Preserving Hope: Ordinary v. Extraordinary

Christians often discuss the concept of Providence. “The Westminster Shorter Catechism,” a concise summary of Christian doctrine, states, "God’s works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing of all his creatures, and all their actions." In simpler terms, Providence is what distinguishes Christianity from Deism. Deism suggests that God is like a clockmaker who initially set the universe in motion…

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Preserving Hope: God isn’t an object

There’s a fascinating story in 1 Samuel 4 about the defeat of Israel at the hands of the Philistines nearly 3,000 years ago. Israel met in battle with the Philistines in a location called Aphek, which is considered to be eight miles east of the modern-day city of Tel Aviv. Tragically, Israel was defeated and lost nearly four thousand people. For perspective, that’s more than…

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Preserving Hope: Why should we work?

“Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.” (Proverbs 23:4–5, ESV) The Bible has many different genres. It has books of history and books of poetry. But it also has books of practical wisdom, which is what we find in Proverbs. As…

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Preserving Hope: I shall not be greatly shaken

“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.” (Psalm 62:1–2, ESV) Tumultuous events can often shake us. Sometimes we are shaken by events on the news or on the international stage. But other times, we are shaken by tragedies in our own lives: a…

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Preserving Hope: Ditch the smartphone

Smartphone addiction is a problem. It robs us of free time, preventing us from reading as many books as possible or smelling the roses. It distracts us from our children and loved ones. It even causes car accidents and the breakdown of relationships. But is there a solution? First, turn your smartphone into a dumb phone. If you have a smartphone, delete all your distracting…

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Preserving Hope: Examine your walk

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1–3, ESV) I love the image of “walking” for the Christian life in Ephesians…

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Preserving Hope: Don’t lose heart

Whenever we suffer in life, whether it is our own suffering or coming alongside someone else in the midst of suffering, we’re tempted to be discouraged or lose heart. And that’s why, in the Bible, the Apostle Paul says, “So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory” (Ephesians 3:13, ESV). We know from verse…

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Exploring Hope: Why many versions of the Bible?

If you go into a bookstore and make your way to the Bible section, you'll see countless English translations: ESV, NASB, KJV, NKJV, NIV, CSV, NEB, NLT, etc. But why are there so many versions of the Bible? First, it's important to know that the 66 books of the Bible were originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and koine Greek. Therefore, translations seek to bring these…

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Exploring Hope: A news consumption challenge

Coronavirus. China and Taiwan. Russia and Ukraine. Inflation and recession.  Headlines in the modern world are scary and cause a lot of fear and anxiety in the human heart. But how many hours a day do you consume news media? How many news podcasts do you listen to? How many hours a day do you find yourself watching cable news? I’m not proposing complete abstinence…

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