Christians experience sadness, burdensome circumstances, and even depression—a state of mind in which every aspect of life seems negative and dark. Though some may deny this reality, the Bible shows that seasons of difficulty have troubled God’s people since the Fall. Sadness and depression should never be embraced by Christians, since Scripture teaches that Jesus …
As Christians prepare to celebrate Easter, much of our focus will be on the glorious reality that Christ’s resurrection from the dead was the precursor to the future bodily resurrection of all His followers. Indeed, Jesus is “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). We must never forget or downplay this …
When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress March 3, he referenced the ancient relationship between Israel and Iran, noting that the modern Persian state’s attempts to destroy the Jewish people parallel an ancient attempt to do so during the reign of the Persian Empire. As Netanyahu observed, his …
In reading Luke’s Gospel recently, a phrase stood out that Jesus repeated on four occasions: “Your faith has saved you” (Luke 7:50; 8:48; 17:19; 18:42). Three times He spoke it to someone who had received physical healing and once to a sinful woman who received forgiveness after anointing His feet with her tears along with …
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the wise men. They show up in nativity scenes, Christmas plays, carols, tree ornaments, and paintings. Because of this abundance of wise men, everyone knows the supposed biblical facts about them: There were three wise men, they rode camels, and they brought their gifts to the baby Jesus as He …
One night recently, I was praying with my three-year-old before bed and I concluded the prayer like I always do: “in Jesus’ name, amen.” When we finished praying, she asked, “Why do you say, ‘in Jesus’ name, amen?’” It was a good question—not just for a child, but for an adult—and it got me thinking. …