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The new heaven and the new earth haven’t been ushered in yet. So when believers die now, where do they go? When Jesus was being crucified, one of the criminals being executed with him said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42–43). Jesus assured the man that he’d be with him in paradise that very same day. So when people who love Jesus die, they go to be with Jesus—immediately. The heaven they go to isn’t the same as the new heaven and the new earth. In his book, Heaven, author Randy Alcorn calls it a “present heaven.” In John’s vision of this present heaven in Revelation 6:9–11, he saw “the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained” (Revelation 6:9). These martyrs were asking God how long it would be until he avenged their deaths. Notably, they were with God, yet aware of what was happening on earth and able to remember their lives there. This raises the question: Can people truly be in “heaven” if they’re aware of bad stuff that’s taking place on earth? It’s worth noting that God won’t wipe away his people’s tears until he ushers in the new heaven and the new earth (see Revelation 21:3–4). While the place where believers are now isn’t the same as the new heaven and the new earth, it’s a place so good that Jesus called it “paradise.” There’s much we can’t know for certain, but one thing we know for sure: believers who have died are with God. They’re with Jesus. And that’s a beautiful place to be. Is the New Heaven and New Earth One Place or Two? While there’s a lot of mystery about what comes next, the book of Revelation tells us that after God purifies the earth, he will restore heaven and earth. In the apostle John’s vision, he “saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away” (Revelation 21:1). Heaven and earth, once separate, will merge into one. And the new Jerusalem—a city said to be 1,400 miles long, wide and high (see Revelation 21:16)—is a perfect cube, just like the Most Holy Place in the temple (see Exodus 26:2–8; 1 Kings 6:20), the place where God’s presence dwelled. This city will come down “out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). The Bride of Christ This may raise the question for you—how can the new Jerusalem come down from heaven dressed as a bride? Aren’t we Jesus’ bride? In ancient times, a new home was an important part of a new couple’s married life. After a man and woman became engaged, the groom-to-be would go and prepare a place for them to live, usually an addition built on to his father’s house. The groom would make their future home as nice as possible—he’d dress it up—for his bride-to-be. Once the dwelling was finished, the groom would go get the bride, they’d get married, and then he’d bring her back to the place he had built for them. Jesus used this same kind of imagery in John 14:2–3. We are his bride, and he’s preparing a place for us. As Jesus’ bride, we’ll live with him in the new earth he has taken great care to “dress up” and prepare for us (see Revelation 3:12). Then, like at ancient weddings, there will be a huge party (Revelation 19:9). We’ll celebrate with our Groom and the new life we get to live with him in our new home forever. Face to Face with God In Old Testament times, people knew that God was so holy and their sin was so evil that no person could see him and live. During tabernacle/temple times, only one Israelite (the high priest) was allowed to pass through the curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place and enter God’s presence —and only once a year. Generations of Israelites were born and died without ever being directly in God’s presence. But after God resurrects us and rids the universe of evil, he’ll fully welcome us to live in his presence. What was once so unreal that it could never happen will become our reality every day. Job caught a glimpse of this hope long ago and declared: “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another” (Job 19:25–27). One day you will see God’s face; you will talk to him. Although God is a spirit, he will be fully present with you, and you will see him with your own eyes (see Psalm 17:15; Revelation 22:4). Whatever keeps us from sensing his constant presence on the fallen earth will be absent from the new earth. What we call “prayer” on the fallen earth will be a completely un-hindered two-way conversation with God wherever we are on the new earth—or wherever we are in the entire universe. There will be no more wondering if he’s listening to you—you’ll know and see that he most definitely is. He’ll be as present to you as the air that surrounds you. And he’ll be that close forever. Prayer Prompts Ask Jesus to help you remember and be inspired by the truth that when believers die, they go to be with him. Ask God to help you live in his love that is founded by the desire to be close to you—forever. For Reflection What are some things you are looking forward to about the new home Jesus is preparing for you? Drawn from content in the NIV Read. Think. Live. Bible.

Don’t Shortcut Your Learning When I was in high school, I took advanced Spanish courses in preparation for spending my summers doing volunteer work in Central America. This was long before smartphones existed, so I couldn’t rely on Google Translate to communicate for me. I had to study vocabulary, conjugate verbs, work on my pronunciation, and employ the rules of grammar in awkward, jarring conversations with my classmates and teacher. When I got to Central America, I was able to shop in the market, work alongside the locals, and generally understand what was being said to me. It was rewarding to have done the work of study to be a real participant in the world I was briefly living in. While it would have been easier if I’d had an app to rely on, I would have missed the growth in developing the language as well as the joy that came from being able to connect with the local Spanish speakers. Shortcutting the process of language learning would have robbed me of personal growth and rich relationships. The Purposes of Bible Study These days, we have numerous apps and aids to make our lives easier. While it’s not wrong to use things that make tasks more efficient, there are some processes in life wherein shortcutting the learning process isn’t best for us. Bible study is one of those things. While you won’t find a direct command in Scripture to study it, you will find exhortations, patterns, and principles that encourage us to make a close examination of God’s word for the purpose of spiritual growth, a deeper understanding of God and his story of redemption, and to cultivate a closer relationship with him. The purposes of study require that we do the work of study. We cannot expect spiritual growth without living closely to Scripture. We cannot hope for a deeper understanding of God and his redemptive story while refusing to learn the Person or the story. We won’t grow closer to the Lord if we refuse to engage with his chosen means of revelation. The things we desire to take from Bible study will only come through studying the Bible. A deepened affection for the Lord and a heart that reflects Christ come from a life saturated with Scripture. Because God’s word is living and active, regular study will (over time) shape you to look like Jesus, to love what he loves, and to hate what he hates. To enjoy the gifts of growth associated with a Scripture-saturated life, we must take the plunge and go deep into the waters of God’s good word. The Long Path of Spiritual Growth No one in the history of the world has had as much access to Scripture and supplemental study materials as we do in the twenty-first century Western world. Whether it’s the stack of Bibles on our shelves, the study guides we can download in an instant, the apps that read Scripture to us, or the podcasts that tell us what Scripture means, our access to a wealth of biblical knowledge is an embarrassment of riches! Yet research suggests we are still more biblically illiterate than ever. Having access to God’s word doesn’t automatically mean that we are studying God’s word regularly. In my experience as a Bible teacher and a pastor’s wife, I’ve observed that those who do not do the regular work of deep study themselves but are only fed by others are unable to see much spiritual growth over the course of their lives. Without regular personal study, they struggle to grasp the overall redemptive story arc, have difficulty seeing Christ in all of Scripture, and are quick to pluck verses out of context for personal application. Discouraged by the lack of immediate spiritual growth and quick understanding of difficult texts, the solution is to rely on the study of others for a faster, more efficient way to grow in the Lord—or to quit trying altogether. But there is no app that can sanctify you or make you like Jesus. While learning Scripture within the body of Christ is crucial for our growth, we can’t rely solely on the teaching of others for our own maturity in Christ. The path of spiritual growth must be walked with an open Bible in your own hand. When we shortcut the work of Bible study, we miss out on engaging with the text and wrestling with the parts of Scripture we don’t understand. And though wrestling with the text is hard, it’s good for our souls. The Reward of Wrestling and Learning I look back on my first awkward interactions in another language and cringe at how poorly my words must have come across. I hunted for words in my mind while staring blankly at the person I was speaking with. It was hard to think and speak in another language! But working through it made me better at it, and it was rewarding to be able to dialogue with others. I could have relied on a translator, but I would have missed the personal engagement of one-on-one conversations. In Bible study, we often bump up against passages we don’t understand at first. Sometimes the genre makes it difficult for us. Hebrew poetry and apocalyptic literature can be challenging to grasp. With an endless stream of knowledge available at our fingertips, we’re not good at sitting with the phrase “I don’t know.” We swipe, tap, and research to escape the helplessness of not knowing. So when the “I don’t know” frustration creeps into our Bible study, it’s tempting to immediately turn to a commentary or a pastor or podcaster to tell us what the text means. It’s certainly not wrong to seek help when we need it, but if we always skip the challenging parts of study, we miss out on the reward of engagement with Scripture. Study feels hard because it often is hard! But God gave us his word so that “through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). It is his will for us to read and understand. Therefore, we must obey him and let his word dwell richly in us, even when it’s challenging to grasp (see Col. 3:16). I’ve found that wrestling with the text might mean asking questions to help round out your understanding of it. When you’re reading Scripture and feel stuck and uncertain of its meaning, consider asking questions like these: What does this teach me about God’s character?How does this show me man’s need for Christ?How is the hope of the gospel apparent in the text?Are there commands to obey or sins to confess and repent of? As you read and question, don’t forget that you have one of the greatest study aids you could ever hope for: the Holy Spirit. If you are in Christ, the Spirit lives in you to guide and help you both remember and understand the words of the Lord (see John 14:26). One of the most important ways to work through passages you don’t understand is to ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what you’re reading. As you persevere, he is your guide and your comfort. You never study Scripture alone! Lifelong Transformation I must confess that I let go of my ability to speak Spanish decades ago. I quit doing the work of study, so I lost the language. If I had worked to hold onto it after my teen years, I’m certain I’d be fluent now in my mid-forties. But, as a student of Scripture, I’ve learned that the joy I find in digging into the word each day is immeasurably greater than any frustration I feel in the studying process. As I open my Bible to read, question, observe, interpret, and apply Scripture, God is working in me. While I can’t look at the last three months and see any measurable spiritual growth, I can look at the last five or ten years and see many ways in which God has changed my desires, deepened my love for him, convicted me of sin, and comforted me in trials. What we can’t see in the daily study of Scripture is the slow work of transformation. It’s not something we can chart on a graph or track in an app. But God uses his word to help us “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). And growth takes time. When you open your Bible today to study God’s word, consider what he will do with your obedience in five or ten years. Our purposes in study are to know the Lord and to love him more, and it’s the daily work and wrestling that bring about those purposes. Because God brings growth through our daily obedience to engage with his word, that’s not a process we want to skip. The path of spiritual growth must be walked with an open Bible in your own hand. Glenna Marshall is the author of Bible Study.

Ask many people what the Bible teaches about money , and they will likely respond with a paraphrase of 1 Timothy 6:10 . For example, people often misquote this verse saying, “money is the root of all evil.” Some, more accurately but still not fully capturing the meaning of this text, will say, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” What 1 Timothy 6:10 actually says in the NIV is, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” There are two things we can notice right away. First, it is the love  of money that is the issue. Paul warns that some people’s desire for money leads them away from the faith. Second, the love of money is the root of all   kinds  of evil, not every single evil. Envy  and lust are other roots of evil, as are other sins. If we look at other Bible verses about money, we see that money itself doesn’t appear intrinsically evil. Proverbs 3:9 , for example, says to “Honor the LORD with your wealth.” Proverbs 13 says a person who “gathers money little by little makes it grow” ( verse 11 ) and “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children” ( verse 22 ). As we can see, money itself is not the problem. It is a person’s relationship with money and how they use their wealth to honor God that matters. Solomon’s Request for Wisdom and God’s Generous Response King Solomon’s life shows us how we can use money for good, and how it can lead us astray. After Solomon took his father David’s throne, God offered Solomon anything his heart desired and Solomon asked for wisdom  (see 1 Kings 3:9 ). God was pleased with Solomon’s request and granted the new king not only deep wisdom but also great wealth (see 1 Kings 3:12–13 ). Solomon built God’s temple and filled it with gold furnishings to honor God (see 1 Kings 7:48–50 ). Solomon’s wealth and gold, however, far exceeded what he used for God’s glory. Solomon’s building projects included ornate palaces for himself and for his wives. He also built a fleet of ships for the purpose of importing more gold (see 1 Kings 9:26–28 ). Solomon and the Queen of Sheba The splendor in which Solomon lived was so extreme that when the Queen of Sheba—herself an opulently wealthy royal—saw Solomon’s wealth “she was overwhelmed” ( 1 Kings 10:5 ). Yet her astonishment led her to praise God: “Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice  and righteousness” (1 Kings 10:9). We don’t know what Solomon may have said, but clearly the Queen of Sheba had the right reaction. Rather than praising  Solomon, she praised his God. This story should make Christians today ponder how to demonstrate a kind of faith that makes other people praise God. The Scale of Solomon’s Wealth Solomon received copious amounts of gold annually—666 talents of it (see 1 Kings 10:14 ). This amount is somewhere in the range of 45,000–50,000 pounds of gold! Solomon used the gold for everything: shields, his throne, goblets, household articles … all of it was made of pure gold. In fact, the Bible says “Nothing was made of silver, because silver was considered of little value in Solomon’s days” ( 1 Kings 10:21 ). The account of Solomon’s wealth is stunning, and it seems that the wealth he had yielded some good, God-oriented results. First Kings 10:24 says, “The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.” Solomon’s Wealth Became a Spiritual Snare Unfortunately, Solomon’s wealth led to his becoming involved with many foreign women, and they pulled his heart away from God (see 1 Kings 11:1–6 ). In this, Solomon’s wealth becomes a cautionary example. His wealth gave him celebrity status, and his taste for the things of the flesh turned him away from following God’s will. He pursued momentary pleasure rather than lasting faithfulness. Wealth should always remind us to honor God as the Giver. The way we use money is a fundamental aspect of how we live out our faith. God’s children need to look beyond their own interests and be generous with what God gives them, using it to bless others and to glorify God. We need to remember that every gift comes from God (see James 1:17 ). This means that all such gifts should be used in ways that honor and praise God. As Proverbs 3:9  reminds us, we must honor the Lord with our wealth. True Treasure We also need to remember not to set too much value on wealth. It might be tempting to fantasize about having great wealth like Solomon. We might even try to convince ourselves that we wouldn’t fall into the same sinful traps as Solomon did if we were blessed with wealth like his. (Let’s not be too sure! There are all too many examples, ancient and contemporary, in which desire for wealth has twisted hearts away from God.) We need to remember that placing too much importance on wealth and possessions is the opposite of what Christ taught. Jesus reminded his listeners that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions (see Luke 12:15 ). In the Sermon on the Mount , Jesus said to store up our treasures in heaven  rather than on earth, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). We want our hearts in the right place. Jesus went on to say, “See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these” ( Matthew 6:28–29 ). What We Can Learn from Solomon The splendor of Solomon’s wealth was spectacular, but that’s not what life is about. Whatever God blesses us with, we must use it for his purposes. Even if God doesn’t bless us with wealth like Solomon’s, we have no less splendor, for our true identity and worth are not in what we own but in the One who owns us by his grace and mercy. Thanks be to God! Adapted from the study material from the  NIV Application Bible  based on the NIV Application Commentary series.

Do You Only Hate the Consequences of Your Sin? We often don’t change because we don’t really want to. You may react against this. “I’ve been struggling with sin for years,” you may say. “For years I’ve wanted to be free from it, and now you tell me that I don’t really want to?” But the truth is we often want to change the consequences of sin but not the sin itself. We want to do something about the guilt, the fear, the damaged relationships. These outcomes can be a strong motive for seeking help, but in our heart of hearts, we still desire the sin itself. In moments of temptation, you still think that it offers more than God. I often see this in people’s lives. People ask me, as a pastor, to help them sort out the mess of their lives, but they don’t really want to change the behavior that’s creating the mess. People want help with debt, but they don’t want to change the idolatry of shopping that creates the damaging spending habits. They want help with broken relationships, but they don’t want to change the idolatry of self that creates the friction. Imagine that you could commit a sin without any consequences—no one would think worse of you, and no judgment would come from God. Would you do it? Answering yes, suggests John Owen, is not really very different from actually sinning. The implication is that we still love the sin more than God. The only thing stopping us is that we fear its consequences more than we love the sin itself. “But those who belong to Christ,” says Owen, “and whose obedience is shaped by gospel principles, have the death of Christ, the love of God, the detestable nature of sin, the preciousness of communion with God, a deep-seated horror of sin as sin, to oppose to all the seductions of sin.” The answer is always the same: faith and repentance. We need to dig deeper to expose the lies in our hearts and repent of the idols in our hearts. The New Testament language of repentance is often violent: Amputating: “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell” ( Matt. 5:29–30 ). Murdering: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry” ( Col. 3:5 ). Starving: “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” ( Rom. 13:14 ). Fighting: “Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” ( Eph. 6:13 ). As Paul exhorts Timothy to be godly, he uses three pictures that all highlight the effort involved. “Train yourself for godliness” ( 1 Tim. 4:7–8 ). Imagine athletes preparing for a race by following a strict diet. Each day they push themselves a little further. Often it hurts, but it’s worth it to win the prize. “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” (6:11). Imagine a lion in pursuit of an antelope. It’s relentless as it follows the antelope, not giving up until it has it in its grasp. “Fight the good fight of the faith” (6:12). Now we’re to imagine a boxer in the ring, taking heavy blows but always getting up again to fight to the end. We need to be violent with sin. If we hold back, it’s almost certainly because we don’t want to be violent toward something that we still love. We need to hate sin as sin and desire God for his own sake. Spot the Voice of Temptation Puritan John Flavel identified six arguments that Satan uses to tempt us, together with six model responses. Spot the voice of temptation in your life and identify how you should respond. You might like to ask two people to read it aloud as a dialogue. Argument 1: The Pleasure of Sin Temptation: Look at my smiling face and listen to my charming voice. Here is pleasure to be enjoyed. Who can stay away from such delights? Response: The pleasures of sin are real but so are the pangs of conscience and the flames of hell. The pleasures of sin are real but pleasing God is much sweeter. Argument 2: The Secrecy of Sin Temptation: This sin will never disgrace you in public because no one will ever find out. Response: Can I find somewhere God is not present for me to sin? Argument 3: The Profit of Sin Temptation: If you just stretch your conscience a little, you’ll gain so much. This is your opportunity. Response: What do I benefit if I gain the whole world but lose my own soul? I won’t risk my soul for all I could have in this world. Argument 4: The Smallness of Sin Temptation: It’s only a little thing, a small matter, a trifle. Who else would worry about such a trivial thing? Response: Is the majesty of heaven a small matter too? If I commit this sin, I will offend and wrong our great God. Is there any little hell to torment little sinners? Great wrath awaits those the world thinks are little sinners. The littler the sin, the less reason there is to commit it! Why should I be unfaithful toward God for such a trifle? Argument 5: The Grace of God Temptation: God will pass over this as a weakness. He won’t make a big deal of it. Response: Because God is good? Shall I take God’s glorious mercy and make it a reason to sin? Shall I wrong him because he’s good? Argument 6: The Example of Others Temptation: Better people than you have sinned in this way. And plenty of people have been restored after committing this sin. Response: God didn’t record the examples of good people sinning for me to copy but to warn me. Am I willing to feel what they felt for sin? I dare not follow their example in case God plunges me into the depths of horror that he cast them. We need to hate sin as sin and desire God for his own sake. This article is adapted from You Can Change: God's Transforming Power for Our Sinful Behavior and Negative Emotions   by Tim Chester.

A Fact of History The existence of Jesus of Nazareth and his execution by the Romans is not just an article of faith for Christians. It is a fact of history. The Roman historian Tacitus wrote that “Christus, the founder of the name, was put to death by Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea in the reign of Tiberius” ( Annals  15.44). The Jewish historian Josephus similarly writes regarding Jesus that “upon the accusation of the principal men among us, Pilate had condemned him to a cross” ( Antiquities  18.3.3 §63). Only the eyes of faith, however, can see that Jesus’s death was not that of a mere man dying a horrific, excruciating death, the victim of treachery by a close follower and a phalanx of political forces—the Sanhedrin (the Jewish supreme council) and Pontius Pilate (the Roman governor)—conspiring against him. Rather, in keeping with biblical expectation and in fulfillment of prophecy, the authors of Scripture affirm that Jesus died as the regal son of David and the suffering servant of the Lord who gave his life so that believers can live with him. As Isaiah wrote, Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. ( Isa. 53:4–6 ) Jesus died for us , sinners who cannot save themselves but desperately need a Savior. He took the punishment for our sins upon himself and “was pierced for our transgressions.” By “his wounds we are healed.” And all of this was the Lord’s doing: it was he who “has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Jesus’s death and resurrection were the ultimate game-changer. Before it, we were under God’s wrath and stood condemned ( John 5:24 ). After it, and by virtue of it, we are saved and forgiven, adopted into God’s family and destined for eternal bliss in heaven ( Gal. 4:4–5 ; Eph. 1:5 ). The death and resurrection of Christ truly changed everything. United with Christ in His Death and Resurrection But there is more. Between our past gift of salvation and our future destiny of heaven lies a life lived on this earth as Christ-followers pursuing his mission and being conformed to Christ’s image in sanctification. As Paul teaches, believers are united with Christ in his death and resurrection, which makes our sanctification possible. Our union with Christ is a central plank in New Testament teaching. We are “in Christ” ( Eph. 1:1, 4, 11, 13 ). Just as Jesus was set apart (“sanctified”) for his redemptive mission, we are set apart (“sanctified”) for mission. Jesus’s mission is primary; ours is derivative. As we proclaim the saving message of Christ, we act as his representatives, appealing to unbelievers to repent of their sin and to be reconciled to God ( 2 Cor. 5:20 ). The New Testament teaching connecting Christ’s death and resurrection and union with Christ with our sanctification is well captured by the apostle Paul: For if we have been united with him in a death  like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection  like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. . . . Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God . So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. ( Rom. 6:5–11 ; emphases added) Here we see the beautiful truth of our union with Christ in his death and resurrection and the implications of this union for our ongoing sanctification. “If we have died  with Christ, we will also live  with him.” Our union with Christ in his death leads inexorably to our union with him in his resurrection , for, like his death, his resurrection is also a historical fact. Paul notes elsewhere that there are well over five hundred witnesses who saw the risen Jesus ( 1 Cor. 15:3–6 ). The death Jesus died, he died with reference to sin, and he did so once for all. He “became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in him” ( 2 Cor. 5:21 ). “But the life he lives, he lives to God.” In the same way, we are to consider ourselves “dead to sin and alive to God” in him. According to the apostle, the implication of this wonderful salvation and sanctification truth is clear: Let not sin therefore reign  in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God  as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. ( Rom. 6:12–14 ) As we claim Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the devil on the cross, we refuse to present the members of our body as instruments of sin. Instead, we present them as instruments of righteousness, knowing that sin no longer has dominion over us as it did prior to our conversion. Now we live under the aegis and energizing power of grace, having received redemption, forgiveness, and adoption into God’s family, and having been set apart so we can become what we already are : holy and set apart to be God’s instruments for his glory. Implications for Sanctification The personal dimension of our union with Christ, therefore, results in our sanctification, which is both positional (we are set apart for God at conversion) and progressive (we are increasingly made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit). In addition to the individual dimension of sanctification, however, there is also a communal, missional, and familial dimension. Communal First, sanctification is communal, lived out in the context of the church. We are made more like Christ in our relationships with others in the body of Christ. Time and again, Paul stresses that we are to live out our faith in relation to “one another.” Take his words to the Colossians as an example: Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another  and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other ; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom . . . . ( Col. 3:12–16 ) Missional Second, sanctification is missional. It is not an end in itself, as if the end goal of our sanctification were our individual holiness. Rather, our growth in holiness is to reflect God’s glory, and the same God, in Christ, has commissioned his people to “go and disciple the nations” ( Matt. 28:18 ). Thus God has set us apart for a purpose. He has cleansed us and equipped us to represent him in sharing the good news of salvation in Christ with a lost and dying world. Familial Finally, third, sanctification is familial. We live out our sanctification first and foremost in our marriages and families. Thus Paul urges husbands to play a vital part in their wives’ sanctification ( Eph. 5:25–29 ). Also, mature Christian women are to mentor young women to love their husband and children and to manage their household well ( Titus 2:3–5 ). What started our journey of faith in surrendering our lives to Christ has morphed into a sanctified day to day quest to let the Spirit continue and complete his work in us as we are part of our church community, join God in his mission in this world, and live out our faith in our families. Conclusion The death and resurrection of Jesus are the indispensable foundation for our sanctification. Because Jesus died for us and rose again, we too died to our sinful selves and have a new life in him. Our union with Christ in his death and resurrection launches us into orbit as we pursue our sanctification in the Spirit. Not only do we do so individually, but we also live out our faith in our communities, as part of the church’s mission, and in our families. Christ’s death and resurrection make our sanctification possible, and for this we can be eternally grateful. Our union with Christ in his death leads inexorably to our union with him in his resurrection. by: Andreas J. Köstenberge

Holy Week stands as the pinnacle of the Christian calendar, a brief but sacred span of time that invites believers to walk alongside Jesus on his journey to the cross. All of the events of the Christian year point to this week of reflection on God’s plan to redeem his people through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus . As we read the story of our Savior’s experiences through this impossibly difficult week from the different perspectives of the Gospel  writers, we can follow along Jesus’ path: from the early shouts of “Hosanna” on Palm Sunday to the somber silence of the tomb on Saturday and finally to the empty tomb and the glorious proclamation of “He is risen!” on Easter Sunday . For Christians around the world, Easter week is much more than simply a historical remembrance; it is an opportunity to engage in an immersive spiritual encounter that defines the center—the very heart—of the Christian faith. When we pause to reflect on these days, we find ourselves drawn into a narrative of profound love, painful sacrifice, and ultimate victory. Jesus’ Journey Through Passion Week Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem The journey to the cross begins with Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, a moment of deceptive celebration. Jesus rides into the city of Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy: Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!See, your king comes to you,righteous and victorious,lowly and riding on a donkey,on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9) Seeing Jesus and wanting to believe that he would be the ones to save them from Roman oppression, the crowds spread their cloaks on the road, shouting, ” ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven !’” ( Matthew 21:9 ). Yet despite the echo of prophecy in this event, Jesus knows the fickle nature of human praise. He later weeps over Jerusalem ( Luke 19:41-44 ), understanding that the anthems of praise on this day would soon curdle into shouts for his crucifixion ( Matthew 27:22-23 ). Cleansing the Temple As the week progresses, the atmosphere of the story grows heavier. We read about Jesus’ interactions with the religious leaders, and we see Jesus’ righteous indignation in cleansing the temple from the corrupt traders who are cheating the worshipers within its walls. Jesus seeks to turn his people’s attention back to the true purpose of worship  in the temple. He overturns tables, disrupting the animal trade ( Matthew 21:12–13 ; Mark 11:15–17 ; Luke 19:45–46 ; John 2:13–16 ) and declaring, ” ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers’” ( Matthew 21:13 ). This act moves Jesus quickly forward on his collision course with the Jewish religious authorities. It accelerates their plot to kill him ( Luke 19:47–48 ) in the face of his popularity. The Upper Room The events in the Upper Room slow down the narrative. Here, Jesus washes the feet of his disciples—a shocking display of servant leadership ( John 13:1–17 )—and institutes the Lord’s Supper  ( Matthew 26:17–30 ; Mark 14:12–26 ; Luke 22:7–23 ; cf. 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 ). He offers bread and wine, symbols of a new covenant based on his own body and blood. But the intimacy of this scene is fractured by betrayal. Judas slips away into the night to meet with the Jewish religious authorities ( John 13:21–30 ), and Jesus retreats with a few of his disciples to Gethsemane ( Matthew 26:36–46 ; Mark 14:32–42 ; Luke 22:39–46 ). Gethsemane There in the garden we witness the raw humanity of the Son of God. He is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death ( Matthew 26:37–38 ). He prays, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” ( Matthew 26:39 ). The physical and emotional anguish is palpable as he accepts the weight of the world’s sin ( Luke 22:44 ), even as he himself is perfectly sinless. His pain and suffering are so intense that his sweat is like drops of blood. Good Friday / Jesus’ Crucifixion The journey then descends into the darkness of Good Friday. Following his arrest, Jesus endures a brutal scourging, a punishment designed to inflict maximum pain and leave him physically weakened and emotionally spent. The whip itself likely tears the skin on Jesus’ back to ribbons; infliction of these wounds were in many cases too much for the condemned, who died from searing pain and massive blood loss. Jesus survives this beating, and the gospel accounts detail how he is then forced to carry his own cross through the streets of Jerusalem toward Golgotha, also called “the place of the skull.” As we read about Jesus experiencing this very public, exhausting, and humiliating trek, we see how his humility and his resolve are both on display. His purpose is firm; his course is set. Both the scourging and the public walk carrying the cross are designed to maximize the deterrent effect of the act of crucifixion itself for those watching. Those who see Jesus walking through the streets, torn and filthy and bleeding, surely would never have willingly traded places with him. Roman crucifixion was designed to be one of the most agonizing forms of execution. Nails driven through Jesus’ wrists and feet would have pierced major nerves, delivering excruciating pain with each movement. As his body weight hung from those wounds and his outstretched arms, his shoulders and elbows likely dislocated. The position he was in on the cross made every breath a struggle. He would have had to push up against the nail piercing his feet just to inhale, an act that would have inflamed his nail wounds and scraped his torn back against the rough wood. Jesus’ suffering only intensified with time, as dehydration, severe muscle cramps, and shock likely set in. Fluid loss and restricted breathing were likely part of his slow suffocation, until the moment when he willingly gave up his spirit. Throughout all of this pain and suffering, Jesus was always in control, willingly taking the punishment that was necessary to set humanity on a path toward reconciliation with God. Jesus’ Death on the Cross Betrayed ( Matthew 26:47–50 ), arrested ( John 18:2–13 ), mocked ( Matthew 27:27–31 ), beaten ( Mark 15:15–20 ), and finally nailed to a cross ( John 19:16–18 ), Jesus endures ultimate separation from God his Father. At God’s hand, nature responds to this cosmic tragedy and darkness covers the land ( Luke 23:44–45 ). It is then that the end comes: “When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit” ( Matthew 27:50 ). At the same time as Jesus’ death, the thick veil of the temple tears from top to bottom, eliminating the barriers that had formerly existed between individuals and God. This physical act of God tearing the curtain from top to bottom is a picture of the effort that God made to open up the relationship between himself and his created people, making communion between humans and heaven possible ( Matthew 27:51 ; Mark 15:38 ; Luke 23:45 ). For Christians, these intense emotional and physical sufferings reveal the depth of Christ’s love and sacrifice. Every gasp and wave of pain carries spiritual meaning. Jesus bore this suffering willingly, opening the way for people to pursue forgiveness  of their sin and enter into a new relationship with God. Jesus’ willingness to endure this harrowing crucifixion inspires believers to live in gratitude , humility, and active faith, recognizing that their ultimate hope is rooted in the self-giving sacrifice of Christ.   Burial and Waiting With his followers scattered, and the women who knew him best bearing witness, Jesus’ body is removed from the cross and prepared for burial. Two unlikely but courageous followers take on this task, and one offers a tomb that he had made ready for himself and his family. Then the stone is rolled in front of the tomb. Silence falls on Saturday, a day of waiting, fear, and hopelessness for his followers ( Matthew 27:62–66 ), until the stone is rolled away on Sunday morning ( Matthew 28:1–10 ; Mark 16:1–8 ; Luke 24:1–12 ; John 20:1–18 )! The Gospel accounts recording this event are almost unbelievable. Imagine seeing what the women and the disciples saw and experienced that day! The power of the Roman crucifixion, cursed as it was by Scripture ( Deuteronomy 21:23 , quoted in Galatians 3:13 ), is rendered powerless by the resurrection of Jesus. Death is defeated, and a path to freedom and communion is created for all who will trust and obey. Hallelujah! Jesus Christ—the perfectly sinless One who gave himself up as a sacrifice for human sin, who died on a cruel cross to pay the price for the sins of everyone who would believe in him—that same Jesus is alive again. And he still lives today! The Significance for Those Who Believe For the believer, Holy Week is not merely a retelling of ancient events; it is a mirror held up to our own souls. It forces us to confront the gravity of our own sinful nature and the magnitude of God’s grace in sending Jesus Christ to earth to bring salvation . Christians cannot walk through this week casually. As we consider the weight of our own sin, we are invited to see ourselves in the crowd—sometimes praising  ( Matthew 21:8–9 ), sometimes denying ( Luke 22:54–62 ), often hiding ( John 20:19 ). This week signifies the ultimate exchange. We recognize that the isolation Jesus felt on the cross—his separation from God to pay the price for our sin—was the isolation we deserved.“The punishment that brought us peace  was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” ( Isaiah 53:5 ). For every Christian who has accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on their behalf, this week is a time for deep introspection and repentance. When we meditate on the cross, our own pride and petty grievances seem trivial. The call to “take up [our] cross and follow [him]” ( Matthew 16:24 ; Mark 8:34 ; Luke 9:23 ) becomes not just a metaphor, but a daily reality of dying to self so that we can pursue and advance the cause of Christ in the world. Furthermore, Holy Week anchors our hope. The resurrection is the lynchpin of our faith. As the apostle Paul writes, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” ( 1 Corinthians 15:17 ). Because Jesus Christ was raised from the dead and still lives to advocate for us, we have the assurance that death is not the final word in our own stories. Holy week transforms our understanding of suffering because we learn that God is not aloof from our pain; he has entered into it, absorbed it, and redeemed it ( Hebrews 4:15 —Jesus as our sympathetic high priest). Holy Week and the Celebration of Passover Holy Week unfolds within the context of the Jewish Passover, a commemoration of God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. In the observance of Passover, families selected a spotless lamb that would be sacrificed as a symbol of purity and substitution ( Exodus 12:3–7 ): “the blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you” ( Exodus 12:13 ). Passover foreshadowed a far greater deliverance—the redemption of humanity through Christ. It is no accident that the events of Jesus’ passion occur during the celebration of Passover ( Matthew 26:17–19 ; Mark 14:12–16 ; Luke 22:7–13 ). The path Jesus walked to Calvary was also the route trodden by the sacrifical Passover lambs that were brought into Jerusalem. According to tradition, these lambs would be led from Bethlehem through the Sheep Gate and up to the Temple for sacrifice (see Nehemiah 3:1  for historical context). Jesus, called the “Lamb of God” ( John 1:29 ), entered Jerusalem from Bethlehem, passed through the same gate as these sacrificial lambs, and ultimately journeyed to the cross on the very roads these animals walked. In this way, he fulfilled centuries of prophecy and ritual. As Paul wrote, “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” ( 1 Corinthians 5:7 ). The Turning Point of History Beyond the historical timeline and personal application of this week lies a cosmic reality: Holy Week is the turning point of history. Jesus’ resurrection signifies the moment where the Kingdom  of God overcame, once and for all time, the kingdom of this world. It completed God’s plan to save his people after the fall in Genesis 3 , and it signals the ultimate defeat of the powers of darkness. When Jesus declared, “It is finished” ( John 19:30 ), he was announcing the completion of a rescue mission planned before the foundation of the world. One of the great reasons for celebration in the face of these realities is found in the restoration of relationships. The tearing of the temple curtain signifies that access to the presence of God is no longer restricted ( Matthew 27:51 ; Mark 15:38 ; Luke 23:45 ). We are invited into the Most Holy Place—not by our own merit, but by the blood of the Lamb ( Hebrews 10:19–22 ). This celebration also represents a subversive act in terms of the sinful world that we live in. In a world obsessed with power, wealth, and status, Holy Week celebrates a King who conquers through humility, a God who wins ultimate victory from a cross, and a pathway to life that is found by losing it ( Matthew 20:26–28 ; Mark 10:43–45 ). It is God acting purely out of love toward undeserving, sin-sick people; he rewards humility, surrender, and faith with unspeakable love and grace and mercy. As such, it challenges every worldly definition of success  and victory. Holy Week: A Love Story Ultimately, Holy Week is a love story. It is the story of a holy God who fulfilled the requirements and paid the penalties for our sin in his own body. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). As we move from the shadows of Gethsemane to the light of the empty tomb, let us do so with hearts full of wonder, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to live as people of the resurrection.

Perhaps there is no clearer narrative in the Bible showcasing God’s strength over the rebellious powers of this world than the ten plagues that led to the Israelites leaving slavery in Egypt. In one act after another, God clearly displayed his power and exposed the supposed power of Pharaoh and his “gods” as utterly impotent. Like the curtain being pulled back on the imposter pretending to be the “great and powerful Wizard of Oz,” revealing him to be no wizard at all, Exodus 7–13  shows that God alone is sovereign and that the forces of this world hold no power next to him. The culmination of this dramatic masterclass in God’s sovereignty is the story of the Passover, which matches God’s power with God’s grace . The backdrop of the Passover event is the tenth plague, which is the most devastating of them all: the death of the firstborn child in every home not marked by the blood of a lamb. This plague is God’s retribution against Pharaoh for his killing of the baby boys of the Israelites in Exodus 1 . God essentially tells the Israelites to set their calendars by this powerful event. He tells Moses, “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year” (Exodus 12:2). The Passover event marks a new beginning. It’s not simply about departing from Egypt; the Israelites were instructed to mark time by this event as their identity-defining national holiday. It was a new beginning for God’s people, a fresh slate. The Blood of the Lamb: Foreshadowing Christ’s Sacrifice God gave Moses careful instructions to relay to the Israelites regarding what they were to do that night. They couldn’t just choose any animal to kill and spread the blood around their doors. God specified that it needed to be a year-old male without defect (see 12:5 ). The blood of the lamb on their doorframes caused God to pass over the homes of the Israelites: “When I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt” ( 12:13 ). The blood of the year-old lamb is a foreshadowing of the blood of Christ poured out for God’s children at the cross. First Peter 1:19  tells us that God redeemed sinners by “the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” Along with the blood on the doorframes, God instituted a meal for his people, and he instructed them to practice this meal as a lasting ordinance (see Exodus 12:14 ). In this way, the Israelites would continually reenact their story of deliverance and God’s grace toward them. Reading these instructions should make us ponder where, in our lives and yearly routines, we take time to remember and reenact God’s grace to us through Jesus Christ. What are the particular practices, worship  services, and occasions of remembrance that anchor us deeper in the memory and hope of God’s grace? Remembering Deliverance—and Welcoming Outsiders As we read on in God’s Passover instructions to the Israelites, we find provision even for outsiders to enter the community and celebrate this memorial of God’s grace: “A foreigner residing among you who wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover must have all the males in his household circumcised; then he may take part like one born in the land” ( 12:48 ). Take a moment to appreciate how dramatic this is: even those who aren’t part of the story—those who weren’t themselves liberated nor are descendants of those who were liberated from slavery in Egypt—may still enter God’s family of grace as though they were born among God’s people. This recalls God’s promise that Abraham’s descendants  would be a blessing to “all peoples” ( Genesis 12:3 ). Outsiders are invited to join God’s people and inherit the story of God’s grace as their own. See Psalm 87  for a dramatic picture of this; even Israel’s greatest enemies—Babylon and Egypt—receive the gracious announcement, “This one was born in Zion” ( Psalm 87:6 ). Amazing grace indeed! Observing Passover was to become, Moses said, a way for parents to teach their children about God’s powerful acts of deliverance. Moses instructed the people to say this out loud: “On that day tell your son, ‘I do this because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.’” (Exodus 13:8). Our faith cannot just live in our heads; we need concrete practices to show the next generation what we believe. When I was a child, my family would often put up a Jesse Tree during the season of Advent . This was a flannel wall hanging on which we would add characters from the Bible during the weeks leading up to Christmas to be reminded of how God’s plan of salvation  unfolds across the pages of Scripture. Concrete, embodied practices like this are a wonderful and necessary way to display our faith to younger generations. Other examples may include lighting Advent candles or—in keeping with the Passover practice—hosting a Seder meal at your church during Passover. For Christians, the story of Passover finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Christ was crucified in Jerusalem during Passover. Just as blood on the doorframes saved the Israelites in Egypt, so the blood of Christ saves all God’s children from everything that could separate us from the love of God. Christ’s death opens the door for us to become children of God, freeing us from the power of sin and death. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 5:7–8 , “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” Through Christ, we have freedom from slavery to sin and a new beginning in God’s grace. Thanks be to God! Adapted from the study material from the  NIV Application Bible  based on the NIV Application Commentary series.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven . He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”  — Matthew 5:43-47 If you’ve ever wondered why many people refused to follow Jesus during this earthly ministry, you have to look no further than his command to love and pray for our enemies (see Matthew 5:43 ). For the entirety of their existence, the people of Israel had to fend off enemies—from their slavery in Egypt to their occupation by the Roman Empire. Expecting them to love and pray for their enemies was almost inconceivable. It would be akin to telling modern Christians to love and pray for those causing grave injustice and persecution against them. Yet when Jesus gave the command to love and pray for our enemies, he knew it would one day require praying for people who would murder his own bride, the church . He made it clear that when we think of the people who hate us and wish us harm that we can no longer even see them as enemies. As John MacArthur explains, “We are not to be enemies of those who may be enemies to us. From their perspective, we are their enemies; but from our perspective, they should be our neighbors.” But how do we do that? How do we pray for these neighbors who hate us? Such a task is difficult, but here are three specific ways to ease the process: 3 Ways to Pray for Our Enemies 1. Pray for their transformation Like Jonah, we want those who have done evil to receive their just desserts, not mercy and forgiveness . Consider all the Christians who dutifully prayed for the Nazis in World War II. How would they have felt if they discovered that Hitler, prior to his death, had truly repented of his sins and was forgiven by God? Many would have felt cheated, as if it was unfair of God to forgive such horrific crimes. They would likely want to complain, as Jonah did when God spared the Ninevites, “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity” ( Jonah 4:2 ). But it is precisely because he is a gracious and compassionate God that we pray for our enemies to change their ways. How could we do anything less than ask God to show them the same grace he has shown to us?   2. Pray the evil they do is restrained There is no dichotomy in praying for the good of our enemy and praying that their evil actions be restrained. It is to their benefit, too, that they be prevented from committing evil. For those who have hardened their hearts against God, it would be better that their lives are shortened than for them to continue to persecute his children. To protect the innocent from slaughter, it might even be necessary for human governments to take military action to restrain evil. But we should remember that while force might be the only effective way to restrain their actions, we should not rejoice  in their suffering or death (see Proverbs 24:17 ). 3. Pray they will receive divine justice Just as we seek justice  on earth from duly established governmental authorities, we can seek out the divine justice  of our holy God. Yet when asking that such justice be meted out, we have to be careful to guard our motives to ensure we aren’t trying to circumvent our duty to love our enemy. In the order of our prayers, this request is a “last resort” option, a plea for doing what is necessary for those who will neither turn to God nor turn away from doing evil. As former enemies of God ourselves, we should be gracious and grateful we are even allowed to pray for our current enemies, secure in the knowledge that Jesus will hear us. We can be thankful enough for the gospel  that we want even our enemies to hear the good news of God’s grace. But if they refuse and harden their hearts against the One who would spare them, then we can ask that they receive the divine retribution that is due to us all. Practical Takeaway Our obligation to pray for our enemies requires we seek their ultimate good, not overlook their current evil. Drawn from the NIV Spiritual Habits Bible . John MacArthur, “Praying for Enemies,” Grace to You, October 22, 2014, https://uk.gty.org/library/bibleqnas-library/QA0275/how-should-we-pray-for-our-enemies March 23/26

Lent is a 40-day period of time leading up to Easter that begins on Ash Wednesday  and ends on Holy Saturday . The word "lent" comes from the old English word lencten that means lengthen - referring to the season of spring and longer daytime. The length of Lent represents the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness before beginning his ministry. Lent is a time of spiritual renewal and reflection in preparation of observing Good Friday, the death of Jesus and celebrating Easter, the resurrection of Jesus.  The purpose of Lent is to draw closer to God through prayer , repentance, and self-examination. During Lent, many Christians choose to fast or give up certain indulgences as a form of self-discipline and penance. This may include abstaining from certain foods, activities, or habits. Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And he fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was hungry. Matthew 4:1-2 The History and Origin of Lent So where does Lent come from, and how do we "do" Lent? The Lenten season developed as part of the historical Christian calendar and is typically celebrated by Catholics and some mainline Protestant churches that follow a liturgical calendar. Although its format has varied throughout the centuries and throughout different cultures, the basic concept remains the same: to open our hearts to God's refining grace through prayer, confession, fasting, and almsgiving as we anticipate Holy Week. Lent traditionally lasts forty days, modeled after Christ's forty-day fast in the desert, and ends on Good Friday. In the Western Church, Lent officially begins with a reminder of our mortality on Ash Wednesday. What is the Meaning of Lent? Just as we set aside time to spiritually prepare for Christmas Day, it makes sense to set aside time to prepare for the two most important days of the Christian year - Good Friday  and Easter. Lent is a time that offers us an opportunity to come to terms with the human condition we may spend the rest of the year running from, bringing our need for a Savior to the forefront.  Lent is a time to open the doors of our hearts a little wider and understand our Lord a little deeper so that when Good Friday and Easter come, it is not just another day at church but an opportunity to receive the overflowing graces God has to offer. Lent is more frequently observed as a solemn time of preparation for remembering the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. From the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday till Lent ends on Easter Sunday, Lent is traditionally a time of fasting or giving something up, known as abstinence. Lent gives us time to prepare our minds and hearts for remembering the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  Prayer is a significant focus during Lent. During the 40 days, we seek God's forgiveness, accept his love and mercy, and repent or turn from our sins. Fasting or abstaining from something, like our favorite food or activity, not only gives us time to pray but reminds us of Jesus' suffering and sacrifice.  When Does Lent Start? Every year, Lent begins with Ash Wednesday  and is always 46 days before Easter Sunday. The Lent season is a 40-days long  (not counting Sundays) marked by repentance, fasting, reflection, and ultimately celebration. The 40-day period represents Christ’s time of temptation in the wilderness, where he fasted and where Satan tempted him. Lent asks believers to set aside a time each year for similar fasting, marking an intentional season of focus on Christ’s life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection. In 2026, Ash Wednesday fell on February 18, which means Lent began on that day. Therefore, Lent in 2026 will go from February 18 to April 2 , with Easter Sunday celebrated on April 5, 2026. (learn more at: When is Lent? The Start of Lent, A Guide to the Start and End of Lent ) Practicing Lent Traditions You can benefit from celebrating Lent even if your church does not formally do so. Here are some of the key elements of the Lenten season and some of the symbolism that comes with it. Many of these practices can be celebrated both individually and as a community: Purple: Like Advent, the official color for Lent is purple. Usually, churches that celebrate Lent choose the deepest, darkest shade of purple for this special season. They may also strip their churches bare of some of the usual decorations adorning the walls. Purple is the color of repentance for sins and also symbolizes the state of our souls outside the light of Christ. During this time, pray for those who do not know Christ and for those who have sinned gravely against Him. Confession: As mentioned above, Lent is a penitential season or expressed sorrow and repentance... The 40 days are set aside to examine areas of recurring sin in our lives that prevent us from conforming to God's Will. An excellent way to start an examination of conscience is by praying Psalm 139 , verses 23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Fasting and Prayer: Fasting is a practice that has really gone by the wayside in many Christian circles. Yet, if done correctly, it can be a powerful time to renew your relationship with God. Fasting can be found in both the Old Testament and the New, with Moses ( Exodus 34:28 ; Deuteronomy 9:9 ,18 ), Elijah ( 1 Kings 19:8 ), and our Lord ( Matthew 4:2 ) all participating in 40-day fasts. Fasting is a way of denying ourselves the excesses of life so that we might be more attuned to the Lord's voice. It is also a way of disciplining yourself, strengthening your "spiritual muscles," so to speak, so that when temptations arise in life, you are already used to saying "no" to your desires. And finally, fasting is also a way of participating, in a small way, in the sufferings of Christ and can be particularly powerful when accompanied by prayer and confession. Meditating on Christ's Sacrifice for Mankind:  In addition to periodic fasting and prayer, our scriptural meditations typically turn to the salvation offered to us through Christ's suffering. Read Old Testament Scriptures prophesying the suffering of Christ and the New Testament Gospel accounts. Charity/Almsgiving: A very important element of the Lenten season is becoming aware of not only the suffering and sacrifice of Christ but also the suffering of others. Between now and Good Friday, choose one way you can increase your giving to those in need. It could be through extra financial offerings, donating goods you no longer need or use to charity, or increasing your personal time commitment to a ministry or cause close to your heart. Important Days of Lent The key events of Lent include Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday , Maundy Thursday , Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.  At the start of Lent, on Ash Wednesday , many Christians get a cross on their foreheads from the ashes during a church service. The ashes symbolize grief and the acceptance of our sinful state.  Palm Sunday  remembers the entrance of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem , where He was welcomed as King just days before His crucifixion . Maundy Thursday is recognized as the day before Jesus is crucified. It is believed to be the day Jesus celebrated Passover with his disciples and, most notably, washed their feet as a display of humility and love.  Good Friday  is the day we remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus on the cross . It is called "good" because it is part of God's plan for our salvation. God's good plan to redeem us from sin included the suffering of Jesus. Holy Saturday  is the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday in Christian tradition. It commemorates the day when Jesus Christ's body was laid in the tomb after his crucifixion, and it is a day of reflection and anticipation of his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday  is often referred to as the most important day in Christian history. Three days after his death, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ . Jesus rose again, conquering sin and death. Through Jesus, we have the opportunity to have eternal forgiveness for our sins, a relationship with God, and eternity in heaven.   Bible Verses for Lent Philippians 3:10-11 - "I want to know Christ, yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participate in his sufferings, becoming like him in death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Joel 2:12-14 - "Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate.  Matthew 6:16-18 - "when you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites...but when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." 1 Peter 5:6 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you A Prayer for Lent Join me in prayer for this season of Lent: Heavenly Father,Thank you for the gift of this season. Thank you for knowing our hearts and our need for rhythms in our lives, and for drawing us into a deeper communion with you throughout the coming 40 days.  Lord, it can be disheartening to read on Ash Wednesday that all come from dust, and to dust all return ( Ecclesiastes 3:20 ), yet we know that there is more to our stories. We know that you created man and woman from the dust at the very beginning of time ( Genesis 2:7 ) and that you breathed life into them to transform them into living creatures. We know that you are in the business of resurrection-- your very Son went to the cross to show us that no death is final and that ultimate transformation comes through your gift of salvation. Though we were made from dust, and our bodies will return to dust again, we can live in eternal glory with you through the blood of your Son. May we remember the gift of salvation in this season...Amen

When I first began exploring the depths of the Bible, I was struck by how its wisdom transcends time and culture. The lessons it offers are not just ancient stories but practical guides for living a meaningful and fulfilling life today. In this post, I want to share with you some of the profound insights I’ve uncovered, hoping they will inspire you as much as they have inspired me. Discovering Wisdom from the Bible in Everyday Life Wisdom from the Bible is not just about knowing scripture; it’s about applying its truths in our daily walk. For example, the book of Proverbs is filled with practical advice on how to handle relationships, work, and personal growth. One verse that always stands out to me is Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. This simple yet powerful guidance reminds me to seek God’s direction, especially when life feels uncertain. Applying biblical wisdom means embracing patience, kindness, and humility. It’s about making choices that reflect love and integrity, even when it’s challenging. I find that when I pause to reflect on these teachings, I gain clarity and peace that help me navigate life’s ups and downs. Open Bible on wooden table The Role of Biblical Teachings in Shaping Character One of the most beautiful aspects of biblical wisdom is its focus on character development. The Bible doesn’t just tell us what to believe; it shows us how to live with purpose and virtue. Take the fruit of the Spirit, for instance—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are not just ideals but practical traits we can cultivate. I’ve noticed that when I intentionally work on these attributes, my relationships improve, and I feel more aligned with God’s will. It’s a lifelong process, but the Bible offers encouragement and examples to keep us motivated. Reflecting on the lives of biblical figures like Joseph, Ruth, and Paul reveals how faith and perseverance can transform challenges into triumphs. What are the 10 Doctrines of the Bible? Understanding the core doctrines of the Bible helps us grasp the foundation of Christian faith. These doctrines serve as pillars that support our beliefs and guide our spiritual journey. Here are the ten essential doctrines that I find crucial: The Doctrine of the Trinity - God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Doctrine of the Bible - The Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God. The Doctrine of God - God is eternal, omnipotent, and loving. The Doctrine of Man - Humans are created in God’s image but fallen. The Doctrine of Sin - Sin separates us from God and affects all humanity. The Doctrine of Salvation - Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone. The Doctrine of Grace - God’s unmerited favor saves and sustains us. The Doctrine of the Church - The church is the body of Christ on earth. The Doctrine of Resurrection - Believers will be raised to eternal life. 10. The Doctrine of Last Things - Christ will return, and there will be final judgment. Each doctrine offers a lens through which we can better understand God’s plan and our role in it. Reflecting on these truths deepens faith and encourages a life rooted in hope and purpose. Cross symbolizing Christian faith How to Apply Biblical Wisdom in Modern Challenges Life today is filled with complexities that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Yet, the wisdom found in scripture provides timeless solutions. For instance, when facing anxiety or fear, Philippians 4:6-7 advises us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God through prayer. This practice has personally helped me find calm amid chaos. Here are some practical ways to apply biblical wisdom: Daily Reflection : Spend a few minutes each day reading and meditating on scripture. Prayer and Meditation : Use prayer as a tool to seek guidance and peace. Community Engagement : Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage spiritual growth. Service to Others : Practice kindness and generosity as expressions of faith. Journaling : Write down insights and prayers to track your spiritual journey. By integrating these habits, we can live out the principles of the Bible in ways that impact our families, workplaces, and communities positively. Embracing the Journey of Spiritual Growth Spiritual growth is not a destination but a continuous journey. The wisdom from the Bible invites us to keep learning, growing, and transforming. Sometimes, this means facing difficult questions or wrestling with doubts. That’s okay. The Bible itself is full of honest conversations with God, showing us that faith includes moments of struggle and discovery. I encourage you to embrace this journey with an open heart. Let the scriptures challenge and comfort you. Remember, growth often comes through perseverance and trust in God’s timing. As you explore these timeless truths, may you find encouragement and strength to deepen your faith and live with greater purpose. I hope this exploration of wisdom from the Bible has sparked a desire to dive deeper into its teachings. Remember, the journey is personal and unique, but you are never alone. Keep seeking, reflecting, and growing—there is always more to uncover in the rich tapestry of God’s word. For more insights and resources, feel free to explore biblical teachings that can guide you on this incredible path.

When life feels heavy and the body or spirit is weary, I often turn to the comforting words of Scripture. There’s something deeply reassuring about knowing that healing is not just a hope but a promise embedded in God’s Word. Over time, I’ve discovered that embracing healing affirmations rooted in Scripture can transform not only my mindset but also my spiritual walk. Today, I want to share with you how these promises offer real hope and practical encouragement for anyone seeking restoration and peace. Embracing Healing Affirmations in Daily Life Healing affirmations are powerful declarations based on biblical truths. They help us focus on God’s promises rather than our present struggles. When I say affirmations like, “By His stripes, I am healed” or “The Lord sustains me and restores my health,” I remind myself that healing is part of God’s plan for me. Here’s why healing affirmations matter: They renew your mind : Repeating God’s promises rewires your thoughts away from fear and doubt. They build faith : Affirmations encourage trust in God’s timing and power. They invite peace : Speaking healing truths calms anxiety and invites God’s peace. Try incorporating these affirmations into your morning routine or prayer time. Write them on sticky notes, say them aloud, or meditate on them during quiet moments. The key is consistency and belief. Healing affirmations rooted in Scripture provide spiritual strength and encouragement. What is Psalm 41:3 Healing? Psalm 41:3 says, “The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.” This verse has always stood out to me as a tender promise of God’s personal care during times of sickness. It’s not just about physical healing but also about God’s sustaining presence when we feel weak or vulnerable. This verse reminds us that: God is actively involved in our healing process. Healing can be both physical and emotional. Even when recovery is slow, God’s sustaining grace is constant. When I meditate on Psalm 41:3, I feel encouraged to lean into God’s strength rather than my own. It’s a reminder that healing is a journey, and God walks with us every step of the way. Exploring Healing Promises in Scripture Throughout the Bible, there are countless verses that speak to God’s desire to heal and restore. These promises are not just ancient words but living truths that apply to us today. For example: Isaiah 53:5 : “By His wounds, we are healed.” This verse points to the ultimate healing through Christ’s sacrifice. Jeremiah 30:17 : “I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds.” A direct promise of restoration. James 5:14-15 : Encourages believers to pray for the sick and trust in God’s healing power. When I reflect on these verses, I realize that healing is holistic. It includes body, mind, and spirit. God’s healing promises in scripture are a source of hope that transcends our circumstances. If you want to dive deeper into these promises, check out this resource on healing promises in scripture. How to Apply Healing Promises in Your Spiritual Walk Applying these healing promises isn’t just about reading them once. It’s about weaving them into your daily life and faith practice. Here are some practical steps I’ve found helpful: Memorize key healing verses : Having them ready in your heart helps during tough moments. Pray Scripture-based prayers : Use God’s promises as the foundation of your prayers. Speak healing affirmations aloud : Declare God’s truth over your life and loved ones. Join a faith community : Sharing healing prayers and testimonies strengthens belief. Journal your healing journey : Write down prayers, answers, and reflections to see God’s work over time. Remember, healing can be immediate or gradual. Trusting God’s timing is part of the process. When I focus on these steps, I feel more connected to God’s healing power and less overwhelmed by challenges. Living in the Assurance of God’s Healing The journey of healing is often unpredictable. Sometimes, physical healing comes quickly; other times, it’s a slow process. But what remains constant is God’s faithfulness. His promises assure us that we are never alone in our struggles. I encourage you to hold onto these truths: God’s love never fails, even when healing seems delayed. Healing is more than the absence of illness; it’s wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. Your faith and hope in God’s promises are powerful tools in your healing journey. By embracing healing affirmations and Scripture’s promises, you can walk forward with confidence and peace. Let these words be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path as you navigate life’s challenges. May you find comfort and strength in the healing promises God has graciously given us all. Thank you for spending this time reflecting on Scripture’s assurance of healing promises. May your faith be renewed and your spirit restored.

When sickness knocks on our door, it can shake us to our core. I’ve often found myself wrestling with fear and uncertainty during those times. But there is a powerful truth that has anchored my soul: victory over sickness comes through the blood of Jesus. This isn’t just a hopeful phrase; it’s a promise rooted deeply in Scripture and lived out in the lives of believers throughout history. Today, I want to share with you how Jesus’ blood brings healing, restoration, and hope. Jesus' Blood for Healing: A Divine Remedy The blood of Jesus is more than a symbol; it is the very power of God at work. In the Old Testament, blood was used in sacrifices to atone for sin and bring cleansing. But Jesus’ blood is the ultimate sacrifice, perfect and eternal. It covers our sins and also brings healing to our bodies and spirits. When I reflect on the healing power of Jesus’ blood, I think about the story of the woman who touched the hem of His garment and was instantly healed (Mark 5:25-34). Her faith in the power flowing from Jesus’ blood changed her life. This story reminds me that healing is not just physical but spiritual and emotional too. Here are some practical ways to embrace this healing power: Pray with faith : Speak the promises of God over your body. Declare Scripture : Verses like Isaiah 53:5 remind us that by His wounds, we are healed. Trust God’s timing : Healing may come immediately or gradually, but God’s power is always at work. Seek community support : Share your journey with fellow believers who can pray and encourage you. The Power of Jesus' Blood in Spiritual Warfare Sickness is often more than just a physical issue; it can be a spiritual battle. The enemy tries to steal our health and peace, but Jesus’ blood is our shield and weapon. Revelation 12:11 tells us that believers overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. I remember a time when I was battling a persistent illness. It felt like a spiritual attack, and I had to remind myself daily that Jesus’ blood had already won the victory. I would declare aloud , “By the blood of Jesus, I am healed and whole.” This declaration is powerful because it aligns our faith with God’s truth. To stand firm in this spiritual battle: Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Use the blood of Jesus as your protection . Speak out your testimony of victory . Resist the enemy with faith and prayer . This spiritual approach transforms how we face sickness. It’s not just about the body but about claiming God’s authority over every area of our lives. What is the meaning behind Agnus Dei's lyrics? The song Agnus Dei beautifully captures the essence of Jesus’ sacrifice and its power in our lives. The phrase "Agnus Dei" means "Lamb of God," referring to Jesus as the perfect sacrifice who takes away the sins of the world. The lyrics emphasize the holiness and mercy of Jesus, inviting us to worship Him for His redemptive work. When we sing Agnus Dei , we are reminded that His blood cleanses us, heals us, and grants us peace. The song is a declaration of faith in the power of Jesus’ blood to overcome every challenge, including sickness. Listening to Agnus Dei can be a spiritual balm, encouraging us to trust in Jesus’ healing power and surrender our burdens to Him. It’s a beautiful way to connect our hearts to the truth of victory through His blood. Worship connects us to the healing power of Jesus’ sacrifice. Embracing Healing Through Faith and Action Faith is essential, but it’s also important to take practical steps toward healing. Jesus’ blood opens the door to divine healing, but we must walk through it with confidence and action. Here are some ways I’ve found helpful in embracing healing: Maintain a healthy lifestyle : Nutrition, rest, and exercise honor the body God gave us. Seek medical help when needed : God often works through doctors and medicine. Meditate on healing scriptures daily : Let God’s Word renew your mind. Practice gratitude : Thank God for every small victory and moment of health. Stay connected to a faith community : Prayer and encouragement are vital. Remember, healing is a journey. Sometimes it’s immediate, other times it’s gradual. But Jesus’ blood assures us that victory is certain. If you want to deepen your understanding and encouragement, check out the inspiring by the blood of jesus i prevail over sickness lyrics that beautifully express this truth. Living in the Victory of Jesus' Blood Every Day Victory over sickness is not just for moments of crisis; it’s a daily reality. When we live in the power of Jesus’ blood, we walk in health, peace, and confidence. This victory shapes how we face challenges, how we pray, and how we encourage others. I encourage you to make these truths part of your daily life: Start each day with a declaration of victory . Carry a verse or two about healing with you . Share your testimony of healing with others . Pray for those who are sick, standing in faith for their healing . By doing this, you not only strengthen your own faith but also become a beacon of hope for others. Victory through Jesus’ blood is a gift we can claim every day. It’s a reminder that no matter what we face, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. May this truth encourage you and bring peace to your heart. Remember, healing is not just a distant hope but a present reality through the blood of Jesus. Keep standing firm, keep believing, and keep walking in the victory that is yours.