I loved my grandmother. I knew her only for a short time when I was a young boy growing up in southern California, but she left a lasting impact on my life. Though she had her flaws, she was to me a model of godliness. My grandmother was financially poor, yet she was rich in her daily walk with the Lord. She delighted in the study of God’s Word, worshiped the Lord, fellowshipped with growing Christians, loved others genuinely, shared the gospel, gave of herself so others might be edified, and practiced the discipline of living simply. She was not burdened by what she lacked but was content with what the Lord had provided. Though her means were modest, her spirit was abundant, for her walk with God shaped her outlook far more than her circumstances ever did. Her life demonstrated that happiness flows not from possessions but from a heart that rests in the Lord.
Category: Family
Vertical and Horizontal Confession
Biblically speaking, there are two kinds of confession: vertical confession to God and horizontal confession to people. Both vertical and horizontal confession play crucial roles in the believer’s life, but they serve different purposes and yield different outcomes. Vertical confession restores our fellowship with God and secures forgiveness, as it is based on His unchanging faithfulness (Psa 32:5; 1 John 1:9). This process is always certain, for God’s forgiveness is not contingent upon our feelings or external circumstances. Horizontal confession, however, is a relational matter that seeks reconciliation with others and healing within the body of Christ (Matt 5:23–24; Jam 5:16).
The Ideal Man
Biblically, the ideal man is not autonomous but God-dependent. He is not ruled by selfish pride but shaped by humility, truth, and obedience to God. He devotes himself to the study of God’s Word (Psa 1:2; 2 Tim 2:15)—not merely to gain knowledge, but to know the Author and live wisely. He chooses wise friends and avoids fools (Prov 13:20). With a heart inclined toward obedience, he treasures Scripture as a lamp to his feet and a light to his path (Psa 119:105). He doesn’t separate theology from life but seeks to apply biblical truth to his thinking, relationships, work, and worship (Jam 1:22-25). For him, Bible doctrine is fuel for devotion, direction, and transformation. His convictions are rooted in truth, and his worldview is shaped by divine revelation, not cultural trends. If he leads in business, sports, or the military, he does so as a servant-leader—exercising authority with integrity, humility, and a view to the good of others (Mark 10:42-45).
All Babies Go to Heaven When They Die
The belief that all babies and young children go to heaven highlights the age of accountability, when individuals can be held responsible for moral decisions. This doctrine asserts that those incapable of understanding sin or making choices, including infants and the mentally impaired, are graciously covered by God's grace and welcomed into heaven.
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.
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.
A Godly Mother and Grandmother
Paul wrote to Timothy, “I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well...and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim 1:5; 3:15). Timothy’s mother and grandmother had a big influence on his upbringing, which led to his conversion and spiritual growth. The spiritual seeds they’d planted in his young heart sprouted and flourished into a productive spiritual ministry.