"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective …
There’s A Kind of Love
By Steven Barto, B.S. Psych. LOVE. IT'S MORE THAN A four-letter word. At its basic, love is a noun meaning "strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties," such as a mother's love for her child. Of course, it also means "attraction based on sexual desire: affection and tenderness felt by lovers." …
The Essence of the Gospel
The Gospel is the heart of the Bible. Everything in Scripture is either preparation for the Gospel, presentation of the Gospel, or participation in the Gospel. Many believers "know" God intellectually. I did, initially. Actually, in many ways, I still do. I seem to know of Him more than I know Him. But head knowledge doesn't …
Jesus: Portrait of a Messiah
I'VE BEEN THINKING A LOT lately about who Jesus truly is, and how He conducted Himself during his ministry. Just think about how much love He has for us and for the Father. Jesus lived to be the Good News we all need. He was committed to doing the will of the Father. In fact, …
Baa Baa Black Sheep
A black sheep stands out from the flock. In the English language, black sheep is an idiom used to describe an odd or disreputable member of a group. It seems nearly every family in America has one. The troubled child. A lightning rod of sorts. The center of attention. Always in the hot seat. The …
Things I’ve Learned About Human Nature
When our communities were tribal-based, the good of the clan came before the good of the individual. Man is a social animal, and he is not designed for isolation. There is a God-shaped hole within all of us that cannot be filled by sex, booze, drugs, gambling, career, cars or big houses. I've heard this …