Christians sometimes fail to experience the radical freedom made available by the work of Christ. Some continue to live with fear or guilt. Others gauge their commitment by a list of religious rules and observations. Still others despair of ever experiencing victory over sin. But because we share in Christ's resurrection, Christians can be free from fear, guilt, works righteousness, and the power ...
Estrangement from God has many consequences. Some people are lost in a wilderness of loneliness and pain or are bound in shackles of sin. Others celebrate their rebellion, believing God wants to thwart their individuality. It often takes a terrifying storm in life to bring sinners to repentance. The good news is, God is eager to meet our needs and redeem us in times of trouble. In fact, he promises to rescue the repentant when they acknowledge their rebellion and call out to him. Both the Old and New Testaments are full of stories of God's redemption, the greatest of which came through Jesus Christ. In light of all this, the redeemed must respond to God's salvation with an attitude of thankfulness.
Everyone experiences desert times marked by isolation, fear, loneliness, and hopelessness. The people of Israel once wandered in the desert and despaired that God had forgotten them, even though he had a history of faithfulness with Israel. They faced many challenges we face today: suffering, discontentment, dissention, and panic. Like the Israelites, we learn important lessons in the desert. ...