There seems to be a type of paradox in the Christian life. On the one hand, God tells us to be humble. At the same time, Scripture calls us to boldness. While these appear to conflict, we likely misunderstand one or both of humility and boldness. 

Humility recognizes our inability and weakness. Our knowledge is limited, and we often seek things for selfish gain instead of love. Biblical humility doesn’t devalue us in any way. God loves and values us so much he provided a way to be reconciled with him through Jesus (John 3:17). We find humility when we engage the Lord Almighty. In light of his omnipotence, omniscience, goodness, love, and more, we realize our own inability and immense value. 

Boldness, therefore, comes from sharing the character and amazing works of God. Looking to ourselves, boldness becomes pride. True boldness rests in exalting God’s name, the only one worthy of praise. In reality, we can only be truly bold when we are humble. 

Here are seven ways the Gospel makes us bold.

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After the flood and before God calls Abraham and Sarah, the Bible tells us about this tower and God’s response. It may be an odd story, but the Scripture included it for a reason. What can we learn from the Tower of Babel?

The biblical narrative around Christmas is designed to bring hope and peace. Meditating on the Advent season leading up to Christmas can help us experience the hope and peace the Father provides in His Son, Jesus. 

Among the inevitable strife and unrest, Christ calls us to stand in faith and intercede for God’s will and peace. As believers, we turn to Scripture to guide our prayers for Israel from a place of calm, not fear. Our prayers must align with God’s promises and provide hope during the turmoil.

I used to read and watch scary stories, from Stephen King to slasher flicks. My spiritual mentor once asked me, “Why do you watch that stuff?”

I answered, “Have you read the Bible?”

The Scripture repeatedly warns about the existence of great and absolute evil, how we have an enemy out to kill and hurt us in any way he can. Since these warnings are radical and extreme, the Bible often expresses the existence of evil with disturbing images and statements.

Of course, this doesn’t mean Christians should watch horror movies. At the same time, many in our culture do consume this material, especially in October leading up to Halloween. Great stories reflect the greatest story, the Gospel, and that can include horror stories. As Jesus followers, we don’t have to participate in viewing these movies to engage in conversations, using these films as opportunities to lovingly engage in biblical truth.

As examples, here are five horror movies with biblical lessons.

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It can be dangerous in our modern Western culture to talk about submission. To some degree, rebellion against authority founded America, and current movements in feminism and racial justice demonize power structures as inherently oppressive. 

Unfortunately, the biblical themes of submission have been used to justify evil things. However, just because others have abused the Scripture doesn’t mean we dismiss the topic altogether. Neither should we interpret Scripture according to our desires or the current philosophies. The Bible talks about submission, and God meant his instruction for good. It will do us good to honestly explore what the Bible says.

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The Bible contrasts fear and faith, revealing to us the important choice we must make daily, even moment by moment. Scripture also honestly reveals in its history and teaching how we all deal with fear of life’s uncertainties and chaos. Yet fearing the things of this world brings negative consequences. Therefore, because God loves us, the Bible calls us to faith in God. 

But what does this mean? We must understand both fear and faith to better live our lives from a place of belief and hope.

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Immigration continues to be a major issue to many Americans. Conversations and arguments often happen around ideas of illegal or undocumented immigrants, refugees, and the proper process regarding people who want to move to the US, specifically along the southern border. 

Along with Americans, immigration has become a heated topic in Europe. With wars and violent conflicts arising in that area of the world, EU nations must again look at their policies and how to handle the influx of people. 

The immigration discussion balances legality and compassion, and seeking the best route forward becomes murky when individuals and organizations on both sides of the political spectrum use fear tactics, call names, and demonize groups, no matter who they are. 

For Christians, how should we engage with this discussion? God calls us to Kingdom principles, which includes both respect for the law and radical compassion. Whatever the political solution, the Father clearly expects us to show love to everyone, not least of which is the immigrant, as the Bible expresses. 

Here then are five Bible verses about loving immigrants.

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While we can all agree the good moral associated with taking care of animals, the proverb speaks to something deeper and more meaningful than another rule to follow. Solomon’s statement reflects what it means to be good and evil, something we see explored in the theology of the New Testament, and why we need a Savior.

Every person encounters chaos at some point. Trauma, crisis, and trouble enter our lives and challenge our strength and faith.

Jesus promises we would have trouble in this world (John 16:33). Fortunately, that was only part of the promise. He also included the greater truth — he has overcome the world and the trouble it produces.

Time and time again, the Father enters a crisis and delivers people, offering hope and peace, expressing his love and power over all things.

Here are seven times in the Bible where God brings peace out of chaos.

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The Bible continually highlights the power and importance of belief. However, we all begin in the place of disbelief, or even unbelief. As we grow in faith, we deal with doubts along the way. Dealing with these doubts doesn’t keep us from heaven. In fact, many biblical heroes dealt with doubts on their journey. Doubts are normal.

Yet it matters how we engage with doubt. God understands our faith struggles, and his compassion provides a way to address these doubts. If we refuse to live in doubt, but instead move forward through relationship with the Father, our doubts can lead to a stronger faith.

Here are seven Scriptures dealing with doubt and faith.

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Since God tells a redemptive story, he invites us into the epic, biblical arc as individuals and the church. It shouldn’t surprise us that we’re drawn to stories. God created us to live within his grand story.

Before the flood, people lived for hundreds of years. This seems like a fantasy or myth to us today, especially when local TV stations celebrate when someone reaches a century. Even after God covered the world with water, the Bible records other men with ages over 100.

From scriptural themes, ancient Christians and theologians believed caring for the environment was a sacred duty. They viewed the natural world as a creation of God, deserving respect and stewardship.