Michael Kelley

We will absolutely grow spiritually when we read the Bible because this is the inspired Word of God. And the Spirit of God is faithful to use the Word of God to transform the people of God.

There is need here. There is desire here. There is even pain here. We are thirsty, hungry, and unsatisfied. But according to the prophet, we might well look to temporary alleviation of that thirst, hunger, and dissatisfaction instead of going through the full diagnostic process.

Perhaps that’s why, throughout the history of Christianity, one of the greatest tools for teaching theology has been music. After all, one of the earliest Christian hymns is the great Christological passage of Philippians 2.

Friends, these are not “magic bullets.” But they are statements of truth.

The backstory of those two words is one of pain and tragedy.

God is our refuge and the gospel is our hope.

If we want to grow in our love for others, let us return and be reminded over and over again just how deeply, completely, and wonderfully God has loved us in Christ.

Spiritual warfare is a reality we need to take seriously.