-
See my books on AmazonBarnes & Noble
Doubt Busters Expanded Edition
Doubt Busters Expanded Edition: Answering the Questions that Challenge our Faith
-
SynopsisThis massive compilation of 140 Christian questions and answers go from the interesting (How can you believe a dead man came back to life?) to the incendiary (Why does God hate homosexuals?), to the irritating (How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?).
These age-old difficulties have caused many people to question the Christian faith. They are tough questions, but they have solid, satisfying answers that can banish your doubts. This handy volume covers the material with a friendly, readable style using personal anecdotes, real-life stories, and analogies from nature. The author drew from his years of teaching God's Word and writing devotionals to write plainly and root his answers in the Word of God.
Who should read this? Doubt Busters is perfect for those whose faith is being crippled by nagging doubts, for it gives plain yet full answers to perplexing Bible questions. It's a terrific resource for those who want to share their faith, and want to answer the questions that come their way. It's a great gift for young people who are just starting to think about what their faith means to them. -
ExcerptIs there any way to prove that God exists?
God can do what no one else can do. If you wanted to prove that you were God, you would probably prove it by accomplishing what ordinary mortals cannot do. Perhaps you would fly. Or disappear and reappear in a new location. Or raise someone from the dead. You might lift several trucks up in air and juggle them. Perhaps demonstrate invulnerability by diving into bubbling lava and walking out again. You could go to the nearest VA hospital and cause new limbs to grow.
In a secular culture, you might even submit to tests of all kinds so skeptical scientists could measure the results scientifically.
The Christian God was very careful to prove himself when he had the Bible written. He wanted to make sure you would recognize him as God when he set his plan of salvation into effect. He did this by accurately telling us what the future holds. No person on earth, no medium or psychic, can claim the accurate prediction rate of God. God gave times, people's names, and place names so we could check out history and verify his work. He even gave us the name of a historical figure centuries before the fact!
Now if you wanted everyone to know that you, as God, was going to appear as a human being, you would explain what you would be like so you would be recognized. You could put in the city of your birth, where you would grow up, what kinds of deeds you would do, your temperament, your purpose, even how you would die.
God did all that in the Old Testament. It was all in written form four hundred years before Jesus' birth. The New Testament gospels follow Jesus and point out some of the places where he fulfilled the prophecies. If you haven't been exposed to biblical prophecy before, let me give you several examples.
Daniel recounts in chapter eleven of his book of having received knowledge of future events from God. Written in the 6th century B.C., Daniel gives us an accurate description of events winding down to 199-198 B.C. He foresaw Alexander the Great's kingdom split up into four factions. The prophecy predicts details of the conflict between the Ptolemaic and Seleucid dynasties. Skeptics cannot believe the account was written before 164 B.C. Unlike Nostradamus' cryptic writings, Daniel chapter eleven describes plain schemes and conquests that are easily followed by the student of history.
Can you name the next president of the United States just two years ahead of time? Can you guess what name a friend will come up with for her new baby barely twelve months into the future? No? Well, how about naming a king who will not appear for another 150 years, and name his nation? The prophet Isaiah did just that. In Isaiah 44:28-45:1 God tells us that Cyrus, king of Persia, will decree regarding Jerusalem, "You shall be built," and regarding the temple, "Your foundation shall be laid." In 2 Chronicles 36:22 and Ezra 1:1-3 we find that Cyrus did indeed come to power and called the Jews to return to Israel and rebuild Jerusalem, which had been destroyed earlier.
Can you predict when the Messiah (God's chosen one, Jesus) will appear in the world? Daniel 9:24-25 tells us that the Messiah would die 483 Hebrew years after "the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem." (Enemies of Israel had destroyed Jerusalem twice in Israel's history.) Nehemiah 2:1-8 tells us that King Artaxerxes issued that decree (March 5, 444 B.C.). 483 prophetic years (360 days to a year in the calendar of the ancient world) and seven days later, Jesus the Messiah was crucified.
How could a prophet accurately predict the dismantling of a world empire hundreds of years beforehand? How could a prophet give us the name, nation, and decree over a hundred years prior to the king's birth? How could a man foretell to the year the life and death of Jesus unless he really heard the voice of God? (I can't even predict which shirt I'll wear next week!) These are only a small sample of prophecies in the Bible. One quarter of the Bible is prophecy. Several archaeological discoveries have verified these and many other accounts. God has proven his existence wonderfully.
What Do You Think?
a. Nearly a quarter of the Bible is prophecy. Do you believe that consistent, accurate reporting of facts with names, places, and events hundreds of years in advance demonstrates a God-like intelligence behind the Bible?
b. Most of us have no problem guessing or even gambling on various outcomes. In what ways do the prophecies mentioned above go beyond guessing?
c. The coming of Jesus Christ fulfilled around one hundred prophecies. Another one hundred or so prophecies yet remain regarding his Second Coming. How many prophecies must be accurately fulfilled before someone should take God seriously?
Note
Pearl, Michael, No Greater Joy, "Learning from the Atheists," May-June 2007. -
Purchase
-
Author Reads
Ready for a Reward
Ready for a Reward: What the Bible Says about Getting Ready for Christ's Return
-
SynopsisThis immensely practical book answers many important questions related to the Judgment Seat of Christ, such as:
• What are the prerequisites for receiving the greatest rewards?
• Will Jesus judge us according to our works?
• Will God remember my sins after I die?
• Since I'm already saved, do I really need to worry about a time of judgment?
• Isn't working for a reward a form of legalistic bargaining with God?
This book will revive your zeal for the things of God. It will strengthen your stand against sin and worldliness. It will help you detect your weaknesses and renew your spiritual priorities.
You have but one life to live, and then the judgment. In simple language, down-to-earth illustrations, personal life stories, and abundant scriptural teachings, Steve shows us how to come to the throne ready for a reward - for a well-deserved crown, throne, and the everlasting inheritance reserved for those ready in faith. -
ExcerptEnduring
If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. (2 Tim. 2:12)
I work for a factory that designs and manufactures radio-controlled hobby racing cars. These sixteen-inch cars can attain speeds of thirty miles per hour or more. They feature tunability to the track conditions, adaptability to various racing rules, are reasonably crash resistant, and maneuverable. Before the kit is presented to the public, the research and development team tests its cars for flaws and rectifies them to satisfy the demanding racer.
The Lord tests us to prepare us for a grand presentation in the kingdom. He tests us through suffering. Christians suffer that we may reign with Christ. We will suffer in the tests, just like the radio-control kits are crash tested. Very often the "good life" masks the problems within that suffering can uncover. We may have been tossed by stormy winds of financial instability, an irksome neighbor, or a shaky marriage. But children of God understand what's behind the events that are beyond our control. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28). When our best-laid plans go awry, can we praise God for having put into effect a higher plan for our lives? When our ideas don't work out, it's only because God's plan prevailed. When the washing machine breaks down and we don't, it is because we believe that "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4:17-18).
Suffering entered when the door of sin was opened. When God created Adam and Eve, He commanded them to subdue the world and have dominion over it (Gen. 1:28). When Adam disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit, he turned the whole creation over to Satan's dominion (Luke 4:6). Christ came to retrieve the dominion that was lost, one person at a time. The Lord labors in our lives to bring everything under His lordship. Sin is to be systematically dethroned. If we overcome sin, we will sit on thrones with Christ in His glorious kingdom. "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne" (Rev. 3:21).
This process of suffering, this preparation needed to reign with Christ, has been misunderstood. Remember the story of the mother of two disciples who asked a favor of Jesus? "Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom" (Matt. 20:21). This mother wanted the best for her children. But she misunderstood the nature of that reign, supposing that she could prevail for her sons by lobbying a political favor. The Master responded, "Are you ready to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?" (Matt. 20:22). Reigning with Him is attained by character growth, which is earned through adversity. This is the baptism of suffering.
Testing checks to see if the part added to the radio-control car will remain true to its task or reveal failures. I may pick up a teaching in the Word of God to be kinder and gentler. I resolve to make it part of my life. Then tensions at work test my resolve. When my co-worker fails to follow through as I expected and I react with dark thoughts and anger, the test reveals what areas I need to work on. Were my actions guided by the Lord's command or by my anger? Was I dependent on my co-worker for my peace and joy, or on the Lord and His love?
When I stand before God on that day of presentation, I want my feelings and thoughts to be solidly under His supervision. Suffering by itself is not an indication that we are bound for a throne, because everyone suffers. Suffering itself does not indicate whether the Lord is pleased or displeased with us. We should expect to suffer when we make choices for the Lord. It may be more satisfying to get revenge, but when we choose to pray until we have the mind of God, we suffer according to the will of God. We may be tempted to cut corners, thinking that no one will notice. Suffering comes as we subject ourselves to doing the job carefully before the Lord.
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. (1 Peter 4:15-19)
Suffering for the Future
My employer's company designs its cars with the future in mind. Our radio-control kits must be able to stand the test of time while we upgrade other cars. Stress-testing new plastics, suspension arm mounting positions, and other designs in one car may help improve our other cars. Similarly, our suffering in trials can help other brethren endure. "If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer" (2 Cor. 1:6, NIV). The apostle Paul found the help of God and was able to pass on that encouragement.
At work I receive the customers' e-mails with questions. Some I answer with information from the instruction manual. Others I pass on to different departments because of my lack of experience with the issue. The answers shared from those departments are not found in any manual, but only in those who have solved the difficulty first-hand. Our Bible knowledge can only take us so far. But he who acts upon the Lord's command to endure will have a mature depth of faith to share with saving conviction.
In the end times, such men and women will be in short supply and sorely needed, for suffering will increase among God's people and the world at large. "The love of many will grow cold" (Matt. 24:12). Leaders need to be raised up, not through more Bible instruction, but through suffering. "I know what you're going through. I had the same problem and here's how the Lord helped me."
If we want our service to be enlarged, we must expect suffering. If I want to exercise my physical heart, I need to do more than simply ride my exercise bike for a comfortable twenty minutes. I must push my heart beyond what it normally endures. If I wish to grow in physical strength, I cannot be satisfied with the same weight routine every day. I must push my muscles past their comfort zone with extra weight, or increase the number of repetitions. If men are to be raised up in these last days to encourage the flock, they must suffer.
Opportunities exist for suffering and growth even when the most exciting thing to happen in the month is a potluck. If I underestimate the importance of suffering, I will miss opportunities. When I don't feel like getting out of bed early for prayer, I miss the opportunity to become a prayer warrior who holds back the evil tide for my church and community. When I often decide to skip my evening Bible study for a more frivolous pursuit, I forgo the needed training to develop a spiritual backbone. When I show up at an outreach distracted and without a burden for souls, I blow that opportunity to be a powerful vehicle for God.
We are called to be Christians in the midst of the ordinary. Pray for enlargement and expect suffering to come. It may be that your present sufferings are the result of the Lord answering your pleas for growth!Life in the Kingdom, book 1
Life in the Kingdom, book 1: The Gospel According to Jesus in the Book of Matthew
-
SynopsisHave you ever asked yourself, "Is this all there is to being saved? Isn't there something more to this?" Most of us are only being taught half a salvation. Jesus' views on salvation are quite at odds with the way many of us experience it in our day-to day-lives. Life in the Kingdom is a devotional commentary on living the Christian life as Jesus anticipated it. Covering Matthew chapters 1-14 in this volume, we begin to see how the many elements of the Christian life are actually building materials for the Kingdom of God. We Christians seldom use the phrase, "Kingdom of God," choosing rather to use "saved." But seeing our salvation in the context of the Kingdom clarifies our why we do what we do, our position in God's plan of the ages, and imparts meaning to us who surrender to it.
-
ExcerptPray Like This
Matthew 6:9a Pray like this
Notice that Jesus does not say "pray these words," but "pray in this manner." There's nothing wrong with praying these words; we just don't need to pray exactly these words. We don't need a script. We don't need a book of prayers. We may speak to God as naturally as we speak to one another. Jesus has opened the way. When He died on the cross, the veil in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This means God opened the way into His presence through faith in Jesus. This is the true kingdom of God: we can talk directly to Him.
Now let's see in what manner Jesus wants us to pray. In verses 9-10 Jesus starts the prayer with God and His will. I don't know about you, but I usually start with me and what I want! When we pray in Jesus' manner, however, we pray for God and His will first and our needs second.
Our Father
Matthew 6:9 Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
We don't find "Father" used of God very much in the Old Testament. The Psalms uses it twice in reference to God being a Father to the fatherless. Isaiah calls him The Everlasting Father in 9:6, referring to Jesus, and he calls God "our Father" in 63:16 and 64:8. But when we come to the Gospel of John we find God referred to as "the Father" over a hundred times! The Gospel of John is unique in that it persistently portrays Jesus as the Son of the Father. Jesus loved to use this term when addressing God.
God has more than six hundred names in the Bible, showing us He is not a one-dimensional God. He needs six hundred names for us to see how fantastic He is. We can ponder one of God's names before entering into prayer to see whom we are addressing. Doing this can shape the way we word our prayers.
Among all God's names, though, the name "Father" is to be considered most precious to the believer, holy and not common. That's because it best communicates the family relationship of a child to his or her Father, and that is dear to God.
"Father" is to help us see God as personal, a parent who takes great interest in us. He cares about our growth in character and wisdom, training us wisely that we may advance in these areas. God has us enter into His work to get our hands dirty and grow through hands-on experiences. He is interested in nurturing us into mature sons and daughters who will be able to oversee His property and eventually govern in places of honor. He is careful to discipline us when we go off track to teach us there are negative consequences for sinful behavior. He is our protector and provider, giving out of His abundant provision. These are all traits good father should aspire to be. All these themes run throughout the Bible. They help us understand what is happening to us and why God acts the way He does.
These themes reveal the breadth of God as a Father. With this revelation of our Father comes a better understanding of us as His children. We are to grow in wisdom. We are being trained to be mature men and women who can govern others. We will suffer for bad judgments and learn from them. We will be put to work so we and God can see whether we are faithful or not. We will learn His will for this world, then work alongside Him, and then learn even further. We will ask and receive, giving us greater faith that God will provide all we need in the context of His overall plan.
But Satan and his devils have been undermining the name "Father" for many generations. It has not been kept holy. Many children have become fatherless through war, drugs, and dishonorable intentions. Many fathers are cruel, uninterested, too busy, permissive, absent, or abusive, thus marring a title that should be held in the highest honor. As a result, the name is meaningless to many, and has given countless children a negative connotation because of their dealings with Dad.
Thus, we don't treat God as a loving Father who deserves our devotion and respect; as a result, we miss out on the work a father does in a child's life. A father should discipline his erring child, but we are confused when we do wrong and suffer consequences. Isn't God supposed to be good? Yes He is, and as a good Father He will help us see the error of our ways. He won't wink and say, "Boys will be boys." We've probably missed the teachings in the New Testament about God training us up to be mature. God intends that we reign with Him, but it is not automatic. All the moral teachings we read are to strengthen our character toward making us fit to rule on thrones with Jesus. Will you be a foolish person when you stand before Him at the judgment, or wise? Fit to rule, or unfit? A good father has an end in view for his children.
"Father" is rather formal. But in the original language here, "Father" is actually informal, even intimate: like "Abba," "Daddy," "Papa," "Dada," and other simple forms that come from the mouth of a child. It's a name we are to reverence, a name we trust to take care of us and not steer us wrong. As weak children, we look up to our heavenly dad and say like a child, "He is so wise, so big and strong. He will help when I am hurt or afraid."
This name "Father" is one of the most wonderful gifts we have as saved people! Of more than six hundred-plus names, titles, and designations for God, Jesus chose this one above all to address Him. Without a right relationship to this Father, we will not approach the kingdom as we ought. Jesus said in Matthew 18:3, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Let's prize this name above all and learn to be subject to the Father as His obedient children. -
Book ReviewAuthor's mastery in selecting Scripture shines here, and we are well-led through this exploration of messages in the Book of Matthew. Author demonstrates a strong connection to this material, as well as excellent instincts for structuring the book so that it may address and engage the reader through insightful commentary. I was especially connected to the portion about Jesus's message that it is not cowardly to disconnect from evil, but is instead wise to get as far away as possible. If this is NOT the message that readers received in their life's studies of the Bible, we welcome the author's insights on it. Author provides many levels of use, including prayers and smart questions in the Review portions. I see this as a book that can inspire enriching journaling practice. Author's tone is that of connection and welcoming of the reader's self-assessment. Where Scripture is not very well known to the reader, narrative is layered well and author shows a terrific instinct for length of time exploring the concepts. Author avoids the common error of dancing around a topic and chipping at it from many directions. Author's instinct to present well-chosen approaches enriches this book. "For many people, praying is like talking to a brick wall" creates a great moment of connection for the reader, who may see himself or herself in this same dilemma as the reader walks through faith explorations, and author provides the perfect welcome to those who question or struggle with their Bible connection. "We want this breakthrough in yet another area of our lives where we are not expecting Him to work" is another of the standout insights in this book, which author smartly places at the end of this book, where depth of questioning remains with the reader as a resonant faith tool. Author has bright insights and impresses with these well-chosen Scripture passages. I found the questions to be tremendous. Very good work here, and a writing voice that connects.
-
Purchase
Life in the Kingdom, book 2
Life in the Kingdom, book 2: The Gospel According to Jesus in the Book of Matthew
-
SynopsisThe gospel according to Jesus is laid out in His teachings on the Kingdom of God. In this last half of the Gospel of Matthew we see opposition to the kingdom in the form of dead religion. The skirmishes with the scribes and Pharisees expose the battle between religious laws versus the grace of God. In those skirmishes we see our own rebellion -- and what freedom looks like.
God is passionate with a purpose. He desires to shape His children into those who share His passion for His Son and His salvation. Viewing salvation through the lens of the kingdom, we find how the kingdom impacts all of life -- religion and spiritual truths, marriage and divorce, riches and poverty, life and death, faith and unbelief. The cross of Christ unites it all. Faith in Him accesses it all.
• Learn to live the saved life in the Kingdom as Jesus pictured it.
• Learn the difference between trusting in your deeds and resources, and trusting in God.
• Learn to experience the Kingdom of Heaven now, for it is at hand.
• Reevaluate your perspective of what it means to be saved. -
ExcerptThe Greatest in the Kingdom
18:1 In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”
Peter must have pulled a fish, found the coin, paid it, and quickly ran to tell the others. He explained what Jesus said, and they all talked about it. This is the question that arose from that discussion. Somehow the conversation tumbled from "royalty doesn't need to pay taxes" to roll to a stop at "who is the greatest in the kingdom?"
18:2--4 Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the middle of them, and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven."
Humility characterizes those who are great in the kingdom. These have enough humility to depend on the Father, to look to Him for direction rather than themselves. Greatness is not about the amount of money, status among men, or accomplishments.
One of my working definitions of the Kingdom of Heaven is that Jesus is ruler over all we are and have, over all the heart, soul, mind, and strength. We are His loyal subjects. We defer to Him in all things. This is the goal of the Holy Spirit in us. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God" (Romans 8:14). When the Spirit can lead us wherever He wills, then the kingdom humility is a reality.
The process to this state takes much time. It takes much patience with God and Christ. It takes much suffering on our part to give up what we cherish, to give up our rights, to give up what is dear to us.
Those who come to this place of humility to trust and obey God are precious to Him, as we see in the next verses.
A Father's Fury
18:5--6 "Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea."
God has invested so much time and effort in creating a person to be like His Son that He pronounces dire judgment upon those who undo His work of salvation. It will be better that the stumblers be drowned deep in the sea than face what they will experience at the Judgment Seat. God so appreciates and loves all the work we expend to trust and obey Him, to fight the battles we fight to stand for Him, to cut off all those elements of sin to honor Him above all, that He will be furious at those who unravel all of our and His hard work.
18:7--9 “Woe to the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must be that the occasions come, but woe to that person through whom the occasion comes! If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life maimed or crippled, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the eternal fire. If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the Gehenna of fire.
Jesus sees full salvation as reaching this state of humility before God, where God is all. Humility is of great price with God. Therefore, it is the greatest crime meriting God's fury to anyone who destroys this partnership of man and God.
If you are a bullying person, a person who aims to hurt, to cut down others, you are to do all that is necessary to make sure you do not expend your destructive tendencies on the persons God is forming for His glory. You are in grave danger if you cross one of these precious ones who have gone through the fires while you have protected your own comfort and ego.
People will say that Jesus is using hyperbole here when talking about cutting off a hand or foot or plucking out an eye. I think not. He is talking about being great in the Kingdom of Heaven. He is talking about a process that takes a lifetime of work, and we get only this one life to trust and obey.
Jesus came to save that which was lost. If we think salvation simply means to die and go to heaven, I can see how His words would seem like exaggeration. But salvation according to Jesus in the gospel of Matthew is seen to be so much more. It is to destroy sin, setting us free to trust and obey God, even to die to sinful self and flesh so as to wholly rely on God --- His person, His power, His love. This is not easy to find in this life where sin, Satan, the flesh, and the world all oppose every effort we expend. We are in a race of time to be all we can be. We fight the good fight of faith while the world jeers, giving no encouragement to us at all.
We struggle to find comfort in words of a book that's thousands of years old, originally written in languages foreign to us, with cultural references obscure to most of us, and doggedly hang onto every word, knowing that we cannot understand it unless the Spirit illuminates us. Does Jesus take this effort lightly? No, He does not. He will reward those who have struggled in faith and obedience to the end. What will He do to those who keep choosing the easy path? What will He do for those who find the Bible too hard to read, prayer too much trouble, and worship a big bother? I, for one, do not want to find out, especially whenever we read of dire judgment passages where Jesus calls them "hypocrites."
"Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him. For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:9--10). What will we get for the "bad" we have done in the body? Paul did not want to find out, for he continued: "Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men" (2 Corinthians 5:11a).
If we are believers, but not taking sin seriously, then why did we become believers? Jesus' work is to save us from sin, to restore a glorious relationship between God and sinners. If we don't want to humble ourselves before Him, we may have a wrong understanding of the gospel. We may have a low opinion of salvation. We may have our values polluted by the world and the flesh.
First Corinthians 6:9--10 is clear about the ramifications of not running for the prize: "Or don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Don’t be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortionists, will inherit God’s Kingdom." The humble are inheriting God's Kingdom.
Second Peter 1:4 tells us that we may be changed into the "divine nature" through the promises. But we must go through the process of faith and obedience, as he wrote in 1:5--8: "Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge; and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control patience; and in patience godliness; and in godliness brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love. For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Peter is telling us that we will change our minds and actions based on what we believe in the scriptures. We will add moral excellence to our faith; we will gain more self-control if we learn the lessons; we will find ourselves more patient; we will care for the things of God more; we will love our brothers and sisters in the faith more. Experiencing all these things, we come to a more intimate understanding of Christ.
What is the result of all this work, this partnership with God as we grow into Christlikeness? What will happen if we keep on the path of sanctification? Second Peter 1:10--11 tells us, "Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble. For thus you will be richly supplied with the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." There is a kingdom now, which we seem to enter into by faith, and a coming kingdom that we will enter into by our works of faith. Whatever the word tells us to do and be, let us strive for that, for we will be abundantly rewarded.
What of those who do not labor for God's end? Second Peter 1:9 answers that: "For he who lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins." To obtain the greatest in the kingdom takes simple trust as God works His way in us. We need to look to the end game, not just at the present. When we only look at the present, we will miss out; we will be blind to the fact that our old sins require personal diligence to overcome. We will be blind to the true salvation Christ suffered so cruelly and died so hard to win.
18:10--11 "See that you don’t despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man came to save that which was lost."
Don't despise the lowly believers in this world. God's angels are looking out for them. Jesus is intently focused on their fight of faith. God is not only rooting behind the scenes to win the victory; He is providing us with every grace, every provision to win the battle. Through the promises, we are made aware of the provisions. He has won the war, and the end is certain. -
Purchase
Notes in the Margin, Matthew
Notes in the Margin, Matthew: God has Something to Say about Every Verse
-
SynopsisThese brief thoughts, one for every verse in Matthew's 28 chapters, will challenge you to dig deeper into God's Word. God has something to say to challenge us in every verse of scripture, and speaks to us where we are to draw us to a closer walk with Him. Written by a writer who has penned hundreds of devotionals, he knows how to pinpoint the issue we need to face to grow as Christians.
-
ExcerptMatthew 1
verse 1
People wonder if Jesus was a real figure. This genealogy traces real people to the Son. Our Savior is real and alive! (Son of David: fulfills Jer. 23:4-6.)
2
Through Judah the Messiah comes. The Messiah may also come to others through us -- by our words and conduct, not birth.
3
Judah had an illicit relation with Tamar. God can further His purposes in my life in spite of my failings!
4
I don't know anything about these people, but God used them. It's okay to be work in obscurity and not be noticed.
5
Both Jews and Gentiles (such as Ruth) are in the genealogy that leads to the Messiah's birth. Today, my ancestry is not as important to God as my willingness to live for Him.
6
God continued the line despite David's sin with Bathsheba. Let's not let the enemy count us out over our sin. God is a Savior yet.
7
Jesus' lineage includes kings who honored or dishonored God. Into which group will I find myself at the end of the day?
8
Uzziah was also called Azariah in 2 Kings 15. He changed his name, but not his character, and the Lord struck him. So we pray, "Lord, change my heart!"
9
Ahaz, a wicked king, begot Hezekiah, a great king. We can become godly in spite of an abusive family upbringing or other bad circumstances.
10
A bad king, Manasseh, follows a great king. We can't depend on our good circumstances to continue into the future. We must look to God as individuals and develop our own relationships with Him.
11
What is happening to the family under our care -- are we becoming captive to the flesh or to Jesus?
12
Once out of captivity, they got another chance at the Promised Land. Jesus has set us free from sin's slavery. Do we know how to make the best of it today?
13
These people probably did not know that they were just a few generations from Messiah's birth. We don't know when He's coming the second time -- will we endure a while longer?
14
These names go from A to Z! Jesus is the First and the Last (Rev. 1:17). He is the one preserving the royal lineage to the Messiah. He is preserving our salvation as well.
15
As these men's lives lead to the coming of the Messiah, so it is with my life. Second Peter 3:12 tells me I may hasten the day of His arrival!
16
Jesus came through the lineage of David exactly as God prophesied. So we can trust the prophecies regarding the Second Coming of Jesus as well!
17
God's work is an orderly work. What characterizes my work? I will be careful and thorough in my work today.
18
The miracle of the virgin birth: God added something -- Himself -- that wasn't in Mary before. Following Jesus, He will produce fruit in us as well that wasn't there before.
19
Joseph was ready to divorce Mary discreetly when he found her pregnant. Do we shame others over the faults we see in them, or are we discreet?
20
Is it possible that the Holy Spirit has conceived our current uncomfortable circumstances and we should endure them patiently?
21
Why did Jesus die? To help us feel good, get rich, gain friends, cure diseases, or beat loneliness? No -- to save us from sin! Deal with sin and wait for the coming kingdom.
22
God gave exact, 100% accurate details of Jesus' birth, life, and death centuries in advance. Who says there's no proof of God's existence?
23
When I deal with sin, I'll know the blessedness of "God With Us." Removal of sin removes the barrier that keeps us from God.
24
Being convinced of God's command for us will rouse us from sleep. What does the Lord want us to pursue in faith today?
25
Jesus means "God is Salvation." Are still looking for someone or something to help us? That someone already came! Seek Him now.
-
Purchase
Steps of a Disciple
Steps of a Disciple: Following Jesus to a Fuller Life
-
SynopsisThroughout the Gospel of Mark, we find Jesus teaching His disciples how to live for Him. Those teachings are ours as well, that we too may learn to walk in the steps of Jesus. I've applied my experience in writing hundreds of devotionals to draw out of this precious gospel over 220 lessons on how to live a life that pleases God. I hold up my failures and difficulties to the light of the Word of God and show you how to rise above your own weaknesses by the love and power of God. Let Jesus teach you how to surrender to Him, for His victory in life is yours as well.
Includes 16 full-color calligraphy artworks, one for each chapter, in the app version, and the same artwork in grayscale in the print edition. -
Book ReviewAuthor strikes the ideal balance between instructing with the use of Scripture and creating a connection to himself with the smart pacing of his personal experiences. I have to jump forward in my assessment of this book to the brilliant passage about the author's sister advising him to create a dream list, including what he's most looking forward to hearing when he gets his cochlear implants. This standout gem of the book inspires through its message to think of the delivery, and not get mired in the challenges. Well done. Author has put a lot of work into finding, arranging and using the Scripture pairing to each message, and I loved that he structured the book to include Prayers and Promise at the end of each section. These 'add-ons' do a lot to hold excellent pacing, and author maintains a positive, conversational tone throughout. Reader is well-immersed in the Gospel of Mark, and we benefit from smartly-placed messages such as "Jesus doesn't repair the enemy's damage without our cooperation." Author demonstrates good instincts in delivering such insights without over-explaining them. I was happy to see that absence of 'over-preaching,' as readers were freed to make their own experiential connections with the material. Author showed tremendous smarts in getting into the mind of the inspirational book reader, knowing that some absorb the exploration sections, and some benefit most from the brief prayers. Author's attention to multi-layering potential uses of the book shines here. We get much to ponder, and I was struck by the author's statement that there are some who believe that Christianity is an easy religion. So many takeaways exist in this book, and author weaves an engaging line between them. Well done.
Book commentary from a judge, 26th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards -
ExcerptDare to Dream
He bought a linen cloth, and taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb which had been cut out of a rock. He rolled a stone against the door of the tomb (Mark 15:46).
Mark's fifteenth chapter ends with Jesus in the tomb. Unfortunately, many of us live our lives as though we had stopped at the end of this chapter, and never entered into all the abundance Christ's resurrection from the dead has won for us. Do we dare dream that there is more to life than this?
At the prompting of my sister, I have been writing up a Dare to Dream list regarding my upcoming cochlear implants. This surgical procedure (which I think will take place later in 2013) is to replace my hearing aids and give me better hearing and understanding of speech. While waiting for the surgery, recipients are told make out a list of what we'd like to hear, the dream list.
Birds singing in the trees during a stroll through the woods. Hearing the leaves rustle in the wind. Understanding the pastor's voice Sunday mornings. Participating in conversations around the dinner table at a restaurant. Appreciating music again.
Because of the amazing results of the cochlear implant technology, I have new hope for what I can hear in the future.
Because of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, I can dare to dream of the great things in the future . . . .
Instead of outbursts of temper, a logical investigation of the problem with Christ in control.
Instead of getting in the last word, we respect the other as a person Jesus made in His image.
Instead of an addiction to food, daily submit the problem to God in prayer, with self-control and proper eating habits.
Rather than being overcome by worries, doubts, and fears, finding safety in Jesus for the trials.
Instead of feeling helpless, finding the confidence in Jesus to push boldly on.
Has the stone been rolled away for you yet?
Prayer:
Help me to dream again of the great things that are possible now with God.
Promise:
It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams (Acts 2:17). -
Purchase
Spiritual Calligraphy
Spiritual Calligraphy: A meditation + calligraphy for each of the 16 chapters of the Gospel of Mark
-
SynopsisSee God's Word glorified in these 16 passages from the Gospel of Mark, each one beautifully illustrated with stunning calligraphy paired with an insightful meditation. Full color throughout. Also includes information and photos about the calligrapher's tools used throughout the book. May the combination of calligraphy + meditation cause you to pursue the treasure outside the pages, the true beauty that is written on the heart by God.
These artworks appeared in the full-color app version of Steps of a Disciple, and in black-and-white in the print version. -
Book ReviewWow, what an artistic talent the author has. The calligraphy is stunningly beautiful and makes the reader want to learn the craft. Very well done. The book is gorgeous, especially since the author chose a taller layout to really show off the detail in the illustrations. Seeing these full-page images, it occurs that the cover could be a more impressive single image than the collection of "tiles" on the current cover. Those snippets don't do the author's talent justice.
Great concept, illustrating the Gospel of Mark-very unique and a great pull into the subject matter. Well done. Author has designed a book of great balance between the art and the text; each section is concise and appealing.
Excellent choice to include details on the calligraphy tool used, as well as the symbolism and reasons behind the illustrations. When the later sections don't have this, they are missed. It's a great strength of the book. The best illustration is on page 12, with the "I" made bigger. So powerful. Well designed.
The text explorations of the gospels start off a little preachy, but quickly move away from any over powering and get very inspiring. They're written in a terrific tone, very approachable, and in a way that engenders personal exploration of the points. Author knows this subject matter well, and we know we are in good hands in the sharing of these points ... made all the better by the pairing of the artistry. A gorgeous read.
Book commentary from a judge, 23rd Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards -
Purchase
top18pt Giant Print Holy Bible, 3 volumes
-
SynopsisNow you can read the Bible in easy-to-read super giant print 18 point type!
I have been trying to find a large print Bible so those I know with poor eyesight could read it comfortably, and those with low income could pay as they are able, volume by volume, at only $8 each. I used my book design skills to make my own. Broken up into individual volumes, they are lighter for the elderly to hold.
The version used is the World English Bible, which is based on the American Standard Version of the Holy Bible first published in 1901, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. Its modern English is very easy to read and comprehend.
There is no print in the book that is smaller than 18pt. Even the page numbers and inline notes are 18pt, unlike many other giant print Bibles out there.
Three volumes are currently available: Matthew-John, Acts-Revelation, and Job-Song of Solomon. -
ExcerptPrint out these sample PDF pages to get an idea of the large size of this print edition:
18pt sample -
Purchase