Life vs death

The eternal battle between life and death is a theme that has captivated humanity for millennia.

In the Bible, this theme is central to the Christian narrative.

It is a story of life overcoming death, of hope triumphing over despair, a beginning and a hopeful end.

Spirit of bondage vs Spirit of Adoption

The concept of the Spirit of bondage versus the Spirit of adoption has provoked theological debate for centuries. Both spirits are at work in this world and it is crucial to understand their distinct natures together with their implications for believers.

Can you say: “Daddy, Daddy!”?

Krino, krisis and krima - Judged according to works

 The Grace Judgement

The concept of being judged according to one's works often raises questions and concerns among believers. Some fear that this might contradict the doctrine of salvation by grace alone. However, a careful examination of the Bible reveals that judgement according to works is not a denial of grace but rather a manifestation of God's righteous and loving character.

Romans 2:6 makes it clear that God “will render to every man according to his deeds”.

Well, there is the judgement right there, isn’t it?

Lambanō and dechomai - personal and objective

The Challenge of Resistance

Throughout history, the Gospel has faced resistance from those who cling to their own beliefs and traditions. This resistance can manifest in various forms, from outright persecution to subtle forms of opposition.

The problem has always been to encourage the bride of Christ in the face of obnoxious hostility rebelling against the Gospel.

Let's not be surprised to learn that this is by no means a modern day problem.

Wherever whosoever - looking back

Years ago we started a ministry. We shared the Gospel, prayed for people in hospital and fellowshipped the way we knew how. wwm celebrated this ministry journey of witnessing wherever and whenever the opportunity arose. The world around us was our platform as we ministered to the sick in hospital and saw countless healed, shared the Gospel in street ministries and saw many come to Jesus, witnessed at social fellowships and experienced concordance in worship. We were geared to share our experiences and the incredible power of God's grace and authority.

Ordinary people, who knew they were deeply loved by Abba and chose to walk boldly in His grace and authority. As miracles unfolded before our eyes, we marveled at the extraordinary works of our Lord Jesus Christ, exceedingly and abundantly more than what we asked or imagined. Our Gospel was the only thing that we knew - the finished work of our Jesus. We proclaimed nothing outside of His mercy, grace, patience, goodness, kindness, truth, and unwavering love.

Our Purpose

Hewn from the Rock

The Mirror

Isn't it remarkable how children often mirror their parents? A son might resemble his father, and a father may desire his son to think and act like him. Similarly, a mother often hopes her daughter will follow in her footsteps. When you observe them together, their similarities are striking.

In Genesis 1:26, God declares, "Let Us make man in Our image and likeness." This declaration implies that God intended for humanity to reflect His nature, to behave like Him, to think like Him, and to rule like Him.

The divine declaration, "I Am that I Am," is followed by the creative act of making man in His likeness. This suggests that God desires humans to embody His very essence.

Dug out

Tongues and truths

Sometimes I sit and I think … sometimes I just sit …

I will be the first to admit that sometimes I am clueless when it comes to prayer and the words I need to pray (and declare, mostly). But, there is a way out when we do not know what to pray and what to say.

1 Corinthians 14:2 reads, "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." This verse is part of a larger discussion about spiritual gifts bestowed on the ekklēsia (see this post), particularly focusing on the gift of tongues. In this post, we'll delve into the meaning of this verse from a grace perspective, exploring the relevant Greek words and their implications for our understanding of this gift.

Celebrate Hanukkah ... or Christmas?

Many feasts from various cultures and religions are celebrated during November and December. Depending on the year, Hanukkah is celebrated towards the end of November or in December. This is followed by Christmas on December 25th. Other notable celebrations from various cultures and religions include Diwali, Saint Nicholas Day, Rohatsu (Bodhi Day), Calan Gaeaf, Posadas Navidenas, Solstice Day, Mōdraniht, Yalda, Zarathosht Diso, Holy Innocents Day, etc.

Most, if not all, of these feasts are of man-made pagan or occult origins, dedicated to elusive imaginative heathen gods. Should these feasts be celebrated at all?

Favourite permissible?

A Symphony of Grace: Romans 8:14-17

If I were permitted to have a favorite book in the Bible, it would most definitely be the book of Romans. And if a favorite chapter were permissible, mine would undoubtedly be Romans chapter 8.

But if you were to ask me about my favorite verse, I'd be hard-pressed to choose just one! Every verse in this chapter is a masterpiece, painting a breathtaking portrait of God's grace and love.

However,

Due Season

We are often told that everything has its due season (and that whatever happens, happens for a reason, which I've dealt with numerous times on the blog).

We are often told that everything has its season, especially when things go wrong. And it is often by well-meaning Christians in an effort to comfort us, but it is hopeless on so many levels. It is something one would say because they wouldn’t know what else to say or do.

In this post I will explore the “due season” phrase and how it connects to our graceful position in Christ.