Galatians 3:11-22 There are so many wonderful hymns of the church that depict breaking the chains of sin. While we may never know what it’s like to be a prisoner to drugs, alcohol, or gambling, these are not the only vices that can tear lives apart. Envy, greed, lust, gluttony…
Romans 10:8-15 In Romans 10, Paul writes that salvation’s only requirement is that we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord. The confessing part seems pretty easy to understand. We use our voice to tell people that Jesus is Lord. The words we use…
Romans 8:1-9 Paul is a minister of the new law, the new covenant. In Romans 8, the church is reminded that the Mosaic law leads to death. Life lived by the new law of love is only possible by the power of the Holy Spirit. By that power, we are…
2 Corinthians 3:9-18 The new law is love and it isn’t easy. Here’s some good news: Because of the new law, we can see and reflect the one true God. As we do, we will shine bright with a glow that will not fade. Unlike the glow from Moses (the…
2 Corinthians 3:1-8 Are you a list maker? Do you add things to your list just to check them off? Each check mark brings the feeling of accomplishment. The Corinthians knew about checking off lists. Paul reminded them that there was no list in existence that would lead to eternal…
James 5:13-20 Are you in trouble? Pray. Are you happy? Sing praise songs. Are you sick? Be anointed with oil. Have you or others sinned? Forgive each other, confess your sins, and pray for each other. Need powerful and effective prayer? Find a righteous person. The church is a community…
Ephesians 4:25-32 Ephesians 4 begins with putting our verbal house in order. Sin can start with a “little white lie.” Tempers can escalate and turn into sin by giving the devil a foothold. Core feelings such as rage or bitterness soon propel people into a life they may not recognize…
Galatians 6:1-10 As I entered the bus, the man looked up, surprised to see me. It had been a while since we had seen each other, and his innocent question opened a flood of emotions. “Are you doing all right?” he asked. I was not. I had been on a…
2 Corinthians 7:9-16 Have you ever encountered someone who enjoys being right and quickly reminds others of their incorrectness? This is not the writer’s attitude in 2 Corinthians 7. Paul takes the demeanor of a spiritual parent. In the same way that many parents find disciplining their children sad and…
2 Corinthians 7:1-8 Second Corinthians 7 begins with a reminder of God’s promises and the believer’s responsibility: “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (v. 1). During their teenage years, young people face many obstacles and temptations. With the…