Darkened Glass Reflections

Category: Bible meditations

  • The War Within—Galatians 5:16–18

    There is no easy formula for walking in the Spirit. It can best be summarized like this: You have been born again as a child of God; now live like a child of God. Remember who you are, and Who lives with you and in you. Most importantly, when you have strayed from God’s best…

  • Godly Sorrow—2 Corinthians 7:10

    St. Paul contrasted two kinds of sorrow in 2 Corinthians 7. The King James Version refers to one of them as “godly sorrow” (or, as the NASB puts it, “sorrow according to the will of God”) which produces a true repentance leading unto salvation. “The sorrow of the world,” on the other hand, leads to…

  • The Two Sides of Discipleship—Luke 10:38–42

    When a Mary rises from the feet of Jesus and brings His presence into the world by serving others like Martha would, discipleship is complete.

  • Cheap Grace or Transforming Grace?

    “Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

  • All Have Sinned—Romans 3:21–25

    All Have Sinned—Romans 3:21–25

    Several of my recent posts have addressed the believer’s need for confession and repentance. These do not tell the full story of salvation. However, they lay a firm foundation for one to come to faith in Jesus Christ. True Christian faith must begin from the perspective expressed in Romans 3:23—“all have sinned and fall short…

  • Endure to the End—Matthew 24:9-14

    Endure to the End—Matthew 24:9-14

    Do not grow discouraged. Yes, we live in difficult times. Lawlessness is rampant: In our culture, in our government, and even in the church. Persecution seems to be creeping in, even in the “land of the free and home of the brave.” Christians have probably never been more marginalized in America than they are now.…

  • Repentance Brings God Joy—Luke 15:7

    Repentance Brings God Joy—Luke 15:7

    It does not matter how far you have wandered, or in what kind of mire you have soiled your soul. Forgiveness is available. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is seeking you. Run into His arms for protection and preservation. He is looking for a reason to celebrate.

  • Confession and Freedom—Proverbs 28:13

    Confession is the first step to freedom. Before we can live the victorious Christian life, we have to admit that we are failing. More importantly, we need to admit to God where and how we are failing. Then, He can guide us out of our darkness into the full experience of His light.

  • Confession and Deliverance—James 5:16

    Confession and Deliverance—James 5:16

    When one believer has admitted his sins to another, they should pray for deliverance and for the power to resist temptation. Confession is the first step to repentance, restoration, and deliverance. Your prayers are the greatest tool you have to bring this to fruition.

  • The Soul Abhors a Vacuum—Matthew 12:43–45

    The Soul Abhors a Vacuum—Matthew 12:43–45

    Those in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction may understand this passage very well, along with others who have fought the battle against life-controlling issues. “Out with the old” is not enough: We have to welcome the new things God has for us.