Can a Christian lose their salvation? This question has been debated for centuries, but what does the Bible actually say? In this video, Virgil explores the doctrine of justification by faith alone, examines key Scriptures verses on eternal security, and answers the pressing question: Can you lose your salvation?
Source: STOP Doubting Your ETERNAL SALVATION And Discover The Truth
Have you ever really considered the high cost of giving into temptation and sinning? While I will admit that sin can often be pleasurable to the flesh, it always comes with a very high cost. Richard Sibbes, the Puritan preacher, shared great insight on the whole issue of temptation and sin when he said: “Satan gives Adam an apple, and takes away Paradise. Therefore, in all temptations let us consider not what he offers, but what we shall lose.”1
The following list are just some of the things we lose and experience when we listen to Satan instead of God:
Loss of joy
Since joy depends on our obedience to God, when we sin Christian joy vanishes. For you see joy is a by-product of walking in the will of the Lord and when we choose to step outside of His will by sinning our joy is temporarily suspended. Joy is special because, it just isn’t a good feeling, but it generates a positive energy knowing that we are doing something that pleases the Creator of the universe – and what can be more wonderful than that.
Loss of peace
When you know the Lord and sin against Him that peace which He gives abundantly to His children is all but gone. Peace like joy is a function of obedience to the Word of God and when we give into temptation and follow Satan’s lies peace like joy is temporarily suspended. Sin is rebellion against God and when we fall into it we need to confess it to the Lord, repent, and then peace can once again begin to flow.
Tremendous guilt
For Christians that really love Jesus when they sin by giving into temptation guilt can hit them hard when they realize their sinning disappoints God. And if they continue to sin by giving into the same temptation even greater guilt can fill their hearts. Fortunately, when we confess and repent, we don’t need to carry guilt into the future. However, be aware that Satan will now try to use this guilt as a weapon to keep us in bondage to past guilt. But, thankfully, (1 John 1:9) tells us: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Our prayers may not get answered
(Psalm 66:18) says: “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” Unconfessed sin is a sure-fire way to cause our prayers to not be answered. Prayer is one of the best ways to speak to God and move His heart. However, sin is also one of the fastest ways to cause our prayers to remain unanswered. Again, giving in to Satan’s temptations, does not have to cause our prayers to permanently remain unanswered. Confessed sin can cause God to remove the blockage to unanswered prayer that we sadly, erected.
Souls may not make it to heaven
You may disagree with me on this one but I believe that prayer is one of the most effective ways to ask the Holy Spirit to convict non-Christians of their sins and open their hearts to listen to the gospel message. And persistent believing prayer can be the key to bringing people to salvation. And while I don’t fully understand how this all works I firmly believe that persistent fervent prayer can move mountains and open hardened hearts to the gospel. Your prayers for a loved one may be crucial to their salvation and if we continue to sin, our prayers sadly, may fall on deaf ears!
So, Christian are a few moments of fleshly pleasure worth the loss of joy, the loss of peace, incurring great guilt, having our prayers go unanswered, and not seeing our loved ones make it to heaven? May I challenge you to not look at what you gain by yielding to temptation and sinning, but what you lose. My friends, the cost is just too great. So, the next time you face the temptation to sin, remember, I pray, to count the cost!
1 40 Richard Sibbes Quotes | ChristianQuotes.info
The post The High Cost of Listening to Satan appeared first on Bible Apologetics – A DAILY DEVOTIONAL.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
PHILIPPIANS 2:5
There is great need for us to learn the truths of the sovereignty of God and the Lordship of Christ.
God will not play along with Adam; Christ will not be “used” by any of Adam’s selfish brood.
We had better learn these things fast if this generation of young Christians is to be spared the supreme tragedy of following a Christ who is merely a Christ of convenience and not the true Lord of glory at all!
I confess to a feeling of uneasiness about this when I observe the questionable things Christ is said to do for people these days. He is often recommended as a wonderfully obliging but not too discriminating Big Brother who delights to help us to accomplish our ends, and who further favors us by forbearing to ask any embarrassing questions about the moral and spiritual qualities of those ends.
In our eagerness to lead men to “accept” Christ we are often tempted to present for acceptance a Christ who is little more than a caricature of “that holy thing” which was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, to be crucified and rise the third day to take His place on the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens.
The whole purpose of God in redemption is to make us holy and to restore us to the image of God! To accomplish this, He disengages us from earthly ambitions and draws us away from the cheap and unworthy prizes that worldly men set their hearts upon.
Tozer, A. W., & Smith, G. B. (2015). Evenings with Tozer: Daily Devotional Readings (p. 58). Moody Publishers.
It is blessed at all times to be refreshed with God’s promises concerning the latter-day glory, but more especially at a time when things are most unpromising. The present hour is eminently so. Therefore, see what a cluster of mercies are folded up on this one branch of them: and let thine evening meditations be sweet of Jesus and his sure work, in whom “all the promises are Yea and Amen, to the glory of God the Father, by us.” Observe, in this blessed scripture, the certainty of the divine promises being all fulfilled, from the foundation on which they rest. If God be the God of all the families of Israel, and if Israel be his son, and Ephraim his first-born, how can the right of inheritance fail? Surely God is engaged by this covenant and relationship; and he will fulfil his promises. And what are they? Why, that he will bring them not only from Babylon, but from all their places of captivity. Jesus, the Son of his love, is commissioned, as the covenant of Jehovah, “to bring the prisoners out of the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.” There shall be a day when a nation shall be born at once. They shall be gathered to Shiloh, and shall come from the East, and from the West, and from the North, and from the South. Pause, my soul, over these blessed promises. Thou art frequently put to it for thyself: and art frequently exercised with fears and apprehensions for the welfare of Zion. But what saith the blessed scripture? “Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth.” Do not overlook that it is God who undertakes for them, and not themselves: and what God undertakes, he will surely perform. Well, but they are much scattered. Yes! but God will gather them. But they are diminished. No! a great company shall return. But they are blind, and do not know the way: they are lame, and when they know, have no power to walk in it. Yes, but saith he that made the eye, and he that giveth strength to the lame, both the “blind and the lame,” yea, even the woman in pregnancy and her that is in travail, all shall come. I will be eyes, saith God, to the blind, and feet to the lame: I will lead them in a way they know not: I will undertake for them. And the sole reason is, God’s free grace and covenant mercy in Christ. God is a father, in this relationship, to all the families in Israel: and in him all the families of the earth are blessed. Pause, my soul, again and again, over this sweet and precious scripture; and see that these covenant marks and impressions be upon thee, as a sure, unerring token of thy being in Christ, and gathered from the coasts of the earth; that thou art following Jesus, as Mary Magdalene did, with tears and supplications. Prayers are quickened by tears; and tears flowing from the view of a crucified Saviour, must give energy to prayers. The eye that is looking unto Jesus, will affect the heart; and the heart that is wounded with the view of Jesus dying for our sins, will cause tears to fall from the eye: and both will follow Christ by the waters of ordinances, under the Spirit’s teaching and gracious influences. Lord! give to my soul these tokens for good; and lead me in the way of salvation for thy Name’s sake.
Hawker, R. (1845). The Poor Man’s Evening Portion (A New Edition, pp. 60–61). Thomas Wardle.
What a sweet answer to an anxious enquiry! This night let us rejoice in it. O Zion, there are good things in store for thee; thy time of travail shall soon be over; thy children shall be brought forth; thy captivity shall end. Bear patiently the rod for a season, and under the darkness still trust in God, for his love burneth towards thee. God loves the church with a love too deep for human imagination: he loves her with all his infinite heart. Therefore let her sons be of good courage; she cannot be far from prosperity to whom God speaketh “good words and comfortable words.” What these comfortable words are the prophet goes on to tell us: “I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.” The Lord loves his church so much that he cannot bear that she should go astray to others; and when she has done so, he cannot endure that she should suffer too much or too heavily. He will not have his enemies afflict her: he is displeased with them because they increase her misery. When God seems most to leave his church, his heart is warm towards her. History shows that whenever God uses a rod to chasten his servants, he always breaks it afterwards, as if he loathed the rod which gave his children pain. “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.” God hath not forgotten us because he smites—his blows are no evidences of want of love. If this is true of his church collectively, it is of necessity true also of each individual member. You may fear that the Lord has passed you by, but it is not so: he who counts the stars, and calls them by their names, is in no danger of forgetting his own children. He knows your case as thoroughly as if you were the only creature he ever made, or the only saint he ever loved. Approach him and be at peace.
Spurgeon, C. H. (1896). Morning and evening: Daily readings. Passmore & Alabaster.
LEVITICUS 23:26–32; 37–43
TO-DAY let us consider two of the sacred seasons appointed by God, namely, the day of atonement and the feast of Tabernacles.
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
27 Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. (Sorrow for sin is a blessed thing. It cannot make an atonement, but it always goes with the reception of the atonement. If sin be sweet to us it will destroy us, but when we are afflicted in soul concerning it, the day of atonement has come.)
28 And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.
Sin is not put away by works, for on the day of atonement, the sinner ceases to work with the idea of self-salvation.
29 For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. (No surer sign of destruction, than to have no soul affliction for sin. True sorrow for sin is deep. The Jews said that “a man had never seen sorrow who had not seen the sorrow of the day of atonement.”)
30 And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.
31 Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
32 It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath. (This day of mourning led on to the gladsome feast of tabernacles. Sacred sorrow prepares the heart for holy joy. We must receive the atonement before we can enter into the joy of the Lord.)
37 These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day:
38 Beside the sabbaths of the LORD, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the LORD. (The Spirit of God lays great stress upon the joyful things, and recapitulates them carefully; the fruit of the Spirit is joy.)
39 Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.
This was a very joyful season, so that the Jews said, “he who never saw the rejoicing of the feast of tabernacles, had never seen rejoicing in his life.”
40 And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days. (Andrew Bonar says, “Imagine the scene thus presented to the view. It is an image of paradise restored—the New Earth in its luxuriance during the reign of righteousness and peace and joy. ‘Every goodly tree’ furnishes its boughs for the occasion. The palm is first mentioned because it was the tree which had oftenest sheltered them in the wilderness, as at Elim.” Thus reminded of what divine love had done for them, the people spent a happy season beneath the boughs, no doubt feeling and saying, “it is good to be here.”)
41 And ye shall keep it a feast unto the LORD seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month.
42 Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths:
43 That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. (Sunny memories were refreshed in men’s hearts by so delightful an observance, and the whole matter illustrated the loving-kindness of the Lord, who when his people have sorrowed for sin would have their sorrow turned into joy.)
The hill of Sion yields
A thousand sacred sweets,
Before we reach the heavenly fields,
Or walk the golden streets.
Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry:
We’re marching thro’ Immanuel’s ground
To fairer worlds on high.
Spurgeon, C. H. (1964). The Interpreter: Spurgeon’s Devotional Bible (p. 110). Baker Book House.
TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
Leviticus 16:29-18:30
Mark 7:24-8:10
Psalm 41:1-13
Proverbs 10:15-16
Leviticus 16:29-31 — An interesting challenge to the workaholic culture – “afflict your souls” by doing “no work at all.”
Leviticus 18:6 — In contrast to our minimalist clothing culture, God expects us to respect others with specific instructions.
Leviticus 18:22 — God’s standards may not be popular, but you cannot say they are not clear.
Leviticus 18:29 — What sins lead to the phrase “shall be cut off?” Rejecting circumcision is literally rejecting identification with Israel (Gen 17:14), eating leavened bread during Passover (Exodus 12:15 and 19), working on the Sabbath (Exodus 31:14), eating the Lord’s portion of the sacrifice (Leviticus 7:20 and 25), defiled eating of the peace offering (Leviticus 7:21), eating the blood (Leviticus 7:27), offering sacrifices independently (Leviticus 17:4, 9, and 14), committing sexual sins (Leviticus 18:29), profaning the sacrifice (Leviticus 19:8), incest (Leviticus 20:17), defiling the holy things (Leviticus 22:3), breaking Sabbath (Leviticus 23:29), skipping Passover (Numbers 9:13), and many more.
Mark 8:4 — The disciples saw Jesus feed 5,000 yesterday, but they struggled to see how He could feed 4,000 today.
Psalm 41:4 — Those who confess their sin and request mercy will see God answer (2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 25:16-18).
Proverbs 10:15 — Interesting the correlation to Proverbs 14:20.
Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.
Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee. (Proverbs 20:22)
Be not in haste. Let anger cool down. Say nothing and do nothing to avenge yourself. You will be sure to act unwisely if you take up the cudgels and fight your own battles; and, certainly, you will not show the spirit of the Lord Jesus. It is nobler to forgive and let the offense pass. To let an injury rankle in your bosom and to meditate revenge is to keep old wounds open and to make new ones. Better forget and forgive.
Peradventure, you say that you must do something or be a great loser; then do what this morning’s promise advises: “Wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.” This advice will not cost you money but is worth far more, Be calm and quiet. Wait upon the Lord; tell Him your grievance; spread Rabshakeh’s letter before the Lord, and this of itself will be an ease to your burdened mind. Besides, there is the promise “He shall save thee.” God will find a way of deliverance for you. How He will do it neither you nor I can guess, but do it He will, If the Lord saves you, this will be a deal better than getting into petty quarrels and covering yourself with filth by wrestling with the unclean, Be no more angry. Leave your suit with the Judge of all.
Presented by Ligonier Ministries (Youtube):
Description: Set on going to Jerusalem, Jesus could not be stopped or turned aside—until He heard Bartimaeus, a blind man, calling for Him. Continuing his exposition of the gospel of Mark, R.C. Sproul considers how this humble man exhibited true servanthood and devotion to the Savior.
Direct Link:
https://rchstudies.christian-heritage-news.com/2025/02/son-of-man-servant-mark-104652-sermon.html
How old is the universe? How are we to read the first chapter of Genesis, and how can we navigate our differing conclusions with one another as a Church?
To see more training videos with J. Warner Wallace, visit the YouTube playlist.
For more information about the reliability of the New Testament gospels and the case for Christianity, please read Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels. This book teaches readers ten principles of cold-case investigations and applies these strategies to investigate the claims of the gospel authors. The book is accompanied by an eight-session Cold-Case Christianity DVD Set (and Participant’s Guide) to help individuals or small groups examine the evidence and make the case.
The post Answering Big Old Testament Questions (Video) first appeared on Cold Case Christianity.
By Elizabeth Prata
There is an easy way to tell if a teacher you like, follow, admire, or ‘learn from’ is false. I’m going to reveal this heretofore (not so) hidden way to detect false teachers. I could go on like the liberal theologians who say ‘this is a new method for interpreting’ or ‘I have a freshly discovered method…’ but I won’t. It’s been there all along. Here it is. Are you ready for this shocking message?
The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;” (1 John 2:4).
People who say “Jesus, Jesus” but sin against him constantly by living a life contrary to His commands, or teach falsely, do not have the truth in them. In other words, they are not saved.
They are revealed to be hypocritical. As John wrote in the verse above, a person cannot have an authentic relationship with Jesus and obstinately and consistently oppose His commandments with their actions.
The inward transformation of a person results in outward transformation (compare Matt 15:11). The work of Christ in a person necessitates them acting on His behalf, out of love (1 John 3:17). Source Faithlife Study Bible
Jesus made it very easy for us. Yet so many people say “but, but, but” and make layers upon layers of excuses.
“But she talks about Jesus all the time!” Of course they do. They talk about knowing Jesus right up to the moment they face Jesus and claim to His face that they know him. But they don’t. And he says so.(Matthew 7:22-23).
“But she does so many nice things!” I know. So did the Pharisees. Outwardly they did all the right things, seemingly. But Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” (Matthew 23:27). Inside they were dead. They did not have the truth in them.
“But she only to men preaches a little“. Sorry, but “whoever keeps the whole Law, yet stumbles in one point, has become guilty of all.” (James 2:10). Even a small sin, or a single transgression against God’s law, means they are guilty and due his or her just penalty.
“But lifestyle doesn’t count, and her doctrine is fine!” Sorry, but Titus 2:3-5 is only one of several standards for Christian women to adhere to a certain lifestyle. “Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.” It is dishonoring to God to live otherwise. Men too. Lifestyle counts. So does character. Are they divisive? Slanderous? Combative? Unteachable? Then they are false.
“But you don’t know their heart!” Yes we do. In true Christians, “The Holy Spirit implanted in us a heart that can understand and love spiritual truth” says Tom Pennington in his sermon Recognizing False teachers. A false teacher is not saved and thus does not have the Holy Spirit indwelling his heart. You can detect what is in their heart because the Bible tells us these people are greedy, liars, deceivers, hypocrites, and more.
Jesus said, “By their fruit you shall know them”. Not ‘maybe, but you WILL know them. We cannot see their heart but what comes out of their mouth is what defiles them, and then we can see the evidence. Making a determination based on evidence (their fruit) is not ‘seeing their heart’. It’s making an intelligent and accurate assessment of their output.
For example, didn’t the Pharisees make a show of praying, fasting, and worshiping? But we can see the evidence of their self-serving attitude in their lengthened tassels, announcements of fasting, pretentious prayers at the street corners, choosing the chief seats. Look beyond their show. See the fruit.
Barnes Notes says of the 1 John 2:4 verse, “Is a liar – Makes a false profession; professes to have that which he really has not. Such a profession is a falsehood, because there can be no true religion where one does not obey the law of God.“
Gill’s Exposition says, and the truth is not in him; there is no true knowledge of God and Christ in him; nor is the truth of the Gospel in his heart, however it may be in his head; nor is the truth of grace in him, for each of these lead persons to obedience.
Did you catch that reference to the heart? The truth of the gospel is not in his heart. “What is in the heart will emerge, and corrupt theology will result in a corrupt life. False teaching and perverted living are inseparable, and eventually will become manifest.” (Grace to You, “What are the Marks of a False Teacher?“)
We over-complicate things. Just go back to the Bible. A false teacher will claim to know Jesus but constantly, unrepentantly, and long term, be disobedient to His commandments.
Further Reading
Have you ever wondered, “Can a Christian lose their salvation?” This question has sparked debate for centuries. Many fear they could fall away from faith, while others find comfort in the Bible’s teaching on eternal security in Christianity. What does the Bible actually say?
In this article, we’ll explore justification by faith alone, examine key Scriptures on eternal security, and answer the question: Can you lose your salvation?
The Bible teaches that no one is born right with God because of sin. We all fall short (Romans 3:23). But the good news is that God made a way for us to be forgiven and accepted.
This is where the word justification comes in. Justification means God declares a person “not guilty” and is fully accepted because of Jesus Christ. It’s not something we earn—it’s a gift! And because justification is a legal declaration by God, it cannot be undone. This is the foundation for why Christians cannot lose their salvation.
Justification is not just a theological concept—it is the very foundation of our relationship with God. If salvation depended on our performance, we would constantly fear losing it. But because justification is God’s work, not ours, we can have full assurance that our salvation is secure. This doctrine is not merely theoretical—it brings peace, confidence, and hope to every believer.
This assurance is deeply rooted in the biblical teaching that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, for the glory of God alone. It is God who justifies the sinner, and His work is unchangeable.
Imagine you broke the law and had to stand before a judge. You know you are guilty. The law demands punishment. But what if the judge stepped down from the bench, paid your fine himself, and said, “You are free to go”? That’s what God did for us through Jesus.
The Bible tells us that:
Our sin is not just a mistake—it is rebellion against a holy God. The penalty is eternal separation from Him. The law of God is perfect, and breaking even one command makes us guilty (James 2:10). No amount of effort, good deeds, or religious rituals can remove the stain of sin. Without justification, we stand condemned before a righteous Judge, deserving of His wrath.
But here’s the good news: Jesus Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection, satisfied the justice of God and bore the penalty for our sins (Isaiah 53:5, 2 Corinthians 5:21). Because of what He did, God declares us righteous when we put our faith in Him! And because justification is God’s work, not ours, it is permanent and cannot be revoked.
Many wonder, “Can a Christian lose their salvation?” The Bible answers this with a resounding “No”. If salvation depended on our ability to remain faithful, we would all be lost. However, because salvation is entirely the work of God’s grace, it cannot be undone by human failure.
When God justifies a sinner, He does not leave it up to them to sustain their salvation. Eternal life is just that—eternal. Jesus assures us that His sheep will never perish.
Some argue that Hebrews 6:4-6 teaches that a Christian can lose salvation. The passage states:
“For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.” – Hebrews 6:4-6 (ESV)
At first glance, this may seem to suggest that a believer can fall away permanently. However, a closer look at the context shows that the passage is describing those who profess faith but are not truly regenerated. The warning is against apostasy—rejecting Christ after exposure to the truth.
Another common objection comes from James 2:17, which states:
“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” – James 2:17 (ESV)
Some interpret this to mean that works are required to maintain salvation. However, James is not contradicting Paul’s teaching on justification by faith alone. Instead, he is addressing the evidence of true faith:
James and Paul do not contradict each other. Paul speaks of how we are declared righteous before God (justification), while James speaks of how we demonstrate righteousness before others (sanctification).
Q: Can a Christian lose their salvation according to the Bible?
A: No, the Bible clearly teaches eternal security for believers. John 10:28-29 states that Jesus’ sheep “will never perish.” Once a person is justified by faith alone, their salvation is secure.
Q: What is justification by faith alone?
A: Justification means that God declares a sinner righteous based on faith in Jesus Christ, not works (Romans 3:28). It is a one-time, irreversible act of God.
Q: What are the best Bible verses about eternal security?
A: Some key passages include John 10:27-29, Romans 8:38-39, Philippians 1:6, and Ephesians 1:13-14. These verses affirm that salvation cannot be lost.
Salvation is not found in human effort, religious rituals, or moral striving. It is found only in Jesus Christ. Our justification is entirely the work of God, accomplished through Christ’s perfect righteousness imputed to us by faith. Because salvation is rooted in God’s sovereign grace, it cannot be lost.
What do you think? Do these Scriptures help you feel more secure in your salvation? Let us know in the comments!
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1
Soli Deo Gloria!
Israel Blocks Release of Palestinian Prisoners, Vexing Hamas
“In light of Hamas’s repeated violations, including the ceremonies that humiliate our hostages and the cynical exploitation of our hostages for propaganda purposes, it has been decided to delay the release of terrorists that was planned for yesterday until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies,”
When Trump axed a grant, this school claimed it only did DEI to appease Biden. Its website tells a different story.
St. Thomas says its commitment to DEI is rooted in “Catholic convictions to advance human dignity.” In practice, though, the school’s DEI office has all the trappings of a secular university. Department of Education canceled a $6.8 million grant to the University of St. Thomas that had been used, in part, to support precisely the sorts of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that the Trump administration has put on the chopping block. St. Thomas appears to have used the grant to support an existing DEI apparatus that the school built of its own accord—one that demands allegiance from faculty and encourages overt racial segregation.
Germany’s conservatives win parliamentary elections while far-right AfD surges, exit polls show
Germany’s conservatives won Sunday’s parliamentary elections, heading off the surging far-right AfD party, which roughly doubled its results from 2021. Despite its strong showing – fuelled by fears over security and immigration after a series of deadly attacks blamed on migrants – the AfD is likely to be blocked from joining any governing coalition.
Pope Francis receives blood transfusions, Vatican keeping prognosis confidential
Pope Francis, who remains in critical condition, was recently administered a blood transfusion and “high flows” of oxygen, the Vatican announced Saturday, adding that at this time his prognosis is being withheld from the public.
Pouring salt on the wound: Will the US legal system protect terrorists?
In essence, the cases are not about the actual terror attacks, apparently all are in agreement that the PLO and PA bear responsibility, but about the legality of bringing terror’s sponsors and supporters before U.S. courts. And there lies the rub.
Trump’s pick for UN envoy uses CPAC speech to call for ‘eradication’ of Hamas
A Republican lawmaker tapped by President Donald Trump to serve as America’s ambassador to the United Nations used her speech at the largest annual gathering of conservative activists to reaffirm support for Israel and to call for the ‘eradication’ of the Hamas terror organization. “Never forget that Hamas terrorists savagely murdered 1,200 innocents.”
Netanyahu at officers’ graduation: ‘We will defeat the monster, Hamas will not rule Gaza’
Netanyahu held up a photo of the Bibas family, who were murdered in captivity in Gaza, and stated: ‘Against this we fight, and we must and can defeat those monsters – we will defeat them.’
Trump Envoy Says US Expects Phase Two of Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal to Proceed
Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday the US expects the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal to go forward and that he would visit the Middle East in the coming week.
Israel Won’t Allow HTS Forces in Southern Syria, Netanyahu Says
Israel on Sunday said it will not tolerate presence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in southern Syria, nor any other forces affiliated with the country’s new rulers, and demanded the territory be demilitarized.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will keep its positions there as a defensive measure and for as long as is necessary.
Rubio: Palestinian terrorists must free all hostages or be destroyed
U.S. Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus described Gaza as a “depraved society.” … and is yet another reason why we are saying these terrorists must release all of the hostages immediately or be destroyed,” tweeted Rubio.
Ahead of Ramadan: Security forces recommend restricting access to Temple Mount
Security agencies recommend government restrict access to Temple Mount during month of Ramadan for men over 55, women over 50, and children under 12.
Six senior staffers resign from Sen. Fetterman’s office over his Israel support
The departures, including top communications officials, highlight growing internal dissatisfaction with the Pennsylvania Democrat’s evolving political stance and bipartisan outreach; Fetterman has emerged as one of the most outspoken pro-Israel voices among Senate Democrats…
Why The Current UN Agenda For Israel And Jerusalem Is Prophetically Significant
The purpose of the upcoming UN Conference on Palestine’ set for June 2-4, is to set in motion a two-state solution to resolve the Middle East conflict. The member nations hope to impose their seven or ten-year peace accord upon Israel during the UN’s celebration of its 80th birthday this coming September. While the upcoming meetings at the UN point us in the direction of Daniel’s seventieth week (see Daniel 9:27), they don’t quite get us there.
Student Loan Borrowers Crushed By Appeals Court Ruling, Credit Scores Plunge
The New York Post reports Biden’s $475B student debt cancellation plan blocked as federal appeals court issues final decision A federal appeals court delivered a crushing blow Tuesday to a more than $475 billion student debt cancellation program begun by former President Joe Biden, ordering the underlying regulation be blocked in its entirety. The Eighth US Circuit Court of Appeals had partially blocked the loan forgiveness effort last year — but a three-judge panel at the St. Louis-based court issued a final judgment to a lower court prohibiting any part of the initiative from taking effect.
Zelensky Says ‘Ready’ To Resign For The Sake Of Peace, NATO Membership
Speaking at the “Ukraine: The Year 2025” forum on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told an audience of all heads of ministries, agencies, and top officials that he’s ready to resign as president if it brings peace. He suggested the country be guaranteed NATO membership in exchange for his stepping down.
MSNBC Cancels Far-Left-Crazed Host Joy Reid As Woke Implosion Accelerates
A major shake-up is underway at MSNBC as the network’s new president has canceled far-left prime-time host Joy Reid’s show, “The ReidOut,” The move signals Rebecca Kutler’s effort to overhaul MSNBC after being named the network’s president earlier this month. Ratings have plummeted since Trump secured the White House in last November’s presidential election. Many hosts, including Reid, have been visibly struggling with severe cases of “TDS.”
Commercial Flights Diverted After CCP Warships Begin Surprise Live-Fire Exercise Near Australia
Commercial flight paths between Australia and New Zealand have been disrupted after Chinese warships began preparing to fire live ammunition as part of an apparent military exercise.
Microsoft debuts generative AI that can create video-game scenes
Microsoft Corp. unveiled artificial intelligence tools that can create video-game scenes that would normally have to be programmed and animated by a human, a model it built using data collected from Xbox gamers and their controllers. Called Muse, the model is the first of its kind, according to Microsoft.
Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits Solomon Islands
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit the Solomon Islands at 18:16 UTC on February 23, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 36 km (22.4 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth. There have now been several earthquakes over the past couple of days, impacting the United States and Canada, among other areas.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred forms off the coast of Queensland, Australia
Tropical Cyclone Alfred formed off the coast of Australia on February 23, 2025, strengthening from a tropical low into a category 1 tropical cyclone. The forecast suggests it would strengthen into a category 3 by midweek as it continues tracking toward the continent.
‘Foreigners Who Do Not Obey the Rules Have No Place in Japan’ – Prime Minister Ishiba Declares War on Unchecked Migration
“Japan, under Prime Minister Ishiba, is standing firm against the dangers of unchecked migration, vowing to enforce strict border control, swiftly deport illegal residents, and protect national security—a stark contrast to the West’s suicidal embrace of lawlessness.”
Commercial Flights Diverted After CCP Warships Begin Surprise Live-Fire Exercise Near Australia
Commercial flight paths between Australia and New Zealand have been disrupted after Chinese warships began preparing to fire live ammunition as part of an apparent military exercise.
Chinese Navy Conducts Second Live Firing Drill in International Waters Near New Zealand
It comes a day after a similar drill was conducted in the waters between New Zealand and Australia. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it was unclear where the Chinese naval vessels were headed and for what purpose. Luxon said New Zealand is monitoring, shadowing, and tracking the fleet.
South Korea accuses DeepSeek of leaking user data
The Chinese AI assistant has been removed from local app stores after it was accused of sending data to TikTok owner ByteDance South Korea’s national data protection regulator has accused the creators of Chinese AI service DeepSeek of sharing user data with TikTok owner ByteDance, the Yonhap news agency reported on Tuesday.
Mike Huckabee: Grounding Middle East Diplomacy In The Truth Of God’s Word
One week after Donald Trump was elected president of the United States for a second term, he announced the appointment of evangelical leader and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as U.S. ambassador to Israel.
Why The Current UN Agenda For Israel And Jerusalem Is Prophetically Significant
Unlike any other time in the church age, we see a multitude of signs telling us that the Tribulation period is rapidly approaching. However, like pieces to a jigsaw puzzle scattered about on a tabletop, we don’t yet fully recognize how they will all fit together to complete the biblical picture of the end times for Israel.
Dr. Meryl Nass: Culling poultry in response to bird flu is a failed strategy and should cease
Highlighting an article published by Science written by a known covid propagandist, Dr. Meryl Nass notes that the article demonstrates culling poultry is a failed bird flu strategy and should cease. She also noted, using information from the FDA’s website, that the vaccine for poultry that has been given conditional approval by the FDA is not legally eligible for the approval.
Dr. Meryl Nass: An Extended Presentation on Bird Flu
No one has got bird flu from cooking or eating cooked chicken. No one has got the virus from eggs. No one has got the virus from milk or dairy products. No one has got the virus from eating beef. The virus was isolated in 1959 but there were no known human cases until 1997. The first cases in 1997 occurred in Hong Kong. Interestingly, a month before Hong Kong was handed over to China by the British. So what is the bird flu and why are they repeatedly trying to start a “pandemic” with it?
Hezbollah Stages Show of Strength at Funeral for Assassinated Leader
‘We’d Come Under Bullets’: Tens of Thousands Pour Into Nasrallah’s Funeral in Beirut
Tens of thousands shout ‘Death to Israel’ at Nasrallah funeral, as Israeli jets fly overhead
On day of Nasrallah funeral, IDF publishes videos of strike that killed him
IDF strikes in Lebanon, says it targeted Hezbollah rocket launchers and weapons
Netanyahu says Israel demands ‘complete demilitarization’ of southern Syria
Netanyahu says Israel won’t allow Syrian forces ‘south of Damascus’
Netanyahu ignored Shin Bet chief’s bid to kill Sinwar days before Oct. 7 – report
Terrorist behind deadly bombing falls to his death a week after release under Gaza deal
Israel and Hamas Trade Accusations of Violating Fragile Cease-Fire
Hamas says Israel evading ceasefire obligations as Netanyahu delays release of 600 Palestinians
White House backs Israel’s decision to delay releasing 600 Palestinian security prisoners
As truce’s first stage winds down, families of hostages plead for more releases
Trump’s Mideast envoy: ‘We do expect’ phase two of Gaza ceasefire will move forward
‘Disgraceful what’s going on there’: Trump pans Hamas treatment of hostages
Holding up photo of Bibas family, PM says Israel must ‘remember what we’re fighting for’
Buenos Aires’ Palestine Street to Be Renamed ‘Bibas Family Street’
NHS doctor who ‘glorified Hamas terrorists’ allowed to remain in the UK
Jerusalem Patriarchs oppose Trump resettlement plan in Gaza
Shapiro: Trump’s Gaza proposal ‘deeply disrespectful,’ ‘unserious’
Deadline diplomacy: Trump’s Gaza ‘Riviera’ scheme mobilises the Arab world
IDF deploys tanks in West Bank for first time since 2002, sending 3 to Jenin as it expands op
Israel expels residents of three West Bank refugee camps
Israeli troops to stay in West Bank camps for a year and not allow 40,000 Palestinians home
UN Chief ‘Gravely Concerned’ At Israeli Settler Violence In West Bank
Netanyahu: Country at ‘historic turning point’ that affects ‘foundation of our existence’
MK claims Netanyahu’s son was sent abroad for hitting PM; Likud: ‘A despicable lie’
Prosecution challenges Netanyahu request to change trial schedule
Conservatives look set to win German election, with Musk-backed AfD in second
Merz claims win for German conservatives as far right surges to strongest postwar election result
Germany’s Next Chancellor Will Have to Navigate ‘The End of the Liberal World Order’
Houthis launched missiles at US fighter jet and drone, but missed, officials say
Russia launches largest drone attack on Ukraine on eve of third year of war
Zelenskyy says he is willing to give up presidency for peace in Ukraine, NATO membership
‘It’s blackmail’: Ukrainians react to Trump demand for $500bn share of minerals
Bessent says US-Ukraine deal has ‘implicit’ economic security guarantee
Trump envoy says US firms may do business in Russia in case of peace deal
Dem Sen. Reed Claims Trump ‘Surrendering to the Russians’
‘Put A Sock In It’: Canadian Lawmaker Tears Apart Trump Over His Zelenskyy Attacks
Donald Trump is Confident He Can End the Russia-Ukraine War ‘This Week’
Waltz: Trump ‘Bringing Multiple Wars to an End’ in Just Under a Month
Milei announces US-Argentina tariff-free trade deal at CPAC, strengthening economic ties
‘Mad as hell’ Canadians cancel US travel en masse as trade war escalates
Kamala Harris Fearmongers at NAACP Image Awards: ‘Shadows Gathering over Our Democracy’
‘Dark MAGA’ spreads as conservatives embrace Musk’s influence on Trump
Jeffries: Trump ‘Intentionally Unleashing Extremism’ to Disorient Americans
Trump shaking rafters of establishment with DOGE, tariffs, Gaza plan, hoping for lasting changes
‘Wolf’ Belfort: Musk Ending Waste of ‘Biblical Proportions’
Lawler: DOGE Is Doing a ‘Comprehensive Forensic Audit’ of the Federal Government
Report: Thousands of USAID Employees Laid Off, Thousands More Placed on Leave
Musk gives all federal workers 48 hours to explain what they did last week or face consequences
FBI, State Department and Pentagon advising civilian workforce not to comply with Musk email
Trump and Hegseth are politicizing the military, Sen. Jack Reed says
Joy Reid and Alex Wagner Axed From MSNBC Lineup in Major Network Shakeup
Lawsuit: U. of Minnesota Wrongfully Expelled Ph.D. Student for Using AI on Exam
Corporations dig deeper: using bunkers to secure data (and their CEOs)
Cyberattack Hits Maryland County That’s Home To NSA Headquarters
Government-forced internet disruptions hit record high
Conflicts trigger globe’s highest rate of internet shutdowns in 2024: NGO
Impulsive X2.0 solar flare erupts from the Sun’s northwest limb
Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits Solomon Islands
5.6 magnitude earthquake hits near Gizo, Solomon Islands
5.4 magnitude earthquake hits near Panguna, Papua New Guinea
5.3 magnitude earthquake hits near Asbe Teferi, Ethiopia
5.2 magnitude earthquake hits near Panguna, Papua New Guinea
5.2 magnitude earthquake hits the Easter Island region
5.1 magnitude earthquake hits near Pagar Alam, Indonesia
5.0 magnitude earthquake hits near Bengkulu, Indonesia
Popocateptl volcano in Mexico erupts to 21,000ft
Ruiz volcano in Colombia erupts to 21,000ft
Semeru volcano in Indonesia erupts to 15,000ft
Reventador volcano in Ecuador erupts to 14,000ft
Santa Maria volcano in Guatemala erupts to 14,000ft
Marapi volcano in Indonesia erupts to 12,000ft
Lewotobi volcano in Indonesia erupts to 10,000ft
Tropical Cyclone Alfred forms off the coast of Queensland, Australia
Cyclone Bianca: Category two cyclone located off the coast of West Australia
Historic floods claim 21 lives in Kentucky
Fighter Jets Scrambled to Escort American Airlines Flight to Emergency Landing After ‘Bomb Threat’
Delta Flight Carrying 162 Makes Emergency Landing at LAX After Smoke Scare
After a string of incidents, some flyers are sticking with a surprising carrier: Spirit
Inside the Mojave Desert train heists targeting Nike sneakers
Violence by Women Soars in California
One Airman Dead and Another Injured After Shooting at New Mexico Air Force Base
France Arrests Three More in Connection to Migrant ‘Islamist’ Stabbing Attack
Report: Trump Admin Seeks to Stop Migrants at Border Over Disease Concerns
Nancy Mace Introduces Bill to Stop FEMA from Funding Migrant Hotel Stays
This Christian Convert Fled Iran, and Ran Into Trump’s Deportation Policy
Trump officials launch ICE effort to deport unaccompanied migrant children
Former Surgeon Accused of Sexually Abusing Hundreds of Child Patients in France
Polymarket: Who will be named in Epstein files by June 30?
U.S. Education Department: DEI is a civil rights violation
American Bar Association Suspends DEI Requirements for Law Schools
Bizarre: Trans Activist Says “Why Not?” to Combining Paralympics and Olympics
Hospital Warned Forcing Techs to Help in Abortions Violates Their Rights
Bondi’s DOJ Launches Fraud Investigation of UnitedHealth, Same Insurer Whose CEO Was Assassinated
Israeli scientists fuse ‘brain tissue’ and electronic chips to test autism treatment
Pope Francis in critical condition with early kidney failure but remains alert as prayers pour in
“From The Patriot Post (patriotpost.us)”.
“The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create whatever the form of government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love of power, and proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position.” —George Washington (1796)
Douglas Andrews, Thomas Gallatin, & Jordan Candler
For the Executive Summary archive, click here.
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Nate Jackson
Surely, General Charles Q. Brown had already packed his bags by the time the ax fell on Friday night. As expected, Donald Trump fired the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman and five other DEI-promoting Pentagon officials. It’s all part of Trump’s strategy to drop a bomb on DOD DEI and recalibrate America’s military to avoid left-wing social engineering and refocus on readiness.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump thanked Brown “for his over 40 years of service to our country,” adding that he’s “a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader.”
That praise notwithstanding, Brown was appointed to the post by Joe Biden in 2023 as part of his quest to remake every part of government in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mold. Brown may have been an improvement over his predecessor, General Mark Milley, but that’s a low bar. He also had a record of race-based promotions, having used his Air Force tenure to promote DEI.
It’s time to move on.
As the next chair of the Joint Chiefs, Trump has nominated Air Force Lieutenant General Dan “Razin” Caine, a rather unconventional choice given that he has not held any of the positions required by U.S. Code. Trump can and will waive those requirements, and Caine must be confirmed by the Senate.
In the aforementioned Truth Social post, Trump called Caine “an accomplished pilot, national security expert, successful entrepreneur, and a ‘warfighter’ with significant interagency and special operations experience.” He added, “During my first term, Razin was instrumental in the complete annihilation of the ISIS caliphate.” Pending Senate confirmation, Trump concluded, “Alongside Secretary Pete Hegseth, General Caine and our military will restore peace through strength, put America First, and rebuild our military.”
In a statement, Hegseth agreed: “Under President Trump, we are putting in place new leadership that will focus our military on its core mission of deterring, fighting and winning wars.”
That should elicit a one-word response: Duh.
What else should the United States military be doing? Of course, it hasn’t been that simple under the administrations of Joe Biden and Barack Obama before him. Whereas Bill Clinton hampered military readiness with significant budget cuts and submission to UN peacekeeping missions, Obama and Biden rotted the core of the military by pushing leftist ideology in the ranks. That destroyed morale and, in the last couple of years in particular, caused recruitment numbers to collapse. During that recruitment crisis, Biden chose to kick out healthy and capable young people because they didn’t get the COVID vaccine.
Fortunately, a needed reversal has already begun.
Democrats hate it, of course. Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed, ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, complained, “This appears to be part of a broader, premeditated campaign by President Trump and Secretary Hegseth to purge talented officers for politically charged reasons, which would undermine the professionalism of our military and send a chilling message through the ranks.”
Precisely the opposite is true. Trump and Hegseth are primarily interested in merit, readiness, and the military’s core mission.
Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Allen West likewise disagrees with Reed and other complainers. “For all the leftists and politicized military pundits lamenting the dismissal of General Charles Q. Brown, where was your wailing about national security when Barack Hussein Obama fired nearly 200 Generals in five years?” he asked. “General Brown was released because he felt it more important to delve into matters of social justice than national security. He also commented that he preferred only a certain percentage of pilots be white in the Air Force. He was an acolyte of cultural Marxist philosophy known as DEI/CRT.”
CRT stands for critical race theory, and West is right that it’s Marxist. CRT and DEI are politically charged methods and beliefs. Getting rid of them is just what the U.S. military needs, and that change will have to happen up and down the chain of command.
Follow Nate Jackson on X/Twitter.
For more of today’s columns, visit Right Opinion.
The BIG Lie
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk are putting your Social Security checks at risk.” —Senator Elizabeth Warren
Dezinformatsiya
“[DOGE’s work] is an effort to destroy the government so that it’s easier for oligarchs and the Heritage Foundation to do whatever they wish.” —New York Times’s Mara Gay
Leftist Lunacy
“The fact that I’m rooting for Canada and I’m rooting for Mexico a lot is really wild. But they are really the ones that are speaking truth to power right now.” —Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett
Word Salad
“When we think about these moments where we see things that are being taken, but also let’s see it, you know, nature abhors a vacuum.” —Kamala Harris
Re: The Left
“Democrats should ask: Who is truly slow-witted? Is it the stumbling Tom Hanks caricature [on SNL] or the real Joe Biden and his ilk?” —Victor Davis Hanson
Damned if You Do…
“The Biden administration launched a massive multi-year lawsuit against SpaceX for not hiring asylum seekers, despite the fact that SpaceX is legally BARRED from hiring non-permanent residents under ITAR, because rockets are an advanced weapons technology. In other words, it was both illegal to hire asylum seekers and illegal not to hire asylum seekers!!” —Elon Musk
For the Record
“Many people who have gotten everything wrong about Russia say they know what Russia wants. Many people who know the media reports fake garbage take anonymously sourced reports on a complex negotiation as gospel truth.” —JD Vance
“This departure from post-Berlin Wall universalist liberalism has been a long time in the making, and Vance’s incisive rebuke of European elites powerfully drove home the point. For the foreseeable future, U.S.-Europe relations will not be the same — and that is a good thing.” —Josh Hammer
And Last
“The American people expect every city and state to fully honor ICE detainer requests … and to ensure the safe transfer of criminal aliens into federal custody for immediate removal from our country.” —Donald Trump
For more of today’s memes, visit the Memesters Union.
For more of today’s cartoons, visit the Cartoons archive.
“From The Patriot Post (patriotpost.us)”.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu puts the return of Palestinian prisoners on hold- demanding that Hamas end the humiliating transfer ceremonies in Gaza as the hostages are released, but Israel pushes ahead, hoping for more hostage releases; US Secretary of State Marco Rubio blasts Hamas for its “savagery” in its treatment of the Bibas family, while bipartisan members of Congress rip the Associated Press for its coverage of Hamas, and Israel sends tanks into the West Bank to go after the terrorists after a failed attack last week; international leaders coming to Washington to urge President Trump not to abandon Ukraine; faith leaders in Ukraine say they want a just peace, and protection for religious freedom; a park in Israel is helping animals recover after the damages from the wars; and how CBN’s Superbook is spreading the Gospel to families and children.
Want more news from a Christian Perspective? Choose to support CBN: https://go.cbn.com/ugWBn
CBN News. Because Truth Matters™
Source: US, Israel Slam ‘Savage’ Hamas Treatment of Hostages | CBN NewsWatch – February 24, 2025
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 748 points on Friday, its worst slide in two months. The Financial Times explained: “A bout of gloomy economic data showed sentiment among consumers and businesses has cooled a month into Donald Trump’s presidency.”
For all I know, the markets will rebound today. Or they could close mixed, or they could continue to decline. But you’re not reading this article because you want stock market advice from me. The next finance class I take will be my first one. My economics acumen rivals my ability to dunk a basketball or fly a jumbo jet.
However, I am interested in discussing with you a verse I encountered in my personal Bible study over the weekend; one that speaks to foundational issues we all face, whatever the markets do today.
Psalm 52 was written by David after someone named “Doeg the Edomite” betrayed his whereabouts to King Saul (1 Samuel 22:9–10). This mattered because Saul at the time saw David as a threat to his throne and sought to kill him.
David said to Doeg and to all whose character he represents, “Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? . . . Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit” (vv. 1–2). The future king goes on to warn Doeg that “God will break you down forever; he will snatch and tear you from your tent” (v. 5).
Now comes the part that caught my eye: “The righteous shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him, saying, ‘See the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and sought refuge in his own destruction!’” (vv. 6–7).
Stop there for a moment. According to David, the person who “trusted in the abundance of his riches” is the same person who “sought refuge in his own destruction.” Repetition is a central feature of Hebrew poetry. In this case, the second phrase affirms and amplifies the first.
How would a person who “sought refuge in his own destruction” do so? He might seek shelter from a hurricane in a building that then collapsed and killed him. Or he might consume poison thinking it was medicine and die. Or he might react to adversity by using drugs that kill him.
I remember watching a sports icon being interviewed shortly before his death. After many years of drinking that he thought made his life better, he was dying of cirrhosis of the liver. He looked into the camera and said, “Don’t do what I did.”
How can we take his advice today?
David continued: “I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever” (v. 8). Again, the second phrase amplifies the first: if we trust not in material wealth but in the unconditional love of God, we are comparable to a “green olive tree in the house of God”—alive and perpetually thriving.
I am reminded of CS Lewis’s famous maxim: “Aim at Heaven and you get Earth ‘thrown in’; aim at Earth and you will get neither.” Living for eternity is the best way to maximize our temporal lives. Focusing on heavenly reward leads to our earthly best.
Why is this so?
St. Augustine (AD 354–430) explained:
Suppose you are going to fill some holder or container, and you know you will be given a large amount. Then you set about stretching your sack or wineskin or whatever it is. Why? Because you know the quantity you will have to put in it and your eyes tell you there is not enough room. By stretching it, therefore, you increase the capacity of the sack, and this is how God deals with us. . . .
God means to fill each of you with what is good; so cast out what is bad! If he wishes to fill you with honey and you are full of sour wine, where is the honey to go? The vessel must be emptied of its contents and then be cleansed. Yes, it must be cleansed even if you have to work hard and scour it. It must be made fit for the new thing, whatever it may be.
Said differently, when we do what leads to reward in the next life, we live our best lives in this one. For example:
St. Maximus the Confessor (AD 580–662) noted:
If a man’s service toward his brothers is genuine and if he really renounces worldly concerns, he is freed from selfish desires. For he now shares in God’s own knowledge and love. Since he does possess God’s love, he does not experience weariness as he follows his Lord and God.
Theologian and novelist Frederick Buechner was therefore right:
“If you lose yourself in your work, you find who you are. If you express the best you have in you in your work, it is more than just the best you have in you that you are expressing.”
Will you “express the best you have in you” for God’s glory today?
The post After dropping 748 points Friday, what will stocks do next? appeared first on Denison Forum.
This month marked 11 years of Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine celebrating people with special needs. More than 800 churches in 60 countries participated in the event Friday, Feb. 7. Videos show onlookers cheering and holding handmade signs as participants dressed in tailored suits and glittering gowns dance down red carpets and receive crowns. The Tim Tebow Foundation also launched Shine On, a ministry that provides resources for churches to reach and disciple people with special needs year round. The Tim Tebow Foundation has 2 stars and an “A” transparency grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a donor confidence score of 75.
With California facing a shortage of qualified special education teachers, Vanguard University in Southern California will start offering a new special education teaching credential program in fall 2025. The Education Specialist Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) credential will be offered as part of a traditional four-year bachelors program and as a continuing education option, with both online and in-person offerings. Vanguard University has 4 stars and an “A” transparency grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a donor confidence score of 71.
Beginning in March, Shawn Thornton will step into the role of president at Joni & Friends, the international ministry founded by Joni Eareckson Tada for people with disabilities. Thornton is senior pastor of Calvary Community Church in California, where he spearheaded a disability ministry. He has also served on the ministry’s board of directors. As president, he will oversee outreach and evangelism efforts, offering practical help such as wheelchairs and the Gospel. Joni & Friends has 2 stars and an “A” transparency grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a donor confidence score of 63.
Photo via AG News
Calvary Champions, a ministry of Calvary Church in Naperville, Illinois, is celebrating one year ministering to people and families with special needs. The church kicked off the ministry by hosting its first Night to Shine event in February 2024, then formed Calvary Champions to support families with children ages 4-12 with special needs. The need grew, initiating Calvary Nursery for children with special needs from birth to 4 years old. Senior Pastor Marty Sloan estimates that more than 70 families have joined the church this past year because of the special needs ministry.
Source: Ministries Making a Difference Ministries to people with disabilities and special needs
Those who study war and battle tactics understand the strategic significance of choosing the right battlefield. In fact, choosing to fight in the wrong place can lead to significant loss even if your side possesses other advantages. Union General Ambrose Burnside learned this lesson the hard way in the early days of America’s Civil War. At the Battle of Fredericksburg, he led his army to engage the outnumbered Confederate side at Marye’s Heights. There was one problem. The thick Confederate front line was positioned behind a stone wall on a hilly slope fifty feet above the plain. Burnside stubbornly sent wave after wave of Union soldiers over the open field into the teeth of what can only be described as slaughter. As the cannon smoke cleared, the blood-soaked ground held the bodies of more than 12,500 dead Union soldiers.
Identifying the right theater for battle matters. The Christian life is no different.
We live in a therapeutic age that trains us to label every emotional struggle as disease. We are trained to identify illnesses for which we bear no responsibility. Our mental state is determined solely by forces outside our control. As a result, we bypass our own moral agency and engage in an external battle against invisible forces with the help of the professional medical class. Our greatest problem is never in here—in what the Bible calls the “mind” or “heart”; it’s always out there in an oppressive trauma-inducing society that wreaks havoc on emotionally-deficient persons. My only recourse is to turn to professional therapists and prescribed medications in hopes that I can cope.
To suggest that the individual may bear some responsibility for his own mental state is to do the unthinkable—it stigmatizes mental illness. In therapeutic culture, anything that makes anyone feel uncomfortable must be avoided at all costs. Therefore, we must sidestep ever suggesting personal responsibility from fear of causing the painful experiences of guilt or shame.
I’m thankful that therapy culture draws attention to the reality of mental illness. Many emotional struggles do indeed arise from forces outside our control. We should try to avoid compounding mental anguish through false guilt. However, even in such instances, individual moral agency must be preserved. We can’t always help how we feel, but we are responsible for how we respond. Our wise Creator endowed his image-bearers with resolve in the face of adversity. Our merciful Redeemer restores his redeemed people with resources to fight back the darkness.
If you believe you lack these resources—if you continue to believe that you are helplessly vulnerable and powerless against great forces beyond your control—then you will remove your own agency and succumb to those powers. The hard process of healing and change requires help from many sources, but it must not omit your own participation.
In his book on spiritual depression, the late Welsh minister, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, wrote, “Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself? Take those thoughts that come to you the moment you wake up in the morning. You have not originated them, but they start talking to you, they bring back the problem of yesterday. Somebody is talking. Who is talking to you? Your self is talking to you.” He then pointed to the example of the psalmist who speaks truth about God to his own “cast down” soul (Psalm 42).
Lloyd-Jones continued, “The main art in the matter of spiritual living is to know how to handle yourself. You have to take yourself in hand, you have to address yourself, preach to yourself, question yourself.”
Lloyd-Jones understood that the mind is the primary battleground for the Christian. When we listen to ourselves, we surrender to forces beyond our control. We rarely feel good, and listening instead of talking puts us in a vulnerable position. It removes our moral agency to act. It orients the mind to passivity, resulting in helpless surrender to whatever the world or our own emotive state throws at us. Listening to ourselves locates the conflict in the wrong place and makes us vulnerable to attack.
The Bible, however, calls us to take an active position—to go on attack. Rather than conformity to the world, we are to be transformed by the renewal of our minds (Rom 12:2). We are to “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Cor 10:5) and prepare our minds for action by setting our hope fully on grace (1 Pet 1:13).
What does this look like in practice? We must tell ourselves what is true, what to think, and how to feel. We must seek to know Christ through his word—to study his nature, his ways, and his grace. We must memorize his promises and replace thoughts based on our feelings with new thoughts originating from what he has said. In short, we preach to ourselves so that our reality is shaped more by his reliable word than our unreliable emotions.
You can’t win the war if you choose the wrong battleground. Let’s make sure we’re fighting only where we’re assured of winning.
‘Fox & Friends Weekend’ co-host Charlie Hurt unpacks the Obama library controversy on ‘Jesse Watters Primetime.’
Source: ‘Jesse Watters Primetime’ unpacks the drama behind Obama’s presidential library
Truth2Freedom's Blog 