Spiritual Growth
Silence and Solitude as a Means of Spiritual Growth
Silence is the abstention from speaking. Solitude is withdrawing to privacy. As spiritual disciplines, both can help us in our spiritual growth.
Pedro Cheung
I've been a Christian for 30 years. I am married to my wife Janice, and we have four kids. I'm a full-time physician and part-time seminary student.
Spiritual Growth
Fasting as a Means of Spiritual Growth
Fasting, frequently misunderstood, is a spiritual discipline which should not be ignored. God expects Christians to fast for spiritual benefit.
![Judah’s Plea for Benjamin [Genesis 44:18-34 Study]](/content/images/size/w600/2023/01/Genesis_Tools-5.jpg)
Biblical Studies
Judah’s Plea for Benjamin [Genesis 44:18-34 Study]
The climax of the Joseph narrative. "The most moving address in all the Word of God." Judah offers himself as Benjamin's substitute and surety.
Spiritual Growth
Stewardship of Time and Money for Spiritual Growth
Stewardship of our time and money is a spiritual discipline. We must be disciplined with our use of time, and we must use God's money with care.
![Joseph Plants His Silver Cup [Genesis 44:1-17 Study]](/content/images/size/w600/2023/01/Genesis_Tools-6.jpg)
Biblical Studies
Joseph Plants His Silver Cup [Genesis 44:1-17 Study]
Joseph tests his brothers' readiness for reconciliation by planting his silver cup inside Benjamin's sack. How will Joseph's brothers respond?
Family
12 Ways Parents Provoke Children to Anger
Parents inadvertently can provoke their children to anger. The ways we provoke children to anger may be subtle; here are twelve examples.
![Joseph Reunites with Benjamin [Genesis 43:15-34 Study]](/content/images/size/w600/2023/01/Genesis_Tools-7.jpg)
Biblical Studies
Joseph Reunites with Benjamin [Genesis 43:15-34 Study]
Jacob gives final instructions to his sons who return to Egypt with Benjamin. Joseph reunites with Benjamin, and Joseph hosts a celebratory feast.
![Jacob Accepts Judah's Guarantee [Genesis 43:1-14 Study]](/content/images/size/w600/2023/01/Genesis_Tools-8.jpg)
Biblical Studies
Jacob Accepts Judah's Guarantee [Genesis 43:1-14 Study]
Amidst his family's plight, Judah declares himself as surety guarantee for Benjamin. Jacob trusts God saying, "If I am bereaved, I am bereaved."
![Jacob's Sons' First Trip to Egypt [Genesis 42 Study]](/content/images/size/w600/2023/01/Genesis_Tools-4.jpg)
Biblical Studies
Jacob's Sons' First Trip to Egypt [Genesis 42 Study]
Genesis 42-43 describes the reunion of Joseph and his 10 brothers. Genesis 42 continues the story line of Jacob’s family from Genesis 37.
Spiritual Growth
Christian Service as a Means for Spiritual Growth
Instead of remaining God's enemies, we have become his servants. Christ gives us the means, the model, and the motivation to serve him.
Biblical Studies
Parable of the Talents — Matthew 25:14–30
The Parable of the Talents is one of the final parables of Jesus recorded by Matthew. The parable teaches a simple truth: Don't waste your life.
Biblical Studies
5 Lessons on Suffering from the Book of Job
Periodically, I read the book of Job in an uninterrupted, two–hour sitting. It remains one of my favorite Bible stories. During my most recent delving, I found 5 lessons on suffering.