The world in which we live is troubling. As Christians, we must understand where the trouble comes from. It is easy to list many reasons for the wrongs we observe: disease, natural disasters, wars, etc., but the root cause, the real reason for the troubles we have is sin—sin and its impact on creation. Sin brings trouble and discord. Sin has brought trouble to relationships, sickness and inherited diseases to untold millions throughout history—and the list could go on. So whether directly or indirectly, the darkness in the world and in our lives comes from sin.
Gospel
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It has been ten years. The normal reply would be, ten years since what? But this weekend, everyone remembers what occurred on September 11, 2001. The rumors are swirling of a 10-year anniversary attack. Is it possible for history to repeat itself? Are you and your children truly safe?
Weariness is certainly no stranger to a parent whose child is wide-awake in the middle of the night. That is why the book, Go the ____ to Sleep, has been such an instant retail success. It is currently number two on the Amazon best-selling book list. For a Christian, however, recognizing weariness should bring great hope. Why? Because Jesus says “Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
The opening words of Proverbs state that the fear of God is where to begin to understand how life works. Then, just to strengthen the point, Solomon says the people who think they have no need of God despise the fear of God. If Proverbs 1:7 is one of the verses you have memorized, you might be thinking that you don’t remember the verse exactly this way. The verse actually reads this way: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. The verse is saying that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of knowledge. But fools, those who say there is no God, despise this foundation, i.e., the fear of […]
Today is May 21. The six p.m. deadline has passed, and at last report the rapture has not occurred. Some are embarrassed, some are elated, some are confused, some are amused; some mock and others are angry. For sure, it must be a difficult time for Harold Camping and his followers. But what about Christians who believe the Bible is true, who believe that Jesus Christ will return at the hour of God’s choosing? It is easy to feel frustration because our faith is being mocked by people around the globe and around the block. How does God want us to respond?
Red Like Blood is being well received for its bold presentation of the power of grace in broken lives. Many have given up – believing that there is no hope in winning their battles with sin. Pornography, substance abuse and despair have robbed thousands of hope. But the message of the grace of Jesus Christ knows no boundaries. This is theme of Red Like Blood – the power of Grace! If you know someone enslaved by the things of this world, if you know someone who has lost hope – Red Like Blood offers hope. Here are some comments from some folks you can trust about Red Like Blood: Justin Taylor Bob and Joe shouldn’t be friends. They have different […]
Red Like Blood is a book about the raw power of grace that changes lives in ways beyond what we have come to expect. Red Like Blood is a testimony to the power of God’s grace. This grace radically changed Joe Coffey and Bob Bevington, the authors of Red Like Blood. This is a book for those who may have come to think there is no way God would have anything to do with them. Maybe you know someone like this – a son, a daughter, a parent. The great news is that grace is for them. Bob Bevington has graciously consented to answer a few questions about the book. I thought these would be interesting to you. This is […]
No child is born wise. Wisdom is a skill that must be acquired. If you are waiting for your child to grow up and begin to make wise choices, you will be waiting a long time. Ruth Younts says that Christian “wisdom is knowing and understanding the truth, obeying the truth, and making wise decisions based on the truth.” This is why Proverbs is adamant that we must get wisdom. Imparting God’s wisdom is far more than information transfer. Providing God’s wisdom to your children begins with the gospel. Apart from embracing the gospel, no one will even desire to be biblically wise. Wisdom is living a life that is oriented toward God, toward honoring God in each decision that […]
This is perhaps the most important question you will ever be asked about your children. This is Easter weekend, when we remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. We remember it because it actually happened. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ are not symbols, but reality. What Jesus did almost 2,000 years ago was the most courageous, loving and violent action ever taken by man. It was courageous because Jesus willingly took the wrath of God upon himself to pay for the ugliness and wickedness of sin. He knew full well what would happen to him; he knew the pain he would endure. Yet he took this punishment willingly, courageously. His action was loving because he truly put others before […]
I recently asked Bob Bevington, co-author of Red Like Blood, the question posed by the title of this post. Bob’s answer is insightful and helpful. Sometimes people, including our children, speak to us in terms that are raw and edgy. If we are compassionate, biblical listeners, it may be that truth can be found even among the edgy things of life. Here is how Bob answered my question: JY: Red Like Blood has been described as raw and edgy. Please help our readers understand that raw and edgy in this context can be used to spread the glory of God. BB: The Bible is raw and edgy in places. Have you read Ezekiel 16 lately? Why does the Bible go […]