I tried these six tips for negotiating with God but something else worked better

SIX TIPS FOR NEGOTIATING WITH GOD 1. Do Your Research: Find something God doesn't know. 2. Set the Anchor: Establish reality before God does. 3. Find Your Leverage: Discover something God needs from you. 4. Ask Calibrated Questions: Help God see something He hasn't considered. 5. Trade Concessions: Give God something so He will owe you something. 6. Be Prepared to Walk Away: Remind the Creator that you have other options.

None of these six tips for negotiating with God worked because I forgot God is the creator, savior, sustainer and we are his people, then I remembered that He already loves me and plans the best for me. Continue ReadingI tried these six tips for negotiating with God but something else worked better

Jesus Christ is the Greater Prodigal Elder Brother

Do not remain in the far country. Do not stand outside in resentment. Come home through Jesus Christ, the true and greater Elder Brother, who lavished His life to bring prodigals home.

The parable exposes both rebellion and self-righteous resentment. We learn that Jesus Christ is the greater Elder Brother, lavishing divine grace and perfect redemption upon us through His costly life sacrifice on the cross. Continue ReadingJesus Christ is the Greater Prodigal Elder Brother

Jesus Denounces Moralism (The Most Respectable False Gospel)

Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the publican is one of the clearest denunciations of moralism in all of Scripture. The shocking point is that the religious moralist went home unjustified, while the repentant sinner went home justified. The issue was not that God approves of sin. The issue was that God rejects self-righteousness and gives mercy to sinners who humble themselves before Him.

Beware the false gospel of moralism! Jesus powerfully denounced relying on good works for acceptance with God. True salvation is a gift: received only by grace through faith in Christ, not human performance. Continue ReadingJesus Denounces Moralism (The Most Respectable False Gospel)

Sin Has Consequences, But Repentance Brings Mercy (With 38 Examples from the Bible)

Sin always brings consequences, but repentance changes how the sinner meets God’s judgment, when the heart truly turns back to God.

The Bible reveals that while sin always brings consequences, genuine repentance—a turning of the heart toward God—brings astounding mercy and restoration. True grace overcomes judgment. Continue ReadingSin Has Consequences, But Repentance Brings Mercy (With 38 Examples from the Bible)

Divorce and Remarriage (The Biblical Question of Abandonment)

Marriage is a holy covenant that should not be broken. But the sin of abandonment can separate what God has joined.

Few subjects demand more care than divorce and remarriage. This study guides you to God’s divine design for marriage, clarifying how Scripture speaks through covenant faithfulness and addressing the tough realities of abandonment. Continue ReadingDivorce and Remarriage (The Biblical Question of Abandonment)