Over the last several months, we have been exploring the war that is continually fought between God’s Spirit in our hearts and the sin and self that reside in our soul and body (the “flesh”).

(In our March issue, we explored the limits to “smallness”—particle physics—and that our known universe is but a “shadow” of a larger reality. In this issue we will review the attempt this summer to probe the present limits of “smallness.”)

The Epistle to the Hebrews is one of the two greatest theological treatises of the New Testament. This letter is, in a real sense, the “Leviticus” of the New Testament, detailing how the Lord Jesus Christ is both the fulfillment and the successor to all that had gone on before.

You may ask: “Doesn’t Jesus suffer when we mistrust Him? Doesn’t the Lord grieve when we waver and question His Word and His faithfulness?” Yes, yes, He absolutely does. But those who have failed in faith can still keep their eyes on Jesus.

Over the last two months, we have been exploring the practical application of how we “put off” the flesh and “put on” Christ. The Scripture that explains this cleansing process is Ephesians 4:22-24, 31, which instructs us to “put off the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

I am excited. I mean, really excited! I have been hearing that everyone needs to be in a small group. Chuck always says, “If you can’t find one, start one. It’s easier than you think and we’ll help you.”

In recent weeks you might have noticed your grocery bill rising. If so, you’re not alone. Food prices are soaring worldwide. Consumers in many western nations are just beginning to notice the change; however, in many parts of the world the rising cost of food has already reached crisis levels.

On May 14, 1948, Israel declared its independence and was immediately at war with its Arab neighbors. Today Israel’s enemies are once again preparing for war and, again, the goal is Israel’s complete annihilation. In the 60 years that have passed since the creation of the modern state of Israel, this tiny nation has fought for its survival against all odds. It has survived several major wars and decades of violence.

We take passages in the Bible for granted, often failing to recognize the technological advancements that are implied by them. Some of these, in subtle ways, are implied prophecies.

Last month we celebrated our Lord’s death and resurrection, but we need to make sure we never distance our Easter from Passover. They are intrinsically connected and yet calendar-wise they are often separated-this year, Passover is celebrated a month later than Easter. As Christians it is imperative that we understand how these two events are intertwined and how Christ is the fulfillment of the Seder.

We are so excited by the response we have received from our new book, The Kingdom, Power and Glory, that we are planning to film a DVD series of the same.  If you live in the Coeur D' Alene,  area or are going to be in this area on any of the dates listed (click here for dates), we would love to have you join us. If not, we would really appreciate your prayers for the seminar.

The essence of true faith is found in this single verse. God had just promised Abraham he would have a son, one who would become the seed of many nations. Remarkably, Abraham didn’t flinch at this promise, even though he was well past the age of siring children. Instead, when Abraham received this word from the Lord, we’re told he “considered not his own body now dead (nor)...the deadness of Sarah’s womb.”

On March 16th most churches will celebrate Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter. This event, also known as “the Triumphal Entry,” involves one of the most astonishing passages in the entire Bible.

Paul wrote four personal letters to three different pastors: Timothy (two), Titus, and Philemon. These letters were also intended for circulation in the churches, but they were specifically to encourage, instruct, and warn pastors faced with the burden of ministering.

Do you have “faith” in the chair you’re sitting on? Why are you confident it will hold your weight? It may seem solid enough, but suppose I told you that essentially there was nothing there?

We hope you take a look at our new book The Kingdom, Power and Glory: The Overcomer’s Handbook because we are so excited at the reception it is getting. This book lays out God’s whole plan of salvation: Why He called us; where we are going; and how we are to get there.

As we enter the new year and survey the turbulent horizon ahead, global enigmas continue to challenge any competent analysis. Anyone who assumes that the years ahead will be smooth sailing is underinformed.

A dear, dear friend of mine wrote me these thoughts recently and it’s my prayer for you: “May this New Year be the best ever for you as your relationship with our precious Lord flourishes. May you have a glimpse of His tapestry and design for your life: may you see the pure gold threads of His eternal truth; the rich reds of His glorious Love; the luminous greens of His discernment and insight; the quiet violet of unwavering faith; and the wondrous deep blue of friendship with Him.”

As we prepare our hearts for Easter next month, I thought we’d review the famed incident of Abraham offering his son Isaac in Genesis chapter 22, called in Hebrew the Akedah. Let’s review this strange account.

The Epistle to the Romans is a cornerstone in the Scriptures. Sometimes called the Gospel according to Paul, it is the most comprehensive book in the New Testament. If you are going to study the New Testament seriously, you must diligently address this book.