Living Biblically

What is the ultimate goal of parenting, and how can we effectively guide our children toward it? Jeffrey D. Johnson emphasizes that the ultimate goal of parenting is a divine task beyond our own capabilities. While it is God who must save our children, parents are called to guide them through preaching, evangelizing, praying, and engaging in family worship. These efforts are made with hope, trusti...

What happens when the kingdoms of men wage war against the Church of Jesus Christ? Kevin Swanson addresses this question by highlighting historical instances where secular powers have attempted to suppress the Church, only to see it flourish. For example, despite Mao Tse-tung's efforts in the 1950s to eradicate Christianity, the number of believers in that nation has grown exponentially, from 600,...

Why is it crucial for parents to disciple their children towards Christ for the future of the church? Conrad Mbewe emphasizes the responsibility of parents who, by God's grace, have been blessed with children. He stresses the importance of actively discipling them, aiming to guide their character development and point them to faith in Jesus Christ. This foundational step is crucial as these childr...

How should Christians interpret the relentless stream of troubling news we encounter daily? Alexander Strauch addresses the pressing issue of how believers should approach the often grim news that permeates our media. He notes that even those outside the Christian faith recognize the pervasive negativity, marked by wars and threats of greater conflict, including the looming fear of atomic war. In...

How can we integrate the local church with family life in a way that honors God's redemptive purposes? Brian Borgman emphasizes the essential role of the local church in God's plan for redemption. Regardless of the stage of life we are in—whether we are young parents, seasoned grandparents, or anyone in between—the church remains central to our lives. The local church not only facilitates our spir...

Have you ever considered how the way you schedule your life reflects your priorities? Jason Dohm challenges us to reevaluate how we organize our time, emphasizing that our involvement in the local church should not be an afterthought. Instead of fitting church into the gaps of our busy lives, we ought to structure our schedules around it. This prioritization stems from recognizing the mutual need...

How should we live as God's people in a world that is not our own? Tom Ascol, in his discussion on Jeremiah's letter to the exiles in Babylon, reminds us that we are created in the image of God and live in His world. Our primary responsibility remains to glorify God by exercising dominion, a task given to humanity since the Garden of Eden. This calling does not change with our environment; rather,...

How should Christians respond when government orders conflict with their faith? Scott Aniol discusses the biblical understanding of human government as an institution ordained by God. According to Genesis 9, God established government through His covenant with Noah to maintain peace and order in society, preventing chaos. While government plays a vital role in societal interactions, its authority...

How should the church view children in light of biblical teaching? Robert Bosley emphasizes the need for the church to embrace the biblical perspective on children, recognizing them as blessings and gifts from the Lord. This viewpoint aligns with the dominion mandate seen in Genesis and reiterated to Noah after the flood. While some may think the Great Commission has replaced this mandate, Bosley...

Why does God's kingdom often seem small or insignificant in the eyes of the world? Pooyan Mehrshahi sheds light on the parable of the mustard seed to illustrate the potential for growth within God's kingdom, despite its seemingly minor presence. Like the mustard seed, which starts small but grows into a substantial tree, the Gospel's influence can expand and flourish, even when embraced by a minor...

In times of cultural upheaval, is it time for the church to retreat or advance? In today's world, it often feels like the church is being pressured into submission by the prevailing cultural trends. Mala Chindongo challenges this notion, urging believers not to retreat but to move forward with the message of the Gospel. The current chaos is not a hindrance but an opportunity for the church to evan...

Why should the Church emphasize the importance of children in today's society? Kris Baines highlights the need for the Church to teach about the blessing of children, counteracting the selfish cultural narratives that prioritize personal pleasure and convenience over family values. In a world that often views children as burdens, the Church must affirm that children are a gift from God. This teach...

Is the local church the center of your schedule? Paul Carrington emphasizes the importance of the local church being central to the Christian family. It should not be an afterthought but rather a focal point around which family life revolves. The church is where believers gather to fellowship with God's people, to feed their souls, and to hear the Word of God preached faithfully.  This regula...

Why should children participate in church prayer meetings? Dr. Joel Beeke challenges families to consider the benefits of bringing their children to prayer meetings. While young children may not fully comprehend every detail, the experience itself leaves lasting impressions. By attending church services, children are exposed to a community of believers and the reverence for God that permeates thes...

What does it mean to be a builder for eternity? Jeffrey D. Johnson draws a parallel between building and investing, emphasizing that both require hard work upfront for a long-term reward. As believers, we are called to invest not only in this world but ultimately for eternity. The greatest adversary of our investment is sin, which tempts us to focus on immediate gratification rather than the etern...

What role do fathers play in the spiritual health of their families and communities? In this video, Kevin Swanson emphasizes the critical role fathers have as spiritual leaders within their homes. Fathers are called to be shepherds, guiding their families in the truths of Scripture and leading them in prayer and intercession. Their role extends beyond the home into the life of the church, where th...

How does the message of Jeremiah relate to the Great Commission? Conrad Mbewe explores the connection between the message found in the book of Jeremiah and the New Testament's Great Commission. He suggests that God's instruction to Jeremiah, to see beyond immediate challenges and expand the reach of His people, mirrors our own call to spread the Gospel today. As Christians, we are not to remain co...

How should Christians prepare for persecution? In the face of increasing cultural pressures, Alexander Strauch draws inspiration from the courage of biblical figures like Daniel, who "purposed in his heart" (Dan. 1:8) not to conform to the expectations of his time while a captive in Babylon. Strauch warns that persecution, possibly in the form of legal challenges and social discrimination, is a re...

How can ordinary lives in exile reflect extraordinary faith? In his devotional, Brian Borgman explores the life of believers living as exiles in a world that’s often foreign and hostile to their faith. He emphasizes the importance of living by faith in the Son of God, who loves us and gave Himself for us. Borgman challenges us to lead our families with confidence in God, finding beauty in the ordi...

How can we remain untainted by a culture that increasingly drifts away from God? Jason Dohm presents a vivid illustration of a young man living in Babylon, emphasizing the subtle dangers of cultural assimilation. Just as a frog placed in gradually heated water may not perceive the threat until it's too late, Christians today face the insidious influence of a world that grows more pagan by the day....

What does it mean to be a disciple and how does that shape one's identity? Paul Carrington delves into the concept of discipleship, highlighting that everyone is, in fact, a disciple, but the crucial distinction lies in whose disciple an individual chooses to be. He emphasizes that being a disciple goes beyond mere information intake; it involves embodying the life, values, and mission of the teac...

What does it mean to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ? Paul Carrington describes discipleship as not only being forgiven and saved through Jesus Christ but also living a life according to His teachings. This life goes beyond avoiding sin and extends to embracing the path that God sets for us. Jesus, in Luke chapter 6, questions why people call him 'Lord' but do not act according to His words. Th...

What does it truly mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? Paul Washer reminds us that being a disciple means to strive to be like our master, Jesus Christ. It's not just about adhering to principles, wisdom, commands, or precepts found in Scripture. The essence of true discipleship is following a person, Jesus Christ. It's not merely a quest for moral, ethical, or conservative living. It's about m...

What changes in our lives when we pass from death to life in Christ? Paul Carrington discusses the transformation that occurs in a person's life when they move from death to life, a shift marked by a profound increase in love. This love is not limited to the church and fellow believers, but extends to all people, with a strong desire for those outside the church to come to know the Lord. The belie...

What does it mean to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ according to the Bible? As Paul Washer explains, the book of John provides three essential passages for understanding discipleship. John 8 states that true disciples are those who continue in Jesus' word, gaining freedom through a growing understanding and application of theology that aids in overcoming sin. In other words, being a disciple i...