Darkened Glass Reflections

Category: Bible meditations

  • Growing Up in Christ. I: Beyond Carnality—1 Corinthians 14:20

    Growing Up in Christ. I: Beyond Carnality—1 Corinthians 14:20

    Renewal of the Christian’s mind, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, has a goal. God is seeking to raise us from spiritual immaturity to maturity. The Word of God calls us to mature thinking and living, not immaturity. While Jesus calls us to childlike faith (Mark 10:15; Matthew 18:3; Luke 18:17), He calls us…

  • Setting Your Mind Where It Belongs—Romans 8:5–6

    Setting Your Mind Where It Belongs—Romans 8:5–6

    Romans 8 contrasts two lives: The life “according to the Spirit” (the life of a true follower of Jesus) and the life “according to the flesh” (the life of one who does not have a real relationship with Him). It is interesting to place these two lives side-by-side.

  • In One Accord—Acts 1:12–14

    In One Accord—Acts 1:12–14

    Jesus did not call the disciples to rely on their natural abilities or resources. They had already failed many times when they tried to serve Him that way. Pentecost would bring a new beginning. Old expectations were set aside. A renewed people, united in faith and prayer, would proclaim the resurrection of Jesus and kingdom…

  • Choosing Life, Good, and Blessing—Deuteronomy 30:15-20

    Choosing Life, Good, and Blessing—Deuteronomy 30:15-20

    God calls us to bring His light, life, and love to the world.

  • Walking in Faith or Reacting in Fear—Numbers 20:10–13

    Walking in Faith or Reacting in Fear—Numbers 20:10–13

    You would think the Israelites had learned by this time. God had parted the waters of the Red Sea to guide them safely out of Egypt. He had miraculously provided food and water before. Somehow, with each crisis, God met their need. After a few difficult situations, the Israelites should have realized that they merely…

  • New Reformation or Personal Reformation

    New Reformation or Personal Reformation

    Perhaps the Church does not need a New Reformation. The problems within the church are problems with human nature. New church structures will not eradicate them. Rethinking theology may actually multiply them. Each of us, as individual believers in Christ, need our own personal New Reformation. We need to daily recommit ourselves to saying “yes”…

  • New Reformation or Right Teaching?

    New Reformation or Right Teaching?

    Is it time for a New Reformation? From time to time, a Christian preacher or teacher (perhaps claiming the authority of an apostle or prophet) will claim that the church has grown so lukewarm or apostate that we need a new reformation.

  • Pure Passion—Psalms 119:131

    Pure Passion—Psalms 119:131

    Many Christians miss out on God’s blessings because we do not crave them with this addicted passion. We are torn between Christianity as a hobby and passion for the things of this world.

  • Ascension and Pentecost IV: The Ascended Christ Sends the Indwelling Spirit

    Ascension and Pentecost IV: The Ascended Christ Sends the Indwelling Spirit

    This conclusion to this series will show how the indwelling Holy Spirit provides our connection with the ascended Lord Jesus Christ and enables us to observe all that He has commanded us (Matthew 28:19–20).

  • Ascension and Pentecost III. The Gospel of Forgiveness

    Ascension and Pentecost III. The Gospel of Forgiveness

    One of the most important, and in many churches least emphasized, elements of Jesus’ post-resurrection teaching is the message of forgiveness. Yet, it is central to Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples, and it should be central to our message. As He prepared them for their forthcoming ministry, He said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If…