risingwiththeson

Ready Access to God

Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to himContinueContinue reading “Ready Access to God”

Let’s Point it Back

“Doom! It’s Doomsday! I’m as good as dead! Every word I’ve ever spoken is tainted blasphemous even! And the people I live with talk the same way, using words that corrupt and desecrate. And here I’ve looked God in the face! The King! GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies!” (Isaiah 6:5 MSG) We can spend our entire lives pointing theContinueContinue reading “Let’s Point it Back”

A Story of Sacrifice

If you really think about it, the Bible is a story of sacrifice. There were animal sacrifices that people offered for their sin, but there were other sacrifices that were much harder to offer. As a test of faith, Abraham was asked to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Hannah offered her son, Samuel, for theContinueContinue reading “A Story of Sacrifice”

The Precious Blood of Jesus

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.(1 John 1:7 NIV) It wasn’t until a few years ago that I began to understand the true value of the blood of Jesus. IContinueContinue reading “The Precious Blood of Jesus”

“An Age of Grace”

Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! (Romans 6:14-15 NLT) Sadly, the ChristiansContinueContinue reading ““An Age of Grace””

Deceptive Appearances

The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ContinueContinue reading “Deceptive Appearances”

Who is Like the LORD?

Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. (Micah 7:18 NIV) Micah’s name is an excellent reminder of a very good question, “Who is like the LORD?” In the conclusion to the wholeContinueContinue reading “Who is Like the LORD?”

Deal With Sin

“So if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand or one foot than to be thrown into eternal fire with both of your hands and feet. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it outContinueContinue reading “Deal With Sin”

Drop the Stone

“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7 NIV) Isn’t it amazing how even the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees wouldn’t dare to throw a stone at the woman caught in adultery after being convicted of their own sin by Jesus? TheyContinueContinue reading “Drop the Stone”

Learning to Love Like Jesus

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34 NIV) I’ve come to realize that in the Christian life, God will often test us to see just how much we practice what we preach. Love is one of them. We can talk,ContinueContinue reading “Learning to Love Like Jesus”