Adopting a victim mentality is inherently self-defeating, even when we truly are victims. It shifts our focus to the injustice—real or imagined—rather than God’s solutions. A victim mentality places us in a position of weakness, not because of external circumstances, but because of an internal failure to apply divine truth by faith. If left unaddressed, the victim mentality leads to learned helplessness and a perpetual grievance mindset, making us bitter rather than better. Complaining solves nothing; instead, we must develop spiritual resilience through the intake and application of God’s Word (1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18), walk by faith (2 Cor 5:7), and be “doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (Jam 1:22).
Category: Christian service
My Eternal Security
Eternal life is free, and once received, it cannot be forfeited or returned. It does not depend in any way on my good works, obedience, or perseverance. While good works are commanded (Gal 6:10) and rewarded (1 Cor 3:10-15), they are not required to validate my salvation. Furthermore, no amount of sin I commit can undo what God has accomplished. My good works did not save me, and my sin cannot unsave me. Salvation is of the Lord, not of me. He alone gets all the credit and glory, for He alone saves.
Confession of Sins for the Christian
The Bible describes two types of forgiveness: judicial, which ensures eternal salvation, and parental, needed for restoring fellowship after sin. While judicial forgiveness is a one-time act at salvation, parental forgiveness involves ongoing confession to maintain closeness with God. Both highlight God's grace and are essential for a believer's relationship with Him.
The Price of Forgiveness
Forgiveness comes at a price. Though it may be offered freely to the offender, it always costs the giver something. The word “forgive” translates the Greek verb aphiemi (ἀφίημι), which means to let go, cancel, send away, or pardon. Forgiveness refers to the act of releasing someone from a debt or offense without demanding payment or retribution.
Divine Institutions
The concept of divine institutions refers to foundational structures established by God to ensure order and stability within human society. Biblically, these institutions include: 1) individual responsibility, 2) marriage, 3) family, 4) human government, and 5) nationalism. Each of these divine institutions serve a unique purpose in promoting a stable and flourishing society.
Can Christians Turn Away from God?
Can Christians turn away from God after being saved? Yes, they can. Do they lose their salvation if this happens? No, they do not. Eternal life, once received, cannot be lost or forfeited. While there are consequences for turning away from God—such as divine discipline and the loss of rewards—losing eternal salvation is not one of them.
Write These on Your Heart
A life marked by love and faithfulness brings favor with both God and people. When we embody these virtues, we align ourselves with God’s will and express our love for Him through obedience. Love and faithfulness naturally attract others, as they foster strong relationships and establish a good reputation.
Walking in the Light
As believers in union with Christ, we are called to walk in the light—operating within the truth, goodness, and righteousness that define our new identity in Him. This position, secured entirely by grace, comes with spiritual blessings that equip us to live lives pleasing to the Lord. The Christian life requires consistent commitment to studying God’s Word, being filled with the Spirit, walking by the Spirit, and living by faith. When God’s Word is actively applied under the Spirit’s power, it naturally bears fruit that glorifies God and serves as a powerful witness to others.
Two Kinds of Righteousness
Christians experience two types of righteousness: positional and experiential. Positional righteousness, granted through faith in Jesus, defines a believer's status before God. Experiential righteousness involves practical living consistent with this status, influenced by spiritual growth. Some Christians, however, fall into carnality, neglecting this righteousness and facing divine discipline, impairing their potential to glorify God.
Plan Wisely and Don’t Worry
Worrying about tomorrow focuses on potential and often inflated imaginary problems that generate fear, whereas wise preparation for the future involves careful planning and responsible action, done with a mindset of trust in God’s control over our circumstances. Worry steals from the present and often leads to psychological and emotional instability, while wise preparation enables us to think and live confidently in the present, secure in the knowledge that God is ultimately in control of our future.
Trusting God in Unfair Situations
Let’s face it: life is not fair. Sometimes it is unfair to our disadvantage, but at other times, it is unfair to our advantage. It is interesting how we are prone to cry foul when life is unfair to our disadvantage but are more than glad to accept and rejoice when it is unfair to our benefit. This inconsistency highlights the human tendency to be self-centered and myopic rather than God-focused and biblically wise. Scripture reminds us that we are all undeserving of God’s goodness, for “There is no one righteous, not even one... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:10, 23). If God dealt with us strictly based on fairness, we would face His righteous judgment and eternal separation from Him.
The Judgment Seat of Christ
There is a difference between the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:15-20) and the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10; Rom 14:10). The Great White Throne Judgment is for unbelievers only and concerns their eternal condemnation based on their deeds. It results in their final separation from God in the lake of fire. No unbeliever will be at the Great White Throne Judgment. The Judgment Seat of Christ, on the other hand, is for believers in Jesus Christ and concerns their rewards for faithfulness and service. It does not determine salvation, as all participants are already saved eternally (John 3:16; 10:28; Rom 6:23).
Prioritizing God’s Call Over Self
Paul’s ministry serves as a model of unwavering dedication to the Lord and living sacrificially for His glory and the benefit of others. Furthermore, it challenges believers to remain steadfast in proclaiming the simplicity of salvation through faith alone, recognizing that grace magnifies the work of Christ and excludes human boasting, as Paul wrote, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Cor 1:31). By the end of his life, Paul had completed the mission given to him by the Lord, as he told his friend, Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim 4:7).
How to Know Your Call to Ministry
How can you know your call to ministry is from the Lord? In the Bible, people such as Samuel (1 Sam 3:4-10) and Isaiah (Isa 6:8) experienced direct, audible calls from God. These instances left no doubt about the divine origin of call to ministry. However, these cases were unique and often accompanied significant shifts in God’s work in history. Today, God still calls people to ministry, but He does so through less overt means.
The Spiritual Life and the Walk of Faith
The spiritual life is inseparably connected to the walk of faith, for to “walk by the Spirit” (Gal 5:16) is to “walk by faith” (2 Cor 5:7). The former assumes the latter. God the Holy Spirit inspired the Scriptures (2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:20-21), ensuring the written text is God’s authoritative revelation, the very “Word of God, which performs its work in you who believe” (1 Th 2:13b). It follows that God the Holy Spirit will instruct us in the Word He authored.
Mastering Focus as We Walk by Faith
Living by faith is both a science and an art due to the interplay between objective truths and subjective experiences that characterize the faith journey. Faith is grounded in the objective truths of Scripture. Just as science relies on established laws and principles, living by faith involves understanding and applying biblical truths.
Divine Discipline and Self Discipline
God’s discipline is His ongoing correction and training that results in His people living righteous lives that conform to His character and will. As God’s children, He expects us to learn self-discipline, which means exercising self-control and maintaining focus on the teachings and application of Scripture. Believers with positive volition have submissive hearts that align their wills with His.
The Link Between Discipleship and Discipline
The English words "disciple" and "discipline" are linguistically related terms, revealing an important connection between the two concepts. A disciple refers to one who is devoted to learning from another, with a commitment to practice their teachings and example. On the other hand, discipline involves the process of mastering what has been learned, with the goal of internalizing the teachings to the point where they shape character and behavior.
God Uses Bible Teachers to Help Us Grow Spiritually
The biblical mandate for teaching and communicating God’s Word emphasizes that every believer, regardless of status or experience, can play a vital role in sharing divine revelation. From the Old Testament wisdom of Solomon to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, we see a consistent thread: the responsibility of imparting God’s truth spans generations and encompasses various roles within the community of faith.
God Works All Things Together for Good
Romans 8:28 assures us that God is in control, even in suffering, and is working out His good purposes for those who love Him. Some of our experiences may arise from hearts that are bent on evil and harm toward us, but God ultimately controls the outcome of those events and uses them for His glory and the development of His children who love Him.
Balancing Support and Self-Support in Ministry
Paul worked a job to provide for himself financially while engaging in regular ministry. He did this so he could freely “offer the gospel without charge” to others (1 Cor 9:18; cf. 2 Cor 11:17). When preaching in Ephesus, he said, “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me” (Acts 20:33-34).
The Value of Integrity
Integrity is the currency of a healthy relationship, but only among those who value it. It is the fruit of a morally upright heart that practices honesty, loyalty, and justice (Psa 15:1-5; Prov 19:1; 28:6; Mic 6:8). Without integrity, trust is compromised, communication suffers, and the stability of the relationship is jeopardized. Duplicity stands in stark contrast to integrity. While integrity involves honesty, loyalty, and adherence to moral principles, duplicity embodies deceit, unfaithfulness, and self-interest above the interests of others.
The Apostle Paul: A NT Example of Submission to God
The Apostle Paul exemplifies submission to God's will. His transformative journey from persecutor to devoted apostle showcases this. Despite hardships, he spread the gospel of grace and established churches. Paul admitted his weaknesses and the inner struggle between good and his sinful nature, emphasizing reliance on God's grace. His life is a testament to transformation through submission to God.
King David: An OT Example of Submission to God
David provides a good example of an OT believer who lived in regular submission to God. The Bible describes David as a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13:14; cf. Acts 13:22). David walked faithfully with the Lord and surrendered to His will. David was an obedient king, for the most part, and subsequent kings were measured by him.
Be Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves
The teaching of Jesus to be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves (Matt 10:16) advises believers to navigate perilous situations with wisdom and integrity. The apostle Paul's strategic division of his accusers in Acts 23 illustrates this principle in action, demonstrating prudence and resourcefulness in the face of danger and injustice.
Jesus, the Perfect Example of Submission to God
Jesus Christ provides the perfect example of submission to God. He’s the perfect example because He is perfect and never disobeyed the Lord. Jesus said, “I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 5:30), and “I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38).
Dedication to God and the Spiritual Journey
Dedication to God, while not a requirement for salvation, is a vital aspect of the Christian life, leading to spiritual growth and maturity. Justification through faith in Christ is a one-time event, distinct from ongoing sanctification. Submission to God and transformation of the mind are essential for living in accordance with His will, leading to spiritual advancement and blessing.
Biblical Strategies for Dealing with a Toxic Supervisor
The content depicts the author's experience with a toxic boss, leading to emotional struggles. Seeking solace in faith, the author turns to biblical coping mechanisms and prioritizes life choices for stability, peace, and resilience. This account emphasizes forgiveness, integrity, and reliance on God's guidance during adversity, offering insight into handling difficult leadership situations.
What it Means to Be Spiritual
Spirituality refers to a life dependent on the Holy Spirit and living according to Scripture. Spiritual maturity requires discipline, positive volition, time, and adherence to God's Word through faith.
When a Christian Turns to a Sinful Lifestyle
Believers can have correct thinking but not live accordingly. Biblical figures like Solomon and others sinned, showing believers can sin like unbelievers. God disciplines sinning Christians, but they retain salvation. To live faithfully, believers must pursue righteousness, learn God's Word, and walk by faith.
Forgiveness in Action
Forgiveness is a conscious decision to align with God’s will, transcending emotions and operating by faith. The act mirrors the grace we receive from God and benefits us personally, freeing us from bitterness. It challenges worldly values, embraces God’s love, and reflects spiritual maturity. It also leaves justice to God and defies retaliation.
The Holiness of God
The Bible reveals God is holy.[1] God declares of Himself, “I am holy” (Lev 11:44), and the psalmist says, “holy is the LORD our God” (Psa 99:9), and the Seraphim declare, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts” (Isa 6:3). In these verses, the word “holy” translates the Hebrew word qadōsh (קָדוֹשׁ), which means … Continue reading The Holiness of God
Two Kinds of Forgiveness with People
For Christians, there are two kinds of forgiveness. The first is unconditional and the other is conditional. Unconditional forgiveness is one sided. It is given by the one who has been offended, even if the offender does not seek forgiveness or cease his sinful ways. This one sided forgiveness may also keep others at a distance so as to mitigate further harm against us and to avoid their corrupting influence.[1] Unconditional forgiveness benefits us personally, for holding on to unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies. It doesn’t work out very well for us. The second kind of forgiveness is conditional, as an agreement takes place between the one who has been hurt and the offender who seeks forgiveness and reconciliation. Conditional forgiveness not only releases the offender from his offense, but also restores the broken relationship.
Two Kinds of Forgiveness with God
In our relationship with God, there are two kinds of forgiveness. One is judicial and the other is parental. Judicial forgiveness is the forgiveness we receive from God when we stand before Him as the Judge of all humanity. This forgiveness occurs at the moment of faith in Christ, where “everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins” (Acts 10:43; cf. Eph 1:7; Col 1:14). This is a one-and-done event that is never repeated, as we are “forgiven us all our transgressions” (Col 2:13). Parental forgiveness is the ongoing forgiveness we receive from God as our Father and is repeated many times throughout a believer’s life. Judicial forgiveness brings us into a right relationship with Him at the moment of faith in Christ. Parental forgiveness restores our fellowship with Him.
Saved by Grace Alone, Through Faith Alone, in Christ Alone
The gospel is the solution to a problem. The problem for us is that God is holy, mankind is sinful, and we cannot save ourselves. Salvation is never what we do for God; rather, it’s what He’s done for us through the Person and work of Jesus who is the Son of God incarnate (John 1:1, 14; 20:31; Heb 1:8; 1 John 4:2), whose sacrificial death on the cross atoned for our sins (Rom 6:10; Heb 7:27; 1 Pet 3:18), who was resurrected (Rom 6:9; 1 Cor 15:3-4), and who grants eternal life to those who place their trust solely in Him (John 3:16-18; 10:28; Acts 4:12; 16:31). Jesus died for everyone (John 3:16; Heb 2:9; 1 John 2:2), but the benefits of the cross, such as forgiveness of sins (Eph 1:7), and eternal life (John 10:28), are applied only to those who believe in Him as Savior.
Toughminded and Tenderhearted
The teachings of Jesus in Matthew 10:16 and Luke 16:1-9 call believers to navigate the challenges of the world with a balanced approach, being “shrewd as serpents” by exercising wisdom and strategic thinking, while also remaining harmless “as sheep” and “innocent as doves” by maintaining honesty and moral purity. These lessons underscore the importance of discernment, strategic use of resources, learning from both positive and negative examples, and ultimately leveraging worldly aspects for eternal purposes. The overall message advocates for a harmonious blend of toughness of mind and tenderness of heart in the pursuit of a wise and righteous life.
The Spirit’s Convicting Ministry to the World
There is a special work that God the Holy Spirit is doing in the hearts of unbelievers to help prepare them to turn to Christ as Savior. Concerning this special work, Jesus said, “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). Jesus’ statement about the Holy Spirit is in the future tense (He will convict), which implies the Spirit’s special ministry was not active at the time Jesus uttered His statement. This special convicting ministry would be inaugurated on the day of Pentecost.
The Integrated Christian Life
Concerning the work/rest balance, Solomon wrote, “One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind” (Eccl 4:6). In this statement, Solomon is giving a comparison of one thing being better than the other. He’s telling us it’s better to have a healthy amount of rest (one hand full) and have enjoyment than to be constantly working (two fists full) and be consumed with never-ending pursuits that are meaningless, like chasing after wind. What Solomon sets forth in Ecclesiastes 4:6 is a picture of the integrated person who balances work and rest.
Two Fathers, Two Kingdoms: Understanding Spiritual Identity in a Divided World
Everyone we meet has two fathers. Everyone. They have a biological father and a spiritual father. Biblically, their spiritual father is either God or Satan. The Pharisees incorrectly thought they were children of God, and said to Jesus, “The only Father we have is God himself” (John 8:41). Here’s an example were perception was not equal to reality. Jesus refuted them, saying, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world” (John 8:23), and “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father” (John 8:44a). According to William Hendriksen, “Identity of inner passions and desires establishes spiritual descent: they are constantly desiring to carry out the wishes of the devil; so he must be their father. The devil desires to kill and to lie, and so do they.”[2] We live in a divided world where “the good seed are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one” (Matt 13:38; cf., 1 John 3:10).
The Biblical Perspective on Supporting Ministry
The apostle Paul was committed to the Lord and to the ministry to which he was called. The Lord was faithful to provide for him and to meet his basic needs. Sometimes others supported Paul and his ministry, and in this way, were conduits of God’s grace. At others times, Paul’s needs were met when God opened doors for him to have employment. Either way, God provided. And Paul trusted the Lord, whatever his situation, whether he had few resources or many.
Beyond Self-Interest: Embracing Disadvantage for the Blessing of Others
The more I understand biblical Christianity, the more I think our advance to maturity involves being willingly disadvantaged that others might receive an advantage. To be voluntarily disadvantaged means I am deprived of something so that others might gain an asset, an edge, a benefit, or an opportunity they might not have otherwise. This is charitable on my part, in which I give for the benefit of others. This is how Jesus lived, as He said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
The Road Ahead: Developing a Plan for Success After Prison
Transitioning from a period of incarceration to life in a free society can be challenging. This article is written primarily to the inmate who is about to be released or has recently been released. The intention of the article is to provide some helpful advice to be successful.
Walking Worthy of God’s Call to Service
As God's people, we are called into service to the King, to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” (Eph 4:1). Paul uses similar language when writing to Christians in Thessalonica, saying, “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Th 2:12). We are called to a mission, and our mission field is wherever we happen to be and includes whoever we happen to meet. To fulfill our divine objective requires submission, humility, commitment, biblical education, field training, and advancement testing. We reach the spiritual high-ground by operating by faith as God’s Word saturates our thinking and directs our speech and behavior.
Godly Leadership: A Different Metric for Measuring Success
The article discusses the qualities of successful leaders and how they are measured by their outcomes, which should be achieved with high moral standards. However, when considering those called into service by the Lord, success is measured by faithfulness to God, His Word, and the call itself, rather than output or results. The article provides examples of godly leaders such as Noah, Moses, and Joshua, who were faithful to the Lord, even though their guidance was rejected by others. The main point of the article is that success among God’s leaders is not based on positive outcomes but rather on faithfulness to the Lord.
Virtue Love in the Christian
Virtue love and personal love are distinct. Personal love is based on an individual’s particular likes and affections, which fluctuate and change. Personal love is no greater than the person whose desires and feelings vacillate. Virtue love is greater, because it is tied to God and His love. God’s love is stable, constant, sacrificial, and does good to everyone. Virtue love is based on God’s truth. True love requires truth, otherwise, it becomes a lesser form of love that is subject to personal whims.
Being a Christian Servant: What it Does NOT Mean
Being a godly servant glorifies God, benefits others in their walk with the Lord, and helps us advance to spiritual maturity. Having a servant’s heart is in line with that of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give … Continue reading Being a Christian Servant: What it Does NOT Mean
Take Advantage of the Time God Gives
As God’s children, we have choices to make on a daily basis, sometimes moment by moment, for only we can choose to allow these distractions to stand between us and the Lord. We must be disciplined with the time and opportunities God gives us, learning His Word and living by faith so that we can advance to spiritual maturity and serve as lights in a dark world (Eph 5:8-10). Every moment is precious and we must make sure our days are not wasted on meaningless pursuits, but on learning God’s Word, living His will, and loving those whom the Lord places in our path.
Spiritual Disciplines for Christians
Discipline is doing what I ought to do, whether I want to do it or not, because it’s right. Christian discipline is living as God wants me to live, as an obedient-to-the-Word believer who walks by faith and not feelings. The proper Christian life glorifies the Lord, edifies others, and creates in me a personal sense of destiny that is connected with the God who called me into service.
The Manifold Grace of God
Grace is unmerited favor. It is the kindness one person grants to another who does not deserve it. Grace (χάρις charis) refers to “a beneficent disposition toward someone, favor, grace, gracious care/help, [or] goodwill." (BDAG, 1079). This definition speaks of the attitude of one who is characterized by grace. A gracious act is “that which one grants to another, the action of one who volunteers to do something not otherwise obligatory." (BDAG, 1079). Others may not understand or accept what is offered by grace, but this is not for want of attitude and action on the part of the giver, where the benefactor freely confers a blessing upon another and the kindness shown finds its source in the bounty and free-heartedness of the giver. Once grace is received, it can, in turn, lead to gracious acts to others (Matt 5:43-45; Luke 6:32-36). In this way, grace leads to grace.
Christians Under the Law of Christ
The Church is not Israel and is not under the Mosaic Law as the rule for life. Just as Israel had a clear body of Scripture which guided their walk with the Lord (Exodus 20 through Deuteronomy 34), so the Church has a body of Scripture that guides us (Romans 1 through Revelation 3). The Christian living in the dispensation of the church age is now under the Law of Christ (1 Cor 9:21; Gal 6:2).