Living Biblically

Have you ever felt the pressure to conform to the world around you? Alexander Strauch challenges us to resist the cultural pressures that seek to mold us into their image. Drawing on Romans 12:1-2, Strauch emphasizes the importance of not allowing the world to squeeze us into its mold. Instead, we are called to be transformed individuals who live differently from the world. This transformation com...

What does it mean for image bearers to have image bearers? Brian Borgman explores the concept of the dominion mandate for the church, emphasizing that it is fulfilled as we carry out the Great Commission. As image bearers of God, we reflect His glory throughout the world. This is achieved through disciples making disciples, filling the earth with those redeemed and reflecting God's glory. The prim...

How can we offer God what He truly desires from us? Jason Dohm delves into the biblical command to produce godly offspring, as outlined in Malachi 2:15. Scripture reveals that God seeks godly offspring, which in turn means He desires more worshipers on earth. This command is timeless and applicable to every generation regardless of the era's spiritual climate. As evil and rejection of God increase...

Where does true authority originate from? Tom Ascol discusses the nature and source of authority, emphasizing that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus Christ. Human authorities, such as presidents, congressional leaders, and judges, exercise delegated authority, which is ultimately vested by Christ. Recognizing this helps Christians understand that governmental authority i...

Who is truly discipling your children? Scott Aniol emphasizes the importance of understanding the influences shaping our children's hearts and minds. He argues that everything around them, including culture, entertainment, and music, plays a role in their discipleship. Often, we might mistakenly believe that these cultural elements are neutral, but in reality, they embody particular religious valu...

How can pastors equip the church to faithfully navigate a non-Christian society? In today's world, the role of pastors and elders extends beyond traditional preaching; it involves guiding the congregation to live as faithful believers amidst a culture that often contradicts Christian values. Robert Bosley emphasizes the importance of clear communication from church leaders, focusing on both the go...

How are believers called to remain steadfast and resilient in the face of life's challenges? Pooyan Mehrshahi emphasizes the ongoing responsibility of believers to faithfully steward the resources and opportunities entrusted to them by God. This directive applies regardless of circumstances, whether in times of prosperity or adversity. During good times, Christians are urged to use their talents a...

How do the roles of the church and family complement each other in the life of a believer? Mala Chindongo emphasizes that the family and the church have distinct yet complementary roles designed by God for specific purposes. The church's role is to teach, train, and equip parents and children in living lives that glorify God. It provides spiritual guidance and community support that prepares famil...

Why is the church essential for hope in our society? Kris Baines emphasizes the crucial role that church shepherds, pastors, and elders play in contemporary society. According to 1 Timothy 3:15, the church is described as the pillar and ground of truth. This underlines the importance of church leaders in consistently preaching the Word and being a steadfast base of truth amidst a shifting cultural...

Why should Christians not succumb to anxiety in a world full of uncertainties? Paul Carrington highlights the struggle many face with anxiety, especially when pondering future uncertainties. As Christians, we have the assurance of a sovereign God who governs all things. The temptation to fret over the unknown can be overwhelming, yet we are called to place our trust in God. In Philippians, Paul ur...

If you could do it all over again, what would you change? Dr. Joel Beeke often encounters this thought-provoking question and shares his reflections on it. He mentions that his usual response would be to trust more in God and His covenant mercies, while worrying less. This realization stems from his personal experiences as a parent, where each stage of a child's growth brings new challenges and co...

How should Christians think about tyrants and authority? Jeffrey D. Johnson addresses the important topic of authority from a biblical perspective. According to Scripture, God delegates partial authority to earthly institutions, but no entity, including the state, can assume the place of God. Our conscience should be solely guided by God's Word, and no authority should compel us to act in ways tha...

What does it mean to plant gardens among the ashes in our present world? Kevin Swanson reflects on the timeless relevance of Psalm 37, illustrating how the transient nature of earthly kingdoms pales in comparison to the everlasting fruitfulness of Christ's kingdom. He observes that empires such as the Babylonian, Persian, and even the Third Reich, although seemingly formidable, have all come and g...

How significant is the role of the church in our spiritual journey? Conrad Mbewe emphasizes the church's critical place in the lives of individuals and families, as it is central to Christ's method of making disciples. Before His ascension, Jesus Christ commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching the...

What is the secret to aging gracefully according to the Bible? Alexander Strauch shares insights into aging with grace by emphasizing the importance of being 'planted in the house of the Lord.' He suggests that being part of a community of believers is crucial for spiritual vitality as we grow older. This community provides the support and environment needed to flourish and bear fruit even in our...

How should Christians respond when the State oversteps its boundaries? In his devotional titled "Guard Your Sphere and Take the Heat," Brian Borgman emphasizes the concept of sphere sovereignty, where God reigns supreme over all spheres of life, including self-government, family, church, and state. Borgman highlights that when the state begins to overreach, infringing upon these God-ordained spher...

How should Christians view children in light of God's Word? Jason Dohm emphasizes the importance of aligning our perspective with Scripture, particularly in understanding the value of children. He references Psalm 127 to highlight that children are not burdens but blessings and rewards from God. By focusing on what the Bible reveals, Christians can clear away misconceptions and embrace the truth t...

Is it possible for a nation or individual to remain truly neutral in matters of faith and belief? Tom Ascol challenges the notion of neutrality, asserting that it is simply a myth. He explains that every nation and individual will inevitably have a god or gods, which become apparent during times of crisis. When faced with disasters such as fires, hurricanes, or street violence, people often turn t...

Why should Christians view children as blessings rather than burdens? Scott Aniol reminds us that children are indeed a blessing from the Lord, a truth that is rooted in the very beginning of creation. In Genesis, before the fall, God blessed Adam and Eve and commanded them to be fruitful and multiply. This command is not a burden but a divine blessing. Throughout Scripture, this idea is reinforce...

Why do the wicked seem to prosper while the righteous struggle? Robert Bosley addresses the reality of living in a world where evil often appears to triumph. He acknowledges that such circumstances can evoke feelings of anxiety and frustration among believers. However, Bosley encourages a perspective rooted in righteous anger without succumbing to despair. He emphasizes that despite current appear...

How should the Church respond to the issue of declining birthrates? The Church has a vital role in promoting a biblical understanding of marriage, family, and children as outlined by Pooyan Mehrshahi. According to Psalm 127, children are a heritage from the Lord, and the Church should celebrate this truth. By supporting families in their decision to have children, the Church not only upholds the s...

Why do nations persist in following foolish paths contrary to God's wisdom? Mala Chindongo reminds us of the timeless wisdom found in God's Word, emphasizing the command to fill and populate the earth. This directive was echoed by the prophet Jeremiah to the children of Israel, underscoring God's ultimate wisdom and understanding. In contrast to this divine instruction, many countries today face t...

Is the enemy winning in the world around us? Kris Baines addresses the anxiety and frustration many feel when observing current events. It can often seem like the enemy is gaining ground, leading us to lose hope. However, Baines reminds us of the biblical account of God's people in Babylon. They were there not by accident, but by God's sovereign will. Similarly, we are where we are today because G...

How can we live a normal life in abnormal times? Paul Carrington reflects on the historical context of God's people being taken captive to Babylon due to their disobedience. Similarly, in the current times, many struggle to accurately perceive the era we live in. Just as Jeremiah faced opposition from figures like Hananiah, who downplayed the severity of their circumstances, we too must recognize...

What would life be like for a Christian family without the church? Dr. Joel Beeke presents a thought-provoking scenario about the absence of the church in a believer's life. He explains that while a family might focus on homeschooling and keeping children away from worldly influences, they would miss out on the communal aspect of faith. The church plays a crucial role in providing a larger family...