If we’re being honest with ourselves, we have to admit that relying on our own strength or ability doesn’t get us too far in our Christian walk. Our patience, love, endurance, goodness—whatever it is that’s required of us in different situations—all eventually run out. And sometimes we find ourselves in the midst of difficulties we simply can’t handle on our own. So how can we be strengthened to...
What Does It Mean to Be Holy?
Have you ever wondered what it means to be holy? Verses like 1 Peter 1:16 clearly say we believers should be holy: “Because it is written, ‘You shall be holy because I am holy.’” We probably have our own ideas, but what does it really mean to be holy? Does it mean we’re pious, perfect, or sinless? That we dress, talk, and behave a certain way? Does performing a religious ritual make us holy? Does...
7 Ways to Have a New Beginning with the Lord
As Christians, we desire a closer relationship with God. Whatever our experience was last year, thank the Lord, we can freshly give ourselves to daily pursue Christ this year. At the beginning of this new year, we thought we’d share seven ways for us to have a new beginning with the Lord. The points below include inspiring and motivating quotes from well-known Bible teachers, preachers, Christian...
What Can the Story of the Magi Teach Us About Knowing Jesus?
You’re probably familiar with the story in Matthew 2 about the magi who came to worship Jesus after He was born in Bethlehem. But have you ever thought this story might be applicable to our Christian life? Let’s look at Matthew 2:1-6 with the notes in the New Testament Recovery Version to discover how it’s relevant to us today.
What Hebrews 12:2 Says About the Source of Faith
Have you ever felt you were lacking in faith, or found it hard to believe in the Lord at times? In previous posts, we discussed what faith is and where it comes from, and how we can be strengthened in our faith. Today, we’ll focus on Hebrews 12:2 and accompanying notes in the New Testament Recovery Version that show us Jesus is the source of faith, and how to apply this fact in our Christian life...
Come to the Lord and Find Rest for Your Soul
Many things can be a burden to us: financial difficulties, troublesome work environments, painful family situations, our health. Often, we may feel completely worn out—not just outwardly tired, but inwardly exhausted—from struggling to bear these burdens.
The Key to Maintaining a Proper Relationship with the Lord
Most of us Christians would say we love the Lord Jesus, the One who gave His life on the cross for us. But what kind of love do we love Him with? More importantly, what kind of love does He want us to love Him with? In Revelation 2, the Lord reveals the love He wants from us. This chapter begins with the Lord’s words of praise to the church in Ephesus for being faithful in many things. Then, in...
The Joy of Sharing the Gospel
We hope you enjoy this BfA staff member’s testimony of sharing the gospel. I’ve heard it said that the greatest joy in a person’s life is the joy of receiving the Lord Jesus as his Savior, and the second greatest joy is leading another person to the same saving knowledge of Christ. From my own experience, I can testify to the truth of that statement and to the life-changing effect that leading...
Learning the Secret from the Bible of Being Content in All Things
We all go through high and low points in our lives. But when faced with the lows—the puzzling and difficult situations—what do we do? How do we react? Do we wish things were different? In Philippians 4:11-12 Paul makes a remarkable claim: “I have learned, in whatever circumstances I am, to be content. I know also how to be abased, and I know how to abound. In everything and in all things I have...
God’s Far-reaching Mercy
As believers, we’ve heard the words mercy and grace many times. And even more, we’ve been the recipients of God’s mercy and grace. But have we stopped to really think about the difference between the two? Have we considered just how merciful our God is to us and why? Mercy is what’s extended to someone in a helpless state, without a glimmer of hope. This was surely our case as sinners. God had...
