“Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart” (Psalm 119:111).Today is the anniversary of William Tyndale’s martyrdom. He died 489 years ago on October 6, 1536.Tyndale was born in the late 1400’s. As he grew, he became passionate about God and the Bible. But it wasn’t available in English. … Continue reading When William Tyndale was martyred
The Up Devo
Purification
According to the apostle John, followers of Christ engage in a process of purification. Speaking about the return of Jesus in 1 John 3:3, he writes: “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”But what does purification entail?Think of something which is purified with fire. A biblical example is from … Continue reading Purification
Righteousness includes love
In 1 John 3, the apostle discusses the importance of being “righteous.” Our society hates the idea of righteousness. In fact, it has equated it with being “self-righteous.” Being self-righteous is thinking you are better than others and looking down your nose at them with a dripping sense of moral superiority.But that’s not what the Bible … Continue reading Righteousness includes love
A biblical definition of sin
“Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4).When I was young and we went to church I would usually go to Sunday School.Before too long, however, I wanted to be up in the service with the adults so that I could hear the sermon.I remember the preacher … Continue reading A biblical definition of sin
Repeat it as you go about your day
In 1 John 3:3 the apostle writes: “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”He was speaking about the return of Jesus. If we hope in him (which we do) we will be engaged in a process of purification. His idea is that we are striving—with God’s help—to be more … Continue reading Repeat it as you go about your day
When your negative thoughts need a smack
Dr. Sean Tobin is a clinical psychologist who brings into his practice insights from both psychotherapy and Christian spirituality.He says that right out of the gate many Christians have a barrier in their relationship with God. At a base level they think of God as one of three things: angry, distant or weak.To move forward … Continue reading When your negative thoughts need a smack
To give you the crown of glory
Two students were knocking on doors evangelizing. One of those doors was answered by a mother. It was not a good day. The house was crazy, kids were going nuts, and she was clearly tired and frazzled. They asked her: “Are you interested in eternal life?” Looking around at her chaotic life she replied: “Frankly, … Continue reading To give you the crown of glory
The more thoroughly you know him
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” (2 Peter 1:3)The more thoroughly you know Jesus, the more thoroughly you experience Jesus.Let me explain.Jesus does a series of different things in the Bible. He … Continue reading The more thoroughly you know him
Lord, what’s the least I need to do in this relationship?
“If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father” (1 John 2:24).John Ortberg invites us to imagine the following scenario. Imagine a man and a woman on their wedding day. The decorations are amazing. The guests are joyful. The music is majestic. … Continue reading Lord, what’s the least I need to do in this relationship?
Many antichrists have come
What do Nero, Napoleon, Stalin and Hitler all have in common? They were all accused of being the Antichrist. The apostle John uses the word “Antichrist” five times in his letters. But what does it mean? The Louw-Nida Greek lexicon defines the term like this: “one who is opposed to Christ, in the sense of usurping … Continue reading Many antichrists have come
