The apostle Paul wrote, “God sent [Christ] to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so he could adopt us as his very own children” (Galatians 4:5). Heaven knows no stepchildren or grandchildren. God says we are “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). What Christ inherits, you inherit. We are adopted but not yet transported. We have a new family, but not our heavenly house. He has claimed us, but has yet to come for us. What do we do in the meantime? Paul tells us in Colossians 3:2 to “let heaven fill … Listen Now
Ducking the shadow of death dominates our days. Sleep more. Exercise regularly. Eat less fat, more protein. But you know, no one ducks death forever. God’s perspective is different in Ecclesiastes 7:1, “The day you die is better than the day you are born.” And Psalms 116:15 tells us, “When they arrive at the gates of death, God welcomes those who love him.” Is your fear of dying robbing your joy of living? Why don’t you do this: give God your death. Envision your final minutes and offer them to him. “Lord, I receive your work on the cross and … Listen Now
In Galatians 2:16 the Apostle Paul says, “No one will ever be saved by obeying the law.” We become right with God, not by doing what the law commands, but by trusting in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:4-9 explains how we are defined by God’s grace. “He gave us life” so we are spiritually alive. We are “seated with him in the heavenly realms”—heavenly positioned. We are “one with Christ,” connected to God. We are billboards of mercy because we are “examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us.” And we are honored children saved “by his … Listen Now
The ultimate disaster is carrying your sins to your casket. Christ responds to universal sin with a universal sacrifice, taking on the sins of the entire world. But God’s salvation song has two verses. One, He took your place on the cross, which is the first stanza: God’s work for you. But he also takes his place in your heart, which is the second stanza: God’s work in you. Paul explains, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). This has powerful implications. Sin may touch you, but it cannot claim you. It cannot condemn … Listen Now
No culture, no nation, no person sidesteps the infection of sin. You can blame the plague of sin on a godless decision. Adam and Eve ignored God’s will…and sin, with death on its coattails, entered the world. The sinful mind dismisses God and becomes self-centered. Sin, for a season, quenches thirst. But, given time, the thirst returns, more demanding than ever. God refuses to compromise the spiritual purity of heaven. Here’s the awful truth. Lead a godless life, and expect a godless eternity. Spend life telling God to leave you alone, and he will. So what can we do? Acts … Listen Now
Your body is 80 percent fluid. Stop drinking and see what happens. Coherent thoughts vanish, skin grows clammy, and vital organs wrinkle. Deprive your heart of spiritual water, and your dehydrated heart will send desperate messages—hopelessness, loneliness, resentment. Where do you find water for your soul? Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-38). Let Christ be the water of your soul. Church activities might hide a thirst, but only Christ quenches it. Drink him. … Listen Now
The Beatitudes end with this compelling promise— “Great is your reward in heaven!” (Matthew 5:12). The Book of Revelation could be called the Book of Homecoming. In Revelation 21 verse 2, John describes heaven as a “bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” Verse 4 says “there will be no more death.” The most hopeful words are in verse 5 , “I am making everything new.” The Master Builder will pull out the original plan and restore the vigor, the energy, the hope, and the soul. Each step you take brings you closer to home. Before you know it, you’ll enter … Listen Now
Some months ago, I was late to catch a plane out of the San Antonio airport. I wasn’t terribly late but I was late enough to be bumped and have my seat given to a standby passenger. When the ticket agent told me I would have to miss the flight, I put to work my best persuasive powers. “But the flight hasn’t left yet!” “Yes, but you are here too late” she responded. “But m’am” I pleaded, “I’ve got to be in Houston by this evening.” She was patient but firm. “I’m sorry sir.” “I know what the rules say,” … Listen Now
Jesus sent a message to an imprisoned John the Baptist. “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, and the deaf hear” (Matthew 11:5). Jesus sent John a message about a unique, invisible kingdom, where the rejected are received: the blind, the lame, the lepers, and the deaf. They had no place, no name, no value. In Revelation 21:2-5 John describes Heaven as a “bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” There will be no more death. God is making everything new! The master builder will pull out the original plan and restore the vigor, the energy, … Listen Now
“Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3). John the Baptist asked this question of Christ. John was in deep trouble; he was in jail and Jesus was silent. Anytime the faithful suffer the consequences of the faithless….anytime a person does a good deed but suffers evil results…they spend time in the dungeon of doubt. Clouds of doubt are created when the warm, moist air of our expectations meet the cold air of God’s silence. You may learn what John the Baptist did: that the problem is not so much in God’s silence … Listen Now
