judging" other people and not being "tolerant". Often Matthew 7:1-3 is cited to support those bringing new teachings and practices into the church. Indeed, postmodernists assert that the greatest sin is "intolerance" and it seems this is also increasingly the case in many churches. Anyone who wants to critique something is instantly dismissed as 'judgemental' (so much for tolerance then!).
When we turn to Scripture, many people at first glance are confused. Scripture seems to assert very clearly that we are not to judge. However in other places it seems to equally clearly assert the opposite. What are we to do? (read more)
If you live a godly life, you will be persecuted. You can count on this. It is not a matter of if; it is a matter of when and how much.
We love to claim the promises of God. We love to claim His promises of provision and protection. But how many of us have claimed this promise: "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12)? I haven't. Who likes to be persecuted? (read more)
God is sovereign, meaning that He is completely independent. He did not need to create us. He does not need us for anything. Based on this we might come to the conclusion that we are not important to God... that we are not needed and we have no purpose. But, that's not the end of the story. God tells us in Scripture that we were created to glorify Him. That's our purpose and that means we are important to Him personally. (read more)
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