God Doesn’t Hate Esau – or You (Romans 9:13)
We who preach grace are sometimes accused of ignoring the Old Testament. But no one could ever make this claim about the Apostle of Grace. In his letter to the Romans, Paul [...]
love of God
5 Questions Every Believer Should Ask
If Romans is the greatest letter ever written, then chapter 8 is the greatest chapter in the greatest letter. It’s the Everest of Paul’s monumental epistle. In Romans 8, [...]
Because of His Great Love (Ephesians 2:4)
When I read a book in the Bible, I like to list my favorite verses and words in that book. As you may know, I spent much of the past year diving deep into Ephesians. My [...]
Will I Lose My Salvation if I Keep Sinning?
I’m just gonna say it: it is not God’s will for you to live in sin. “Wait, Paul. I thought you were a grace preacher. Aren’t you supposed to accept people just as [...]
What Does it Mean to Keep His Commandments? What does 1 John 5:3 Mean?
Here’s a verse that can trip you up: For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. (1 John 5:3a) What commandments is John talking about? If you have not [...]
Is God’s Love Unconditional?
“Is God’s love really unconditional? The phrase unconditional love is not even in the Bible!” Ever heard that one? How about this one: “God’s love is unconditional, [...]
Who’s Your Daddy?
When our first child was born, there were some complications and she had to spend a few days in a special care ward. She was kept in an incubator and the only way I could [...]
Three Things People Get Wrong About the Laodiceans
The Laodicean church is probably the most infamous church in history. Preachers use it as an example of how Jesus deals with slack Christians. “Jesus is angry with these [...]
Agent Romanoff and the Furious Love of God
One of the greatest mistakes we can make, is we undervalue the love of Almighty God. We put his wild, reckless love in a box of undersized belief and we bury it under [...]
Does God Love Me When I Sin?
I heard a pastor of a large church tell his congregation, “God hates you, God is sick of you, God is frustrated with you, God is weary of you.” And why is God in such a [...]
God Believes in You!
Last night I caught my five-year-old son reading in bed when he should’ve been sleeping. I asked him to give me his book and he did, albeit reluctantly. I reminded him that [...]
The Bible is Not a Rule Book
Imagine it’s your wedding day. You’ve had the ceremony, and you’re starting to relax when the minister hands you a gift, a thick book of Marriage Rules. “Read [...]
Does God Envy?
A misunderstood God leads to a misguided faith. If you think God is insecure and constantly assessing you on your performance, you will be insecure yourself. You will be [...]
God’s Acceptance Elevates Us
When you know God is pleased with you regardless of your productivity, it will free you from the pressure to perform. When you’ve heard God say “Yes” to you, it will [...]
What if I Disappoint God?
Do you fear the Lord’s rejection? Are you worried that he will kick you out of his family? Do you think you disappoint him? You need to read this: To the praise of the [...]
God Accepts You (Even if No One Else Does)
In this world acceptance comes at a price. If you want to be accepted you have to perform, you have to deliver, you have to shine. You have to be first in and best dressed. [...]
The Way
Lord, may this stone, a symbol of my efforts on the pilgrimage that I lay at the foot of the cross of the Saviour, one day weigh the balance in favor of my good deeds when [...]
Your One Big Truth and the Wisdom of Puddleglum
What is the most important lesson you have learned in life? Your answer to this question defines your One Big Truth. Your One Big Truth is the truth you cling to when all is [...]
What Happens to Christians Who Commit Suicide?
What do you say to the parents of a Christian teenager who has just killed himself? I faced this situation several years ago and, I have tell you, it’s not easy. Premature [...]
What Happens to Unfruitful Branches? (John 15:2)
Update: Check out the newer version of this article. Jesus said, “if you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15, NASB). In the hands of a religious person [...]
God Doesn’t Change; We Do
In a recent post I argued that God is not a jealous God, even though he said he was. I am either the world’s greatest heretic, or I am confident that I know who my Father [...]
Is God a Jealous God?
“You shall not make for yourself an idol… You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin [...]
Is God’s Love Unconditional?
“How do you know God’s love is unconditional? The phrase ‘unconditional love’ is not in the Bible!” Ever heard this? It’s a fair question that cuts to the [...]
Love Letter
It’s our 12th wedding anniversary today, so I’m in a certain frame of mind. Our marriage is a taste of heaven-on-earth because God is in it and He is the Source [...]
Malcolm Smith on the Love of God
Have you ever wondered what Acts 10:44 means when it says, “the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word”? The Greek word, which is here translated, fell on, [...]
Forsaking Your First Love: What Was the Ephesians’ Problem? (Rev 2:1-7)
UPDATE: This is an old article. An updated and expanded commentary on this passage can be found in Paul’s book Letters from Jesus. Camilla and I are celebrating our [...]
Escape to Reality 