“Be on your guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Going to the gym and lifting weights can make you stronger. But it’s not automatic. You must exceed a certain point of exertion, stressing the muscle. It takes work and sweat and persistence. As one of my mentors says, “Don’t just move the weights.” …

The Bible has a reason, beyond introductory information, for recording the exact time of the first Easter when Jesus rose from the dead “after the Sabbath, at dawn, on the first day of the week” (Matthew 28:1). To put it differently, God in his Word is politely stating, “I told you so!” Jesus had previously promised, “After three days I will rise again” (Matthew …

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were three young, God-loving Israelites in the 6th century BC, living happily in their homeland until it was invaded by world power Babylon, who deported the professional classes like artists, professors, and military officers, especially the younger ones. These three young men, living and working now in Babylon, wanted to be faithful to their Lord God …

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” (John 21:7) Your identity is a tricky thing. When people ask, “Where is your home?” Do you tell them about your current address, or talk about your childhood? There is the impression that others have about you. Then there is the real you. And then there is …

Do you feel the world is broken? Do you feel the shadows deepen? But do you know that all the dark won’t stop the light from getting through? Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole? Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll? The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave. He is David’s root and the Lamb …

Panera Bread takes its name from the Latin “panis,” meaning “bread,” and the word “era,” for time. A significant part of the company’s mission is the companionship customers can enjoy, reflected in one of their slogans, “fresh bread makes friends.” When [Jesus] was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it …

Jesus’ resurrection should be the filter for everything you see, imagine, say, do, and feel. Jesus’ resurrection should give you an identity that defines circumstances instead of circumstances defining you. Do you believe this? Do you? Or do you shrink back? Do you hide, either in passivity or aggression? Hide in work or social media or alcohol? Paralyzed by worry? …

From the first moments that the risen and living Jesus appeared to people, we observe two responses. First, the women who went to Jesus’ tomb early Sunday morning. An angel told them that Jesus was alive. They “hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came …

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those …