Standing for Truth and Defending Your Freedom
Standing for Truth and Defending Your Freedom
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A U G U S T 1 3 “So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many …” — Hebrews 9:28

Once And For All

Have you ever experienced the joy of giving someone a gift with no strings attached, no expectation of thanks, no anticipation of reciprocation? Then you have a small taste of Christ’s joy in providing salvation for us. And yet we find it so hard to accept this gift at face value. We seem to want to add to it just for good measure. But we have nothing to add. Jesus’ sacrifice was perfect, atoning for all sins forever. He has paid... More
A U G U S T 1 2 “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” — Matthew 5:37

Integrity

A little boy was once asked in Sunday school to define the noun “lie.” In response, the boy said, “A lie is an abomination to the Lord and a very present help in time of trouble.” We may laugh at this child’s perspective, and yet doesn’t it hit a little close to home? Have you found yourself justifying a lie here and there? Many of us do. But we need to avoid compromising the truth. We need to cultivate... More
A U G U S T 1 1 “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.” — Ephesians 1:11

On Receiving An Inheritance

Has someone ever included you in his or her will? If so, you might have a small inkling of what it means to be included in the will and testament of God. When God’s will and testament are read, we shall receive glorious things beyond even our wildest imagination. No one in the world could possibly have the slightest conception of the full wonders that God has provided for those who love Him. As Christ’s heirs we receive... More
A U G U S T 1 0 “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” — Colossians 1:27

Christ In You

Do you ever get involved in a good mystery story, intrigued by the twists and turns, trying to figure it out until, in the final scene, you discover whodunit? God’s Word contains many mysteries, and God’s mysteries are greater than any other mysteries in the world. No one, not even the cleverest detective, can solve them. We can only discover the truth when God, the great revealer, chooses to make it known. God has revealed... More
A U G U S T 9 “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength …” — Jeremiah 17:5

Humanism

Humanism—faith in humankind—seems to creep further and further into our society. How does this perspective affect our culture? To understand the impact humanism has on our society, we must first understand humanistic theory. Let’s look at the four principles upon which it is based. First, humanism touts the doctrine of atheism. Whereas our catechism says that humankind’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him... More
A U G U S T 8 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness …” — Matthew 6:33

Seeking Success

Would you call yourself a successful person? What measure do you use to determine your answer to that question? Many people define success as being happy. But if that’s our definition, few who seek success find it. Happiness is a byproduct of seeking something outside ourselves, something we cannot control. So if we bank our success on it, we’ll often experience frustration. But ultimately, it’s a lie that happiness is the... More
A U G U S T 7 “By pride comes only contention, but with the well-advised is wisdom.” — Proverbs 13:10

Humility

When you think of humble people, what images come to your mind? What characteristics and attitudes contribute to humility? We often hold misconceptions about humility. Some people believe they can gain humility only when they deny the talents they possess. But that’s not humility; it’s foolishness. When we deny our abilities, we deny the goodness and grace of God, the giver of every good and perfect gift. Rather, humility... More