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Heroes of the Faith – Part Three

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So far, you’ve met several heroes of the Christian faith who were martyred for their beliefs or actions rooted in their Christian worldview. Here, you’ll meet two more who, though not killed for their faith, were at least imprisoned for it. Thomas Aquinas employed faith and reason, showing that they point to the same truth, the same God. By contrast, John of the Cross approached faith and theology less intellectually and more emotionally. Spirit. Poetry. Knowledge. Nonetheless, both exemplified a faith that not only seeks God but also presents Him and His kingdom in meaningful ways. Let’s begin our exploration with Aquinas.

Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274). “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” When Thomas Aquinas announced his intention to become a Dominican friar, his wealthy family was horrified. They even imprisoned him for a time, hoping he would abandon his calling. Instead, Thomas emerged more determined than ever. Gifted with an extraordinary mind, he dedicated his life to showing that faith and reason ultimately point to the same truth, since both originate with God. In this, he resembled Justin Martyr, who argued that reason and faith are compatible.

His masterpiece, the Summa Theologica, carefully organized Christian doctrine into a work that continues to shape theology centuries later. Aquinas also developed philosophical arguments for God’s existence that are still widely studied today. Quiet and humble despite his brilliance, he believed the greatest knowledge was knowing and loving God. Canonized after his death, Thomas Aquinas remains one of the most influential theologians in Christian history.

John of the Cross (1542–1591). “In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.” He believed that the deepest relationship with God often grows in life’s darkest moments. Working alongside Teresa of Ávila, he helped reform the Carmelite order, calling believers to greater simplicity, prayer, and devotion. His efforts met fierce opposition, and he was imprisoned for months by members of his own order. Amazingly, his experience mirrored Aquinas’s, as both were isolated to shape their thoughts and desires.

Confined to a tiny cell, he endured hardship and gained profound spiritual insight. During this time, he composed some of Christianity’s most beautiful poetry, later expanding those themes into classics such as the Dark Night of the Soul. Rather than viewing suffering as meaningless, John taught that God often uses difficult seasons to deepen faith and draw believers into closer communion with Him. His writings continue to comfort Christians facing trials today.

From the incisive power of reason to the complexities of emotion, Thomas and John revealed a rich, holistic faith that speaks to both thinkers and feelers. Knowledge and emotion are certainly not mutually exclusive! Next, we’ll meet two more early discipleship heroes: Count Zinzendorf and John Wesley. In the meantime, be encouraged and draw closer to God, even if you’re walking through a difficult season.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv; DMin)

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Heroes of the Faith – Part Two

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Our next two heroes were also killed for their faith: John Hus directly and Dietrich Bonhoeffer indirectly. Hus was an early Reformer who was martyred for challenging the religious system of his time. By contrast, Bonhoeffer, a discipleship-focused figure, was killed because his Christian convictions compelled him to resist the Nazis, help persecuted Jews, and accept the consequences. Let’s dive into both, beginning with John Hus.

John Hus (c. 1372–1415). “Seek the truth, listen to the truth, learn the truth, love the truth, speak the truth, hold the truth, defend the truth until death.” Long before the Protestant Reformation, John Hus called for the Church to return to the authority of Scripture and to pursue integrity rather than corruption. As a preacher in Prague, he boldly challenged abuses among church leaders, earning devoted followers and determined enemies. Summoned to the Council of Constance under a promise of safe conduct, Hus expected a fair hearing. Instead, he was imprisoned, condemned for heresy, and ordered to renounce his teachings. Refusing to deny what he believed Scripture taught, he was burned at the stake in 1415. His final witness inspired generations of reformers, including Martin Luther, who later acknowledged Hus’s influence. John Hus reminds Christians that truth sometimes demands extraordinary courage, even at great personal cost.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945). “Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession… Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.” As Adolf Hitler tightened his grip on Germany, many churches remained silent. But not Dietrich Bonhoeffer. A gifted pastor and theologian, he believed that following Christ required more than words—it demanded costly obedience. He helped lead the Confessing Church, which resisted Nazi control of Christianity, and wrote influential books such as The Cost of Discipleship and Life Together. Eventually, Bonhoeffer became involved in efforts to oppose Hitler’s regime. Arrested in 1943, he spent two years in prison, continuing to write letters filled with hope and faith. Just weeks before World War II ended in Europe, he was executed by the Nazis. Bonhoeffer’s witness continues to challenge Christians to pursue justice, speak the truth, and remain faithful even when discipleship carries a high price.

As with Justin Martyr and Perpetua, these heroes of the Christian faith exemplify the cost of discipleship, which may include martyrdom. I’m reminded of another martyr focused on discipleship, Stephen, one of the Church’s first deacons: “They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!’ Then, falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them!’ Having said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:59-60) Next, we’ll meet two early disciple-making heroes: Thomas Aquinas and John of the Cross.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv; DMin)

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Heroes of the Faith – Part One

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Most Christians don’t die for their faith, nor do they produce profound wisdom or excel in loving action. Yet some have transcended the ordinary, doing these things and more. In the next several articles, I’ll introduce 12 ‘heroes of the faith’ who’ve exemplified what a Christian should and could be called to do or be. They include Perpetua, Justin Martyr, Thomas Aquinas, Catherine of Siena, John of the Cross, John Hus, John Wesley, Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, John Chrysostom, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Corrie ten Boom, and Mother Teresa.

They are the subjects of our Heroes series. Why these 12? Because of their example and sacrifice. Let’s begin with Justin Martyr and Perpetua. Disclaimer: I used (and validated) AI to help gather and frame the content you’ll read across all six articles.

Justin Martyr (c. 100–165). “Whatever things were rightly said among all men are the property of us Christians.” Justin spent much of his early life searching for truth. He studied the great philosophers of Greece, hoping they would answer life’s deepest questions, but found their teachings incomplete. Everything changed when he encountered Christianity. Convinced that Jesus Christ embodied true wisdom, Justin devoted the rest of his life to defending the faith with reason and Scripture. While living in Rome, he wrote thoughtful works explaining Christian beliefs to skeptical emperors and intellectuals, arguing that faith and reason were not enemies but allies. His writings offer some of the earliest descriptions of Christian worship and theology. When ordered to sacrifice to the Roman gods, Justin refused. His execution around AD 165 earned him the title “Martyr,” and his legacy remains a powerful example of thoughtful faith joined with courageous conviction.

Perpetua (c. 181–203). “I cannot be called anything other than what I am—a Christian.” At twenty-two, Perpetua seemed to have everything to lose—a comfortable life, a loving family, and an infant son. Yet when Roman authorities demanded that she renounce her Christian faith, she refused. Imprisoned in Carthage, she recorded her thoughts and visions in a diary that has survived nearly eighteen centuries. Her father pleaded with her to save herself, but Perpetua remained steadfast, convinced that following Christ was worth any sacrifice. In AD 203, she and several fellow believers, including her servant Felicity, were executed in a public arena. Her remarkable account, The Passion of Perpetua and Felicity, remains one of the earliest firsthand testimonies of Christian martyrdom and continues to inspire believers with its courage, hope, and unwavering trust in God.

“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.” (Revelation 12:11) These heroes of the Christian faith exemplify the cost of discipleship, which may include martyrdom. Would you be willing to prove your faith in that way? Next time, we’ll meet martyrs John Hus and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv; DMin)

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A Sovereign Partnership!

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God is sovereign. King. Creator. Owner of everything. And we are His creation. He can do as He wishes. But that doesn’t mean He moves every blade of grass, orchestrates every heartbeat, or dictates every human choice. Just because He can doesn’t mean He always does.

In His majesty, God permits us to choose a relationship with Him … or not. Choice and consequences, freedom with blessings and curses. This has always been God’s gracious, relational nature. Yet some will say we cannot choose God on our own or play a role in a salvific relationship with Him through Jesus. If you disagree, they’ll say you believe God controls nothing. To them, only two extremes exist: you believe God controls everything, including choice … or that God controls nothing. “Ron! How on earth did this thinking come about?” Fourth-century Augustine and the Reformer he inspired: John Calvin.

Like most of us, Saint Augustine’s Christian worldview was shaped by perceptions and experiences. Sadly, it was also influenced by various philosophies, including Stoicism. Although he and the early church fathers emphasized human free will in seeking God, Augustine’s position later shifted. His doctrine of an inability to choose God evolved into a theology asserting that all people are destined for hell, with God saving only a few souls. According to this view, Jesus ‘effectively’ died only for some—not everyone—and hope is reserved for those whom God draws out of the fire. In contrast, the Bible presents choice, consequences, and genuine hope. Note: Subsequent Scripture quotes are without references for brevity. They are easy to find.

The first significant choice and consequence we encounter is with Adam and Eve, who chose to disobey God. You’ll find countless ‘if-then’ conditional statements in the Old Testament that echo “I will if you will!” and “If you go here, then such-and-such will happen; otherwise …” Of course, 3,000 people lost their lives in the aftermath of the golden calf because they chose not to align with Moses. Another sobering choice: “Choose this day whom you will serve.” There are many more in the Old Testament! Let’s move to the New Testament.

“God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent.” In fact, “… our Savior … desires all men to be saved …” Why? “[God is] not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” And who does God draw or call, and how? “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” Yet the Jews of Jesus’ day rejected Him: “Jerusalem … How often I wanted to gather your children together … and you were unwilling.”

To summarize, a sovereign God with free will has granted you free will as His imager. Choose wisely and live! Next, let’s meet some of the ‘heroes of the faith.’ In the meantime, honor God and love people in your freedom.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv; DMin)

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Indoctrination or Discipleship?

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Jesus didn’t define church doctrine. He didn’t create church roles or offices. He didn’t walk up and down the beach expounding the Torah, nor did he try to indoctrinate anyone. His purpose was simply to introduce God’s Kingdom through example and discipleship. His approach? Teach, model, test, correct, and send. We should do the same. Yet statistics and experience suggest that most church leaders and pastors don’t understand Jesus-style discipleship or follow this model, often choosing instead to label ‘indoctrination’ as discipleship. Let me share a couple of examples.

My wife and I recently visited several churches to find a new church home after our move last year. Whether a church is active in community outreach and discipleship matters, especially since love and discipleship are the two main things churches should pursue. So I always ask … On one occasion, I poked an elder and asked, “What does your church do for discipleship?” His answer? “We have a discipleship class on Wednesday nights.” Me: “Oh? What will you teach this week?” The elder said, “We’re going to teach people about free will.”

I guess that made sense, since that church’s doctrine is Augustinian Calvinism, which, among other things, teaches that ‘you can only freely do what God wills you to do’—a concept foreign to early Christians and generally contrary to God’s nature. No Church father before Augustine taught such a thing that defies God’s “I will if you will” nature and biblical language like “Choose!” If something so foundational, long accepted before Augustine, now requires deliberate instruction, the task resembles indoctrination more than discipleship.

On another occasion, I was asked to audit a discipleship manual someone had written and shared with me. I quickly noticed that the content was primarily intended to teach students how to be good church members: give, do, be. Given today’s church business model, that makes sense (even though, to be fair, some of the education and training touched on godly principles). The temptation would be to indoctrinate church members to be good members by giving and working, and to call it ‘discipleship.’ But that’s not what God has asked for, nor what Jesus modeled.

In both examples, human desires, doctrine, and performance took precedence over discipleship. There may be nothing malicious or evil at work, and it isn’t necessarily wrong: it’s just not right. Teaching church members to be good members can be helpful, but it doesn’t address God’s commands to love people and make disciples. On the other hand, indoctrinating people to profess things contrary to God’s desires or Christ’s teachings is wrong and unhelpful.

In summary, ask yourself (if you’re a church leader): “Am I equipping my people first and foremost to obey God as disciples and disciple-makers?” Next time, we’ll contrast the seemingly opposing concepts of free will and God’s sovereignty. In the meantime, please prioritize Jesus-style discipleship and avoid confusing it with church doctrine or business!

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv; DMin)

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Putting God to the Test

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“Test God and see if He’ll do what He said.” On the other hand, “Don’t put the Lord your God to the test!” And then there’s Gideon, who tested God without being invited to do so … and lived. Which is it? Test? Don’t test? Test and take your chances? We’ll discover that the difference comes down to faith and motive as we explore each of the three scenarios above.

Faithless people demand proof. In Deuteronomy 6:16, God warns the Israelites not to test Him as they did at Massah (a warning echoed by Jesus in Matthew 4:5-7). What happened there? As you’ll read in Exodus 17:1-7, the people grumbled in mistrust of God because they had no water. Essentially, they questioned God’s presence, perhaps wondering whether He’d left them to die of thirst in the wilderness. Their lack of faith led them to test God. God responded by providing water, having Moses strike a rock with his staff.

A faithful person seeks reassurance. Judges 6:36-40 tells us that Gideon sought reassurance from God about Israel’s deliverance through him. How? First, he asked that dew appear only on a fleece (a piece of wool), not on the ground around it, as confirmation of military success. God acquiesced. Seeking further reassurance, Gideon then asked the opposite: prove the upcoming success by letting dew appear on the ground around the fleece, but not on the fleece itself. Again, God did as he asked to reassure Gideon that he would be successful—and with only 300 men against a much greater force! So Gideon’s fleece is best understood neither as the rebellious testing condemned in Deuteronomy nor as the divinely invited testing of Malachi, but as a request for confirmation that God, in His mercy, chose to answer.

God demonstrates covenantal faithfulness. Through Malachi, God reminds the people of Israel that He loves them and desires their return. By this time, the people had stopped tithing (a covenantal responsibility), which led to priests and their families starving and the temple falling into disrepair. So God encourages them to uphold the covenant they share. With typical patience, mercy, and love, God reassures the people that they’ll be incredibly blessed if they do, as stated in Malachi 3:10.

There’s a fundamental difference between the first occurrence and this one. The Deuteronomy account forbids faithless demands that God prove Himself. In contrast, Malachi records a unique invitation from God to verify His faithfulness by obeying a specific command and observing the promised result. In the first two accounts, the testing comes from people, whereas in the third, God is the source of the testing.

In summary, motive and faith are essential for knowing when and how to test God. Is it a self-centered challenge, a response to God’s invitation to accept His goodness, or something in between? In the next column, we’ll explore the difference between church indoctrination and Jesus-style discipleship.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv; DMin)

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God is More Than Enough

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God is enough. More than enough. Far more than enough for the spiritual and physical needs of His children. Enough even for lesser created things, such as birds and flowers, to feed them and present them in beautiful splendor (e.g., Matthew 6:25-34).

Speaking of birds, we recently had an overwhelming infestation of flying critters under our RV cover. You can imagine the noise and mess! While evicting them, I thought, “What if God put them there as part of His care?” Then I mused, “Whatever …” before recalling the Scripture, “God will not be mocked!” Hmm …

Nonetheless, if we want God to be “more than enough,” we must keep ourselves from the ‘love of money.’ Being content in all circumstances is also critical to a fulfilling life in God through Christ. Asking with the right motives helps ensure we receive what we need. And the art of ‘asking’ requires us to keep asking until our prayers are answered, one way or another (which shows how important our requests are to us).

Philippians 4:6 and Hebrews 13:5, among others, flesh out these and other concepts: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have …” (Hebrews 13:5). Additionally, see James 4:3 (motives) and Luke 18:1-8 (continue to ask). Finally, we need to ask God for things that align with His desires: “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14). In the process, we find that God is enough for us, both spiritually and physically.

Spiritually. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, God tells Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Indeed! We have no rescue from wrath or eternal life without it! 2 Corinthians 3:5 also affirms that this sufficiency comes from God. Finally, Jesus offers refreshment more than enough for anyone who responds to God’s call: “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).

Physically. In Philippians 4:19, we learn that God can supply every need, including food, shelter, peace, and healing. Psalm 23:1 reminds us that God is the Shepherd who ensures we lack nothing of true value. Finally, Paul reminds us that “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

In summary, God more than meets both physical and spiritual needs according to His good pleasure. What’s next? I recently heard what sounded like confusion about whether we should test God. In the meantime, rest in the knowledge and comfort that God is and does more than enough for His children.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv; DMin)

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Biblical Bacon

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No, not pork or by someone who lives ‘high on the hog.’ … Instead, we’ll address biblical finances. Money. Cheddar. Cash. Bread. Bucks. Bacon. Everyone needs it; some worship it. One person’s financial tool can be another’s heart-directed treasure (Matthew 6:21). Nonetheless, the Bible offers guidance on money management and where to direct wealth (see my recent column “The Tithe: Religion Over Love!”). What does God want here?

Obedience over sacrifice. Love MUST trump religion. God said, “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22; Matthew 9:13). Obey what? Minimally, to honor God in all things and to be charitable (e.g., Matthew 22:34-40). 1 John 3:17 teaches that God’s love is not in those who ignore others’ needs. Their end will be eternal destruction (e.g., Matthew 25:31-46). “But, Ron: Doesn’t tithing to the church count?” Not necessarily.

There was no New Testament tithe until Constantine reinstituted it in the fourth century to fund people and projects. Until then, church funds were collected only for charity. Paul collected funds from regional churches for the beleaguered saints in Jerusalem. Early Church father Tertullian wrote that money was collected monthly from willing donors to care for widows and orphans, not to fund a “religion that has its price.” Giving money to support church salaries and other needs doesn’t replace the “honor and love” obedience God seeks. By the way, money isn’t the only way to help our churches and others—we can also share our time and talents. So, how do we ensure there’s money to give?

Tips for financial freedom. Work hard, pay bills, avoid debt (if possible), don’t cosign for others, pay taxes, care for fellow followers of Jesus, and save. Working hard reduces the likelihood of ‘idle hands’ and mischief. Remember the ‘Ant and the Grasshopper’ story based on Proverbs 6:6-11? And there’s Paul’s lecture against slackers in Thessalonica (2 Thessalonians 3:10-11).

Borrowing creates slaves. Avoiding debt helps us keep more of what we earn. Don’t borrow unless it’s necessary (perhaps for a home). Be intentional about paying off debt as soon as possible. Similarly, the Bible teaches us never to cosign debt (Proverbs 22:26).

Paying bills and taxes is a biblical principle that, when followed, helps keep us out of trouble. Giving to others is also a non-negotiable biblical principle, as I’ve already stated. This practice demonstrates that we are Jesus’ disciples and children of God (John 13:34-35).

Finally, setting aside some of our bounty will help ensure we can weather financial downturns. Budgeting can help you achieve this and other financial goals. Oh—I almost forgot a critical piece of advice: “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have …” (Hebrews 13:5).

In summary, use your wealth wisely to please God. Be content with what you have and prioritize charity over religion. Next, I’ll drive home the point that God is enough!

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv; DMin)

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Running on Empty?

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The Natural Law of Entropy teaches us that the norm is to move from order to chaos and, in the process, return to a natural state (e.g., steel reverts to rust, and people die and return to dust). Nothing stays good, nor is chaos avoided without help. Otherwise, the makeup industry wouldn’t be so profitable! The principle also applies to us spiritually: stay filled with God’s Spirit, walk by that Spirit, and grow spiritually … or suffer chaos and decay. And that’s the subject here.

The apostle Paul explained that we can receive God’s Spirit as a gift in response to a natural outpouring of faith and obedience (Acts 5:32; Galatians 4:6). As recipients, we become God’s children (Romans 8:14), meant to be continually ‘be being’ filled by the Spirit and to walk accordingly (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16-17). Yes, I wrote ‘be being’ on purpose, as it reflects the intent and context of the original language. So, not just a ‘once-and-done’ action, but an ongoing process of refreshing and renewal. Continual filling is rewarding; the opposite can be disastrous!

Spirit-filled Christians often feel like they’re on a ‘high.’ Strong. Victorious. Spiritually invincible. Well, until life happens … The highs can turn to lows; endurance can become drudgery. Without continual refilling and refreshing, we can feel spiritually weak or empty. In the aftermath of our spiritual emptiness, we may be tempted to ‘dabble’ in unethical or immoral behavior (e.g., sexual, physical, or financial). You’ll find a non-exhaustive list of practices that can exclude someone from God’s Kingdom in Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, and Ephesians 5:5. Not continually being filled by God’s Spirit can also leave space for rotten tenants.

In Matthew 12:43-45, Jesus tells a parable about a demon cast out of a person, leaving the spirit without a host. In an undesirable situation, the homeless evil spirit returned. Finding it still empty and uncleaned, it and seven of its disembodied spiritual homies move in, likely through possession. We can read about avoidable real-life examples of possession in the Bible.

Avoidable? None of these, or any other examples of demonic possession or oppression, would be possible in a Holy Spirit ‘be-being’ filled environment for someone who has received and is walking in God’s Spirit. They are not running on empty, spiritually speaking, and, by the Holy Spirit, the single spiritual tenant, they exercise love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Note that these are Spirit-driven actions, not feelings or spiritual gifts!

In summary, avoid running on spiritual empty and dabbling in things God hates, which will have negative consequences. How? Immerse yourself in the things of God and walk by His Spirit to leave no room for rotten tenants or ungodly behavior! What’s next? Let’s explore biblical finances, focusing on two things: the truth about godly prosperity and where God really wants you to put your money.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv; DMin)

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Covenant Revisited: Part II

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Last time, I introduced the covenant we can have with God. Here, we continue exploring the two-way relationship with the Father through faith in the Son and by fulfilling our part of that agreement.

Quick review. The Old Covenant relationship was modeled after the human suzerain-vassal (lord-servant) treaty of Abraham’s time. The New Covenant connection to the Father through the Son is a continuation because the Father, the Son, and the mission and terms remain the same in both.

Terms. God’s obligation was to send a savior and to love people (John 3:16; 1 John 4:19). He has honored the terms and continues to keep close to Him anyone who chooses to remain (John 10:27-29 and 15:4-10; Romans 8:38-39). Jesus expects devotees to openly profess Christ to others (Matthew 10:32), to confess sins and repent, and to bear one another’s burdens (James 5:13-16). They must honor the Father with everything they are and have, in complete devotion, and love one another charitably (Matthew 22:37-40). Loving actions born of faith prove allegiance to the Father through the Son (e.g., John 14:15 and 21; 15:8). Finally, Christ-followers are obligated to grow in spirit and to make disciples who, in turn, create more disciples (e.g., Ephesians 4:11-16 and Matthew 28:18-20).

Blessings. God’s blessings for those He knows include receiving His Spirit now and partnership in the age to come. However, curses also await those God does not know—anyone who has rejected Him, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Knowing God isn’t enough—He must ‘know’ us by our obedient love (1 Corinthians 8:3).

Curses. Refusing or walking away from a relationship with God carries negative consequences. For instance, Jesus teaches that anyone who does not obey the call to be charitable to others will face judgment and destruction (John 15:6; Matthew 25:41-46). The same fate awaits those whose practices oppose God’s standard. The Psalmist David calls for the unrighteous to be removed from the Book of Life (Psalm 69:28). Similarly, Jesus tells John that He will not remove the names of the righteous from the Book (Revelation 3:5). Finally, the names of those who will choose poorly and align with the end-times Antichrist will be absent from it (Revelation 13:8 and 17:8).

Devote and stay. A fruitful and continuing relationship demands that both parties remain in and true to the agreement. The covenant with the Father through Christ is no exception. The language used to denote the need to remain in a relationship with the Father refers to staying put. In scriptures such as John 15:4-10, Jesus explains the need to stay with the Father and the Son, sometimes using conditional statements that insist people can choose to remain or leave. The apostle John continues the theme in 1 John 4:16.

In summary, your Creator has called you back to Him through Jesus. It’s your turn: devote yourself, be charitable, and stay. Next? The dangers of spiritual emptiness and its cure.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv; DMin)

Biblical Truth by Ron Braley