What It Means to be a Kingdom of Royal Priests for God
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What It Means to be a Kingdom of Royal Priests for God

In Christ, we are a holy nation of royal priests… Found in 1 Peter 2:9, this truth can be difficult to grasp. The verse tells us that we were chosen to be God’s own possession and that He created us to be “royal priests” for Him. But what does this mean exactly? As a Christian, I know…

When All is Lost: How to Surrender Our Ashes for a Crown
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When All is Lost: How to Surrender Our Ashes for a Crown

There’s something special about wearing a crown. My young daughters have already learned this truth and put it into practice. (They love playing dress-up!) Crowns signify royalty, importance, and authority. In some cases, they also portray a sense of restoration. Cinderella spent most of her life as a lowly servant, but she finally discovered her true…

Jews and Gentiles: We Are All One in Christ Jesus
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Jews and Gentiles: We Are All One in Christ Jesus

The Gentiles were always a part of God’s plan. When making His covenant with Abraham, God told him that he would be the father of “many nations.” (Genesis 17:3-7) Old Testament prophecy also made it clear that God had a heart to see all people come to Him. For God so loved the world… everyone. But…

How Jesus Made a Way for a New Covenant Based on Better Promises
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How Jesus Made a Way for a New Covenant Based on Better Promises

Covenants were commonplace in the days of the Old Testament. Many kingdoms and kings would become allies and share resources, and covenants were a way to ensure both parties held up their end of the agreement. Needless to say, covenants were serious business. They were often (but not always) sealed with blood. Sacrifices were made,…

Old Man vs New Man: How to Live Out Our New Life In Jesus
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Old Man vs New Man: How to Live Out Our New Life In Jesus

When we think of the cross, one of the first thoughts that often comes to mind is our sin. Jesus died to take away our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. But the truth is that the cross accomplished so much more than we can even comprehend. We had an old life, one…

No Longer Slaves: How Jesus Set Us Free from Our Struggle with Sin
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No Longer Slaves: How Jesus Set Us Free from Our Struggle with Sin

We hear a lot about the “power of sin.”  Sin has the power to enslave us and to ruin our lives. It is self-gratifying, self-exalting, and can often carry devastating consequences to those around us. I’ve always known that sin was something to run from; but I’ve also viewed it as something I would always…