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by Francis Frangipane

When we first come to Jesus, He accepts us just as we are: problems, sins, and all. As our needs are met, however, we gradually discover that God is seeking something from our lives. What He seeks is our worship. But true worship is the consequence, the result, of seeing God as He is. It springs naturally from a soul purified by love; it rises like incense from a heart without idols.

The God Whose Name Is Jealous

Within the church today there seems to be more and more complicated problems involving spiritual issues. The church today has been attacked with every type of temptation and sin from divorce to pornography. At the same time, the people of God are searching for answers to the problems that are inflicted upon them. Without a proper perspective of scripture, and without being properly discipled and trained in the word of God, many are turning to modern psychology to answer the difficult questions and to bring relief.

By David Powlison

What are the differences between biblical counseling and various other approaches to counseling that are popular in the church?

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly, but don’t lose heart. God is constantly and consistently at work in your life, even in the midst of pain and suffering. For all the negative things you may say to yourself, God has a positive answer.

You say, "It's impossible.”
God says, “All things are possible.” (Luke 18:27)

You say, "I'm too tired."
God says, “I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say, "Nobody really loves me."
God says, “I love you.” (John 3:16 & John 3:34)

What you put in your mind has an effect on what you think. Remember those scary movies you watched as a kid, then had nightmares? It didn't take long to realize that the way to avoid the nightmares was to stop watching that kind of movie. God has provided a way to overcome unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, and gain the self-control you seek. It's a matter of taking charge of your life - His way.

Take your thoughts captive:

The Bible loudly proclaims that “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). It does not state that God encompasses love or even demonstrates love, although this is what He does over and over again in the very life of His children. It states that He is love itself – the very essence and embodiment of all that is, was, and ever will be considered true and genuine love.

The justice of God is that perfection of his nature whereby he is infinitely righteous in Himself and in all he does, the righteousness of the divine nature exercised in his moral government. Justice is not an optional product of his will, but an unchangeable principle of his very nature.

The term “providence” is derived from the word “to provide” and carries with it the implication of “forethought and foresight” into the needs of another. Forethought and foresight imply a future end, a goal and a definite purpose and plan for attaining that end. The word "providence" has come to be used to signify that preparation, care, and supervision which are necessary to secure a desired future result. While miraculous acts of God can be described as providential, the concept of providence is generally used to describe His care through natural means.

In order for anyone to be a king he must possess absolute authority and all Power. A king must have the right to rule, and the ability to carry out his will. God spoke through Isaiah, “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” (Isaiah 46:9-10). God is a unique King in that his reign is eternal.

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are in charge).