The Heart of a Father
March 29, 2025
It is with sorrow that I write this article—not due to any tragedy that has impacted me or my family, but because of a profound
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It is with sorrow that I write this article—not due to any tragedy that has impacted me or my family, but because of a profound
When we come to this section of the Lord’s Prayer, many believers may find themselves confused. What exactly does Jesus mean when He tells us to pray for forgiveness as we forgive others? Does this imply a condition for our own forgiveness? And how does this prayer relate to other religious practices that emphasize repetition and meditation?
To answer these questions, we must first understand what Jesus was teaching when He gave us the Lord’s Prayer. Was He instructing us to follow a strict formula? Or was He revealing something deeper about our relationship with God? Let’s examine this issue.
Reading the Bible can sometimes feel overwhelming—66 books, thousands of years of history, different genres, and deep theological truths. But what if there was a reliable way to interpret Scripture that kept everything clear, consistent, and centered on God’s redemptive work?
That’s exactly what we’re going to explore today! This method of interpretation—often called a biblical hermeneutic—helps us rightly understand God’s Word so that we grow in truth and faith. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to follow and enjoyable to learn.
The word “gospel” appears many times throughout Scripture, always in reference to Jesus Christ. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines the word in several ways, including:
Often capitalized – The message concerning Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation.
Capitalized – One of the first four New Testament books (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that record the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
An interpretation of the Christian message, such as the social gospel.
A message or teaching of a religious leader.
Gospel music.
At its core, the gospel is directly connected to Jesus Christ and the message He brought from Heaven. It refers to the good news proclaimed throughout the world—the news of salvation through Christ. But is that all there is to it? Is it just a message and an invitation to be saved?
For some, believing in Jesus comes easily. But for those who want to understand what the gospel truly means and how salvation works, let’s dig deeper.
One of the most common reasons people leave the Christian church is that they’ve been hurt or offended by another professing Christian’s behavior or attitude. And often, the offending party either brushes it off or never apologizes.
It could have been a friend, a fellow church member, or even the pastor himself who caused the offense. But how could this happen? How can a group that claims to promote peace and love act in such ungodly ways—ways that sometimes resemble the behavior of unbelievers? This is a serious matter, and unfortunately, it’s all too common in today’s world, where churches are as plentiful as fast-food chains.
I remember the last time I had a delicious, juicy rib-eye steak for dinner. The crust was perfectly charred, and the aroma of garlic and rosemary filled the kitchen. My family eagerly gathered around, anticipating the meal we were about to devour. It was a satisfying experience—everyone left the table full and content.
But have you ever stopped to wonder why God created us with a need to eat? If He is all-powerful, why didn’t He design humans to generate their own energy without the need for food? To some, the idea of killing, cooking, and consuming food seems unnecessary—even barbaric. Environmentalists and animal rights activists, for example, often question why life must depend on consuming other living things. But there is divine wisdom behind this design.
The act of eating is more than just survival—it carries deep spiritual significance. The Bible frequently uses food as a metaphor for spiritual truths. In fact, the way we consume food mirrors how we are to receive and depend on God’s Word. Let’s explore ten parallels between food and the Bible and see what they reveal about our spiritual lives.
The Reformers declared, “Saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone.” This statement gives full credit and authority to God regarding salvation. We are saved by faith alone in Christ alone because Jesus accomplished the work Himself. He did not receive assistance, nor did He ask for help. He bore the weight of the world’s sins and endured the punishment it deserved.
Let’s be honest—waiting is hard. No one enjoys it, especially when it comes to receiving something good. We anticipate, we hope, and at times, we grow impatient or even frustrated when things don’t happen as quickly as we expect. But why does a good and loving God make His people wait? Why does He allow delays in answering prayers or granting blessings? Does waiting mean God is saying no? Is He too busy with other requests? Or is it like taking a number at a store, waiting in line for our turn?
These are important questions to consider, as they shape our relationship with God. In this article, we will explore why God often calls His people to wait and what it teaches us about Him, ourselves, and the nature of faith.
Prayer is more than just a routine of bowed heads and folded hands—it is an act of worship, a realignment of our will with God’s, and a powerful expression of faith. Yet, many of us approach prayer without truly understanding what it means to pray in faith. Are we seeking to bend God’s will to our own, or are we humbly submitting to His perfect plan? This article explores the distinction between prayers made in faith and those made apart from faith, revealing why it matters and how a true understanding of God’s character transforms the way we pray.