The Lord Alone

What does it mean to be born again? For Christians, there is an idea of being born again. This analogyContinue reading “Born Again”

At some point in our lives as a Christian, we’ve come to know the story of Jesus and we believeContinue reading “Christian Faith Part 1: Introduction”

Where does faith in Jesus come from? Is faith something that God gives or does faith originate from within theContinue reading “Christian Faith Part 2: Where Does Faith Come From?”

It is comforting to know that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. However, this faith produces action.Continue reading “Christian Faith Part 3: Participating in the Faith”

Is it possible to have faith in Jesus and experience nothing added to our life? No turning our life aroundContinue reading “Christian Faith Part 4: The Real Problem with the Faith Plus Nothing Debate”

There are many scriptures that warn us about the fate of those who take the Christian faith lightly. So muchContinue reading “Christian Faith Part 5: Trust Overcomes Dead Faith”

Christian Faith Part 1: Introduction At some point in our lives as a Christian, we’ve come to know the story ofContinue reading “Christian Faith (Complete Series)”

The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

Is violence ever the answer? In the previous article, it was written that we should turn aside from all violenceContinue reading “Exhortation Against Violence Part 2”

What is sin? How does sin affect our lives? How does the gospel relate to our sin? Can a Christian live a sinless life in this present world? How should a Christian treat sinners?

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive theContinue reading “Considering the Proverbs: Introduction”

What is sin? I think most of us have some idea of what sin means. We know that sin isContinue reading “A Series on Sin Part 2: What is Sin?”

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction. I think this verseContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 1:7”

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: for they shall beContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 1:8-9 (Revised)”

10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. 11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait forContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 1:10-16”

17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. 18 And they lay wait for their ownContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 1:17-19”

20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: 21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in theContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 1:20-22”

When we go against the will of God—when we sin—we are doing things that destroy ourselves and others. For aContinue reading “A Series on Sin Part 3: The Effects of Sin”

24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25 But ye haveContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 1:24-27”

The topic of violence has been on my mind for a few weeks. I wonder if violence is ever acceptableContinue reading “Drunken with Blood”

Do Christians feel depressed? Shouldn’t we be full of joy, which is a fruit of the Spirit? I am oftenContinue reading “For Christians in Despair”

28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall notContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 1:28-33”

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine earContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 2:1-8”

9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. 10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, andContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 2:9-15”

There is only one person who has walked this earth without sin: Jesus, the Son of God. We’ve probably heardContinue reading “A Series on Sin Part 4: The Gospel”

If there is one thing I hate above all else, it is maliciously false pretense. There are people who useContinue reading “Exhortation Against False Pretense”

16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; 17 Which forsaketh the guideContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 2:16-19”

20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. 21 For the uprightContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 2:20-22”

I’m working on an article and this has me thinking about an important question that Christians should consider, especially thoseContinue reading “Disciples of Jesus or Dependents of Man?”

There are different beliefs about a Christian’s capacity for sin. From what I have seen, there is a spectrum thatContinue reading “A Series on Sin Part 5: Do Christians Sin?”

1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2For length of days, and longContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 3:1-2”

3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:Continue reading “Considering Proverbs 3:3-4”

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, andContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 3:5-6”

How should a Christian behave towards someone who is found in sin? Jesus says that we should treat others theContinue reading “A Series on Sin Part 6: Treatment of Sinners”

Part 1: Introduction For most of my teenage and adult life, the term “sin” made me think about pulpit pounding preachersContinue reading “A Series on Sin (Complete Series)”

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel,Continue reading “Considering Proverbs 3:7-8”

9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,Continue reading “Considering Proverbs 3:9-10”

11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; evenContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 3:11-12”

Do Christians experience chastisement from God? What about suffering? There are different ideas about these topics, and I expect theseContinue reading “Chastisement and Suffering Part 1: Introduction”

13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is betterContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 3:13-18”

19 The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. 20 By his knowledge the depths are brokenContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 3:19-20”

21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: 22 So shall they be life untoContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 3:21-26”

27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand toContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 3:27-28”

29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. 30 Strive not with a man without cause, ifContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 3:29-30”

31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. 32 For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but hisContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 3:31-32”

Should Christians expect chastisement from God? This can be a confusing topic. As Christians, we are counted as righteous beforeContinue reading “Chastisement and Suffering Part 2: Should Christians Expect Chastisement?”

It is amazing how easy it is for a person to create a false image of themselves and believe inContinue reading “Self-Image Reformation Part 1: Introduction”

33 The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just. 34 Surely heContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 3:33-35”

Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. 2 For I give you good doctrine, forsakeContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 4:1-4”

5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and sheContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 4:5-9”

10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. 11 I have taughtContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 4:10-13”

Suffering is not easy to think about, so it is understandable that many would shy away from the topic. EvenContinue reading “Chastisement and Suffering Part 3: Should Christians Expect Suffering?”

14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, passContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 4:14-19”

In this article I want to address some of the ideas mentioned in Part 1 of this series that IContinue reading “Chastisement and Suffering Part 4: Final Thoughts”

20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keepContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 4:20-23”

24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. 25 Let thine eyes look right on,Continue reading “Considering Proverbs 4:24-27”

My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: 2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and thatContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 5:1-5”

6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them. 7 Hear meContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 5:6-9”

This article is meant to clarify and aside contained within the article, Chastisement and Suffering Part 2: Should Christians ExpectContinue reading “To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required”

Part 1: Introduction Do Christians experience chastisement from God? What about suffering? There are different ideas about these topics, andContinue reading “Chastisement and Suffering (Complete Series)”

10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger; 11 And thou mournContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 5:10-13”

14 I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly. 15 Drink waters out of thine ownContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 5:14-20”

21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings. 22 His own iniquitiesContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 5:21-23”

This is a bit of self-gratification in that I do not want to be misunderstood, but I also want toContinue reading “Proverbs Study Clarification 1: The Strange Woman”

My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger, 2 Thou artContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 6:1-3”

4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. 5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand ofContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 6:4-5”

6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 ProvidethContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 6:6-11”

12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. 13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with hisContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 6:12-15”

16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and handsContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 6:16-19”

20 My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 21 Bind them continually upon thine heart,Continue reading “Considering Proverbs 6:20-22”

23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:Continue reading “Considering Proverbs 6:23-26”

27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? 28 Can one go upon hot coals,Continue reading “Considering Proverbs 6:27-35”

My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. 2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my lawContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 7:1-5”

I appreciate people who can observe without making judgments, but that is not me. God created me to have aContinue reading “Proverbs Study Clarification 2: Judgment”

6 For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, 7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discernedContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 7:6-23”

Things have been hard for so many people lately. Things have been hard for me too, and it seems thatContinue reading “Exhortation to Keep Building”

What do you do when you are faced with a huge problem, and the only solution available to you isContinue reading “Wait and See What the Lord will Do”

24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. 25 Let not thine heartContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 7:24-27”

To identify something, we must understand the qualities of the object we want to identify. What about identifying the self?Continue reading “Self Image Reformation Part 2: Identity”

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). First, what does it meanContinue reading “Self Image Reformation Part 3: Positive Affirmations”

An ideal is anything, such as a person or idea, that represents that which is suitable or perfect. The idealsContinue reading “Self Image Reformation Part 4: Ideals and Idols”

The purpose of this article series has been to encourage myself and others to evaluate our false self-images so thatContinue reading “Self Image Reformation Part 5: Seek Jesus”

Part 1: Introduction It is amazing how easy it is for a person to create a false image of themselvesContinue reading “Self Image Reformation (Complete Series)”

Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? 2 She standeth in the top of high places, by theContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 8:1-3”

4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. 5 O ye simple, understand wisdom:Continue reading “Considering Proverbs 8:4-9”

10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. 11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and allContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 8:10-13”

13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do IContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 8:13”

14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. 15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.Continue reading “Considering Proverbs 8:14-16”

I don’t know how common this is, but I know this is something I have done, and this is alsoContinue reading “Exhortation Against Projection Accusation”

I’ve been thinking today about the things I am afraid of. I am afraid of betrayal. I am afraid ofContinue reading “No Fear in Love”

If we have faith in the love of God towards us, then we know that we can trust in HimContinue reading “No Enabling in Love”

17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. This verse makes me thinkContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 8:17”

18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. 19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fineContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 8:18-21”

22 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, fromContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 8:22-23”

24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Genesis opens with:Continue reading “Considering Proverbs 8:24”

The gospel is simple enough that a child can understand. I love that about the gospel. Yet, I cannot helpContinue reading “Submitting My Understanding to the Judgment of My Fellow Servants”

25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: 26 While as yet he had not made theContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 8:25-31”

32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction, and beContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 8:32-36”

Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: In previous Proverbs studies, we considered the differencesContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 9:1”

2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. If we think ofContinue reading “Considering Proverbs 9:2”