The Parable of the Talents is more than just about “talents.” A lot more! But how are these talents typically portrayed? Money, time, power, resources? So often we hear sermons on this text, and so much time and ink are spent describing what the talents symbolically represent, and we often whiff it. What It’s About … Read more
Hello brothers and sisters! Michael Coughlin, Allen Nelson, Chuck Ivey, Dave Mitchell, and George Alvarado need your help. We write at Things Above Us and desire our audience and subscriptions to expand. So in essence, we just need three things. If you can help with one or more of these, that would be awesome. Help … Read more
In Hebrews 12:2, the key phrase “looking unto Jesus” is often quoted, but popularly misunderstood in light of its context. In general, every Christian knows we should always keep our eyes on Jesus. And in the midst of the troubles we face, it’s even more important to stay focused on Him as the apple of … Read more
Did you know that Satan and Job asked God a similar question? Of course, Satan’s questioning was meant for evil, but God permitted it for Job’s good. Nevertheless, when we probe the question(s) that Satan and Job directed toward the LORD, we see very similar pursuits, but from two different perspectives. And both confront us … Read more
Of all my years counseling Christians and non about the dangers of pornography, there are 9 common emotional and situational patterns that trigger porn use. Some of these are simply symptoms of a deeper problem, meanwhile others only serve to justify a depraved craving. I don’t want to harshly judge those who have fought tooth … Read more
On this episode of Things Above us Round Table, George Alvarado and Chuck Ivey continue our series on Getting the New Covenant Right by diving into the New Perspectives on Paul and the damage it does to the doctrine justification by faith. Scriptures: Genesis 15; Romans 3-5; Galatians 3; Ephesians 2. Resources: 1. The Whole … Read more
Of all my years counseling Christians and non about the dangers of pornography, there are 9 common emotional and situational patterns that trigger porn use. Some of these are simply symptoms of a deeper problem, meanwhile others only serve to justify a depraved craving. I don’t want to harshly judge those who have fought tooth … Read more
I’ve shared this on other blogs before, but given the recent apostasy of Joshua Harris and Marty Sampson, it is always good, by way of reflection and introspection, to be reminded of your own spiritual condition before God. I’ve counseled countless believers and unbelievers about the fruit of salvation, and the doctrine of assurance. And … Read more
I’m happy and blessed to have read Allen Nelson’s book, Before the Throne. There aren’t many books about God’s holiness that accurately convey the wondrous truths of God’s manifold holiness in 12 readable, bite-sized, yet satisfying, chapters. It was a breath of fresh air which humbled me before my God, and brought worshipful reminders to … Read more