Moments For You

Most people understand hope as wishful thinking, as in “I hope something will happen.” This is not what the Bible means by hope. The biblical definition of hope is “confident expectation.” Hope is a firm assurance regarding the things that God has promised (Romans 8:24-25; Hebrews 11:1). Hope is a... Read more →

We live in a world in which it seems most people can’t agree on anything. There is something though that certainly is desired by virtually everyone—peace. Peace is a word that is peaceful and positive. Peace is something that many strive for but lack. Every person wants to have peace... Read more →

I believe hope is one of the most emotionally packed words in any language. When it is spoken, the impossible suddenly becomes possible, darkness is overtaken by light and despair turns to joy. And that’s exactly what happened when a group of women arrived at Jesus’ tomb early on a... Read more →

Imagine the country you once cherished now divided, broken, overrun by corrupt leadership, imperiled by vast international powers, and seemingly on the brink of collapse. Imagine the best of your leaders crippled by poor character, indecision, and unwise international alliances. The political and cultural conditions in Jerusalem in the eighth... Read more →

“Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). Let’s focus on three truths from this verse. 1. All the Scriptures are for our instruction We are prone to short-circuit this step.... Read more →

“For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given … and His name shall be called … Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:6-7). During His time on earth, Jesus restored peace everywhere He... Read more →

It was a phone call I’ll never forget. It was from a young woman whose life lay shipwrecked on the California beach from where she was calling. She had a terminal disease, leukemia. Her husband had left her. Her child had recently died at only two and a half months... Read more →

Before we can understand what it means to have peace with God, we must recognize that human beings in our natural state are enemies of God. Because we inherited a sin nature from our first parents, Adam and Eve (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12), we are born with a disposition to... Read more →

Hope is in short supply these days, and I’ve heard a lot of people bring up the word. But “hope” without any substance isn’t hope at all. In the first few verses of 1 Peter, we see three aspects of living hope. No surprise, all three relate to Jesus: 1.... Read more →

“Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2). Jesus Christ has come into... Read more →

“The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus... Read more →

In every one of his New Testament letters, Paul greets the recipient with some variation of “grace and peace”—combining the standard Greek greeting, charis (grace), with the standard Hebrew greeting, shalom (peace). Taken together and in the right order, these two words give us a window into mysteries unknown apart... Read more →

The Christian who studies the Bible is neither indifferent nor fearful concerning the future. They are hopeful. I have listened to the “wise” of the world—scientists, politicians, world leaders, and educators—express themselves about the future. All of their hopes are clearly marked by an element of uncertainty. But the Christian... Read more →

“Whoever desires to love life and see good days … let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:10-11). The good life is turning from evil and doing good. If you want to love life and see good days, if... Read more →

Dear Lord Jesus, were I to sit down to list the titles I would instinctively give You, I’m not sure “preacher” would be on my initial list. But if anyone deserves that name, it is You. What is Christmas? It’s You coming nearer than near to us in Your incarnation.... Read more →