Tracing Jesus' Example
by Dr. Josh Franklin on December 9th, 2024
1 Peter 2:21-25 immediately follows what Peter has already been writing about. He’s discussing how to respond when facing a government opposed to Christian convictions, as long as it does not require disobedience to God. Peter says, “Respect them, obey them, and honor the king.” This was written when Nero, one of the most godless men in history, was Caesar, or king. Yet, Peter still says, “honor t...  Read More
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Experiencing Lasting Joy
by Dr. Josh Franklin on December 5th, 2024
Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is… joyRichard Dawkins, a well-known atheist, has decried the fact that the cultural Christian influence that once existed in England has been disintegrating over the years, and in its place is a militant Islam that continues to spread throughout Europe and especially England. But he really is saddened by the cultural Christian influences that seem to b...  Read More
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The More Excellent Way
by Dr. Josh Franklin on November 26th, 2024
Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love…In our journey through the series "Empowered Living," we delve into what it means to live a Spirit-filled life. This week, we focus on the love as described in 1 Corinthians 13. This chapter, often referred to as the "love chapter," provides a picture of the kind of love that God wants for us to express. God’s love in us should be more than just...  Read More
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Is It Fruit or a Facade?
by Dr. Josh Franklin on November 18th, 2024
Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…As Christians, we often grapple with expectations—both from others and ourselves. But what does God want us to look like? Romans 8:29 tells us that we are predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son - Jesus. Philippians 1:6 assures us that He w...  Read More
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Finding Strength in the Holy Spirit
by Dr. Josh Franklin on November 13th, 2024
Isaiah 40:27-31 offers timeless wisdom on how to access God’s strength in our daily lives. Isaiah 40 paints a somber picture of Israel's history. After the fall of the northern kingdom in 722 BC and the Babylonian captivity in 586 BC, the people of God found themselves in exile, questioning if God had forgotten them. They were promised a land flowing with milk and honey, yet they were now displace...  Read More
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Our Winsome Witness at Work
by Dr. Josh Franklin on November 4th, 2024
For contextual background, read the previous blogpost: “Does the Bible Endorse Slavery?” 1 Peter 2:18–20 (NKJV) 18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you...  Read More
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