Life's Inanities and Ironies

Beloved saints, in these last days when so many voices cry that there are many paths to God, the Holy Spirit has preserved for us in John 14 one of the clearest, most comforting, and most exclusive declarations ever spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ. This chapter is part of the Upper Room Discourse (John 13–17), spoken on the night before the crucifixion, after Judas had gone out into the night (John 13:30). The disciples were troubled. Their Master had washed their feet, announced a betrayal, predicted Peter’s denial, and spoken of His departure. Into that atmosphere of confusion and sorrow, Jesus speaks words of profound comfort, doctrinal clarity, and practical instruction that every fundamental believer must hold fast. ** The Setting and the Comfort (John 14:1–4) ** “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place fo...

In a culture that prizes comfort, ease, and the avoidance of pain at almost any cost, the Word of God speaks with startling clarity and countercultural boldness. James, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, commands believers: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2–4, KJV). This is not a superficial call to smile through suffering or to deny that trials hurt. It is a summons to view hardship through the lens of faith—trusting that a sovereign, wise, and loving God is actively at work. Romans 8:28 remains one of the most precious and practical promises in all of Scripture: God works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. The “all things” include the very circumstances we would never have chosen. When financial pressure mounts, rela...

  Some passages of Scripture have puzzled believers for centuries. Others are so familiar that they get quoted constantly—but almost never in their actual context. Both kinds of verses deserve careful, honest study. The Bible is the inerrant Word of God. It does not contradict itself, and it never supports false teaching. When a verse seems strange or is being used in a way that feels “off,” the solution is almost always more context, more of the whole counsel of Scripture, and careful attention to the original setting—not less. What follows is a careful look at several of the more difficult or frequently misapplied passages. These are not exhaustive treatments, but they aim to be clear, grounded in the text, and faithful to the rest of Scripture. 1. Baptism for the Dead (1 Corinthians 15:29) “Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?” (1 Cor. 15:29, ESV). This is one of the most debated verses ...

  The mandate is not fulfilled by attending church or holding correct theology alone. It is lived out in the ordinary and extraordinary places God has placed us. Paul tells the Philippians, “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life” (Philippians 2:15-16). Practical Expressions In the home: Parents who teach the Scriptures, model repentance, and refuse cultural lies about gender, marriage, and authority are salt. In the workplace: Integrity when no one is watching, refusal to participate in dishonest gain, and gracious answers to hostile questions season the environment. In the church: Faithful preaching, loving discipline, and genuine fellowship preserve the body and shine to the community. In the culture: Clear proclamation of the gospel, defense of the unborn, protection of children, and refusal to bow to sexual revolution ideolo...