“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, NKJV). Mark it as a fact. Jesus was very clear. If you are not born again, you are not going to heaven. Two concepts are involved. One: Birth. This is an instantaneous entrance into life. … More Being Born Again Is (Surprisingly) Not Our Decision
In faithfulness to Your ancient promise, Winter’s come, as You foretold. In might, You rain Your snow upon us; Who can stand before Your cold? But in goodness, Lord, You choose to dress The brown in wintry white, To tuck the world in seasoned rest At labor’s end, in year-end night. Though much that it … More Thankful for Winter: The Poem
Believer, are you thankful for winter? Here in Michigan, where it is not as cold as in my native home of Minnesota, but neither is it as sunny, winter is often gray and uninviting–unless one is an avid outdoorsman. Many Michiganders are not, and some of them, like the geese, head south for the winter. … More Thankful for Winter
“I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the does of the field, do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases” (Song of Songs 3:5, NKJV). Romantic love cannot be forced. There is something almost magical, when, as one Puritan put it, God pitches the heart of a man … More The Dangers of Decision-Based Evangelism
When the year is yet fresh, it is time to breathe deep, re-evaluate our priorities, and get back to basics. And what can be more basic than the most famous verse of the Bible, John 3:16–the Gospel of John, chapter three, verse sixteen? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten … More Back to Basics: John 3:16
“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before … More Liberation from Present Vindication, or The Right Way Not to Care What People Think of You
“I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house” (Mark 2:11). So often the road to recovery, when we fall down or are in despair, is one small step from feeling to faith. For example, Jesus comes to us and says, “Love your spouse,” but we look … More Faith or Feeling?
“Behold, I will make you small among the nations; You shall be greatly despised. The pride of your heart has deceived you, You who dwell in the clefts of the rock, Whose habitation is high; You who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’ Though you ascend as high as … More A Major Message from a Minor Prophet
“But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us…” –Titus 3:4-5 Suspended in space, unsupported by human hands of structures, the grace of God appeared–lowly, inconspicuous–a Baby. Like Naaman, we were offended. Surely … More Christmas: Only the Proud Refuse to Rejoice
“O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? For your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.” –Hosea 6:4 Many of our so-called friendships resemble the fickleness of gasoline-buyers: For two cents less a gallon, we forsake the station of … More Be a Loyal Friend
Spring Branch Academy - Jonesville, Michigan 