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Feb 2017 27 Feb 27, 2017
2

Much will be said and written about Martin Luther in 2017, inasmuch as this is the 500th anniversary of his posting of the 95 theses on the church door at Wittenberg, an event that many believe launched the Protestant Reformation. But here are ten things about Luther you may not know. Continue reading . . .  Much will be said and written about Martin Luther in 2017, inasmuch as this is the 500th anniversary of his posting of the 95 theses on the church door at Witt...Read More

Feb 2017 23 Feb 23, 2017
2

In the final analysis, how can we be sure that we will remain safe and spiritually secure in our relationship with Jesus Christ? Knowing myself as I do, if left to my own strength and resolve I’m quite sure I would wander and eventually turn my back on my Savior. So what keeps me in relationship with him? What is the sure and certain ground of my security? I find the answer to that question in the first of four prayers that we find on the lips of Jesus in John 17. ...Read More

Feb 2017 22 Feb 22, 2017
3

The following story of a miraculous healing in our church is taken from the Conclusion to my book, Practicing the Power: Welcoming the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Your Life (Zondervan). I assure you it is not a fable or fabrication. These are real people, not unlike you and me. The names of the people involved have been altered. They have given me permission to tell the story of what happened. Continue reading . . .  The following story of a miraculous healing in o...Read More

Feb 2017 20 Feb 20, 2017
1

Holiness of life or sanctification entails substantial growth in Christ-likeness, but never reaches the point of absolute sinless perfection in this life. In this regard, we should closely examine 1 John 3:6 and 9. Continue reading . . .  Holiness of life or sanctification entails substantial growth in Christ-likeness, but never reaches the point of absolute sinless perfection in this life. In this regard, we should closely examine 1 John 3:6 and 9. My own translat...Read More

Feb 2017 17 Feb 17, 2017
2

In yesterday’s article we looked at arguments against the possibility of a born-again believer in Christ being demonized. Both that article and the one that follows below are from my chapter on this subject in my book, Tough Topics (Crossway). Continue reading . . .  In yesterday’s article we looked at arguments against the possibility of a born-again believer in Christ being demonized. Both that article and the one that follows below are from my chapte...Read More

Feb 2017 16 Feb 16, 2017
1

(In a recent review of my book, Practicing the Power, Tim Challies took issue with my suggestion that a born-again Christian could possibly be demonized. Several have followed suit and asked me about this. I wrote an answer to the question in my book Tough Topics [Crossway] and plan on making this material available in two installments over the next two days. I hope it proves instructive and helpful, regardless of where you happen to land on the question.) Continue readi...Read More

Feb 2017 15 Feb 15, 2017
5

Let me begin by saying thanks for taking the time to read and review my new book on your blog (www.challies.com). I’m extremely blessed that you would consider it worth your time and effort to do so. I’m also grateful for the many times you have linked to my blog, especially the “10 Things You Should Know” series of articles. Continue reading . . .  Tim, Let me begin by saying thanks for taking the time to read and review my new book on you...Read More

Feb 2017 15 Feb 15, 2017
Feb 2017 14 Feb 14, 2017
2

Now what? Many Christians today are theologically convinced of the ongoing work of the Spirit (continuationists), but who have not seen the practices of the Spirit in our churches, and who desperately want to see God glorified in healings and by verbal prophecy and experience firsthand the edification of the gift of tongues delivered and interpreted. It can be a daunting challenge to simply wait. So, what are we to do while we wait? Or should we stop waiting and start ac...Read More

Feb 2017 13 Feb 13, 2017
9

I take no special delight in writing this article. But hell is real and people are going there. So let’s look closely at what the Bible has to say about it as well as the on-going debate over whether hell is eternal conscious punishment. Continue reading . . .  I take no special delight in writing this article. But hell is real and people are going there. So let’s look closely at what the Bible has to say about it as well as the on-going debate over whe...Read More

Feb 2017 8 Feb 8, 2017
2

When we refer to the believer’s ultimate “glorification” we are speaking of the transformation of our whole being: body, soul, spirit, will, mind, and affections, in which sin is eradicated and we are made like Jesus (see Phil. 3:20-21; 1 John 3:1-3). What I want to suggest is that there is a very real and important sense in which this glorification of all believers never ends. Continue reading . . .  When we refer to the believer’s ultimate...Read More

Feb 2017 7 Feb 7, 2017
4

I’m happy to announce that my new book, Practicing the Power: Welcoming the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Your Life (Zondervan) is now available for purchase. You can get it at Amazon or at Christian bookstores. What follows is the Foreword written by Matt Chandler, lead pastor at the Village Church, Flower Mound, Texas, and President of the Acts 29 network. Continue reading . . .  I’m happy to announce that my new book, Practicing the Power: Welcoming th...Read More

Feb 2017 6 Feb 6, 2017
2

Most Christians love the Psalms, for in them we find heartfelt prayer, emotional vulnerability, and passionate praise of God. Continue reading . . .  Most Christians love the Psalms, for in them we find heartfelt prayer, emotional vulnerability, and passionate praise of God. But we also find troubling statements such as these: “Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them...Read More

Feb 2017 2 Feb 2, 2017
1

We noted in yesterday’s article that in John 16:8-11 Jesus refers to three things the Spirit will do when he comes to indwell and empower the witness of the Church, us! Continue reading . . .  We noted in yesterday’s article that in John 16:8-11 Jesus refers to three things the Spirit will do when he comes to indwell and empower the witness of the Church, us! We saw in v. 8 that he will “convict” the world. This word translated “convi...Read More

Feb 2017 1 Feb 1, 2017

In the previous article we looked at why it was essential for Jesus to go to the cross, rise from the dead, and ascend to the Father. Only in doing so could we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. And we also noted what Jesus meant when he said it was to our “advantage” that he go away. Continue reading . . .  In the previous article we looked at why it was essential for Jesus to go to the cross, rise from the dead, and ascend to the Father. Only in doi...Read More