What Does It Mean? Propitiation (noun) prō-pi-shē-ā-shǝn: the act of gaining or regaining the favor of; in this case, a sacrifice that bears God’s wrath and turns it to favor. Why Does It Matter? Read that definition again, and it should be...
Chris Poblete
Chris is a Christian, husband to Alyssa, works as Executive Director of The Gospel for OC and Writer and Editor at Blue Letter Bible. Chris and his wife Alyssa worship and serve at Reverence Bible Church in Mission Viejo, California. He is the author of The Two Fears: Tremble Before God Alone.
Seven Ways To Pray for Persecuted Christians
When members of the Body of Christ suffer, the whole Body suffers together (1st Corinthians 12:26). Even if we are geographically removed from those being persecuted, we can still draw near to them spiritually. Hebrews 13:3 exhorts, “Remember the...
The Practice of Private Prayer
Prayer is an important part of the Christian’s life. 1st Thessalonians 5:17 encourages Christians to pray without ceasing. How can we know what words to pray? Scripture gives us seven examples: Adoration Psalm 18:2 – The LORD is my rock and my fortress and...
The Practice of Corporate Prayer
The Prayer of Adoration Jeremiah 10:6-7, "There is none like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is great in might. Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their...
Salvation According to His Word
Psalm 119:41, "Let Your mercies come also to me, O LORD— Your salvation according to Your word.” Notice that this stanza in Psalm 119:41-48 begins with a request. It begins with a cry for the mercies (or steadfast love) of Yahweh. And the Psalmist seems to know that...
Christ, Forgiveness, and the Cross
“And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’” (Luke 23:34) Jesus Christ, the God-Man, committed the most scandalously humble act in human history: He made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born as a man who was obedient...
What is the Will of God?
It’s a question that many of us ask: “What is God’s will for my life?” After all, what child of God does not want to know the answer to this? The question of purpose—who we are, why we’re here, what God wants of/from/for us—is fundamental to human existence. The best...
Glorifying Christ in Daily Life
“We live unto the Lord.” (Romans 14:8) If God had willed it, each of us might have entered heaven at the moment of conversion. It is not absolutely necessary for our preparation for immortality that we should tarry here. It is possible for a man to be taken to heaven,...
David Brainerd: Longing for Holiness
“WHEN I REALLY ENJOY GOD, I FEEL MY DESIRES OF HIM THE MORE INSATIABLE” David Brainerd (1718-1747), the early American missionary to American Indians, recorded the following in his journal: Thursday, Nov. 4. (At Lebanon) Saw much of my nothingness most of this day:...
Trusting God When Trials Hit
Let’s face it: we know how difficult trials can be. We often lay wounded and troubled in the trenches of daily life. What’s worse is when trials test our trust in God. Where do we place our hope in these circumstances? Does my life reflect that God is my hope? Or,...
Humility
"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"...
Seven Ways to Wage War Against Sin
Sin. It is everywhere. It is never dormant. It is not passive. It does not sleep. It actively weakens and darkens the soul of every human being and has done so since the Fall (Genesis 3). Sin tempts our will. It separates us from our Father. It deceives our hearts and...
Sanctifying View Of Grace
"For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." (1 Corinthians 15:9) "To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of...
Blessed are Those Who Walk in the Word
Psalm 119 is the giant of all psalms, and each verse is about the word of the Lord. If the Bible had a theme song (a really long theme song), this would be it. Specifically, it is a song and prayer of someone who delights in the Word. Charles Spurgeon once said that...
Reformation Again and Again: Finding Hope in the Mess of Nehemiah 13
Nehemiah 13:22 ESV, “Then I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come and guard the gates, to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember this also in my favor, O my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your steadfast love.” The book of...