Working Out Our Salvation
Read: Philippians 2:12-13 Be holy, because I am holy. (1 Peter 1:16 NIV) Martin Luther described the dynamics of the Christian life this way: “This life is not health but healing; not being but becoming; not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing towards it . . […]
In Training
Read: 1 Timothy 4:6-10 Train yourself for godliness. (v. 7) Kids like to imitate superstar athletes, the way they dress, how they talk, the moves they make on the court or the field. That’s why the superstars get paid so much for endorsing shoes. But that’s really missing the point. What kids should imitate, if […]
April 2025 Prayer Guide
ALBANIA — Praise God for increased engagement with gospel content on social media in Albania. The team is encouraged by new interest in devotionals and growing use of the Bible App. Progress continues on the Discipleship Essentials curriculum and “Thru the Bible” programs. Pray that these tools will help Albanian Christians grow in their faith. […]
Repentance
Read: Matthew 4:12-17, Luke 15:11-24 Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matt. 4:17) The Greek word for repentance is metanoia, which means to change your mind. Lent is a good time to do that. Repentance is closely linked with conversion, which means to turn around. So Jesus begins his ministry by urging […]
Pray Without Ceasing
Read: Ephesians 6:18-20 . . . praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. (v. 18) We’ve come to the end of Paul’s description of the full armor of God. When Bunyan’s Christian got into the worst part of the Valley of the Shadow of Death, he met an enemy who […]
The Sword of the Spirit
Read: Hebrews 4:11-13 . . . and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph. 6:17) On a parody news website, a facetious article reported that a congressional study had concluded the sword is mightier than the pen after all. On second thought, maybe it wasn’t such a parody? We are […]
The Helmet of Salvation
Read: Acts 16:25-34 . . . and take the helmet of salvation. (Eph. 6:17) What’s the most important piece of God’s armor? If I had to pick one, I’d have to say it’s the helmet. We can survive blows to the body but not to an unprotected head. Likewise, in terms of the metaphor, salvation […]
The Shield of Faith
Read: Matthew 17:14-21 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. (Eph. 6:16) Let’s say we have withstood an initial assault of the enemy. Give God the glory, but don’t be surprised. Our God has well-equipped us. The golfer Lee Trevino, […]
Readiness
Read: Romans 10:14-15 . . . and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. (Eph. 6:15) You don’t wear high heels to the beach or flip-flops to a formal dinner. Footwear appropriate to the occasion is second nature to most of us. But what is this […]