The centre of covenantal marriage is steadfast love. This kind of love is a deliberate decision to think and behave positively toward one’s spouse. Such an approach helps to generate positive emotions in the relationship. The more married couples practice affirmation and appreciation, the stronger their feelings for one another.

The word “know” here is yada, similarly used in Genesis 4:1 (Adam knew Eve), Judges 19:25 (rape of the Levite’s concubine), and then here in Genesis 19:5 (that we may know them) (R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke, Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (Chicago: Moody Press, 1980), s.v. יָדַע (yada‘) entry 848).

This coaching model is unlike that of a secular coach who stays on the sidelines; in Christian discipleship, the coach remains “in the game,” setting the example and bearing even greater responsibility. Much like a captain who leads from within the team.

In our chaotic, broken, and challenging world, it is quite easy—and normal—to encounter anxiety attacks. It is the spirit of fear, frequently tormenting people and pushing individuals into a loop of being reasonably anxious about real challenges that can shrink our lives. It often triggers sorrow, grief, or pain, leading to a quitter mentality.

During these years of theological struggle regarding Gospel truth, I was pursuing my sports career. And after being involved in track and field for more than 8 years, I just became passionate about God and His kingdom. Goals were changing quickly, including my passion. It was becoming more about Jesus’ Kingdom. I started enjoying being in the presence of God, enjoyed reading Scriptures, devoted myself to serving the local church, and cherished consistent fellowship. I just loved it.

We need to learn not to worry too much, because the spirit of celebration will not be in us until we have learned to be “careful about nothing.” We will never have a carefree indifference to things until we trust God, a divine truth highlighted by Paul: “Do not be anxious about anything” (Phil 4:6). 

Memorization and Meditation: This discipline profoundly shapes our minds. Joshua underscores its importance: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth” (Josh 1:8).

Icon and Ipods: Utilizing carefully chosen images or Scripture flashcards can redirect our thoughts toward godly matters. Strategically placed visuals and audible reminders serve as effective tools for thought renovation.

Mentorship and Memoirs: Engaging with mentors who seek heart transformation and reading biographies of devout individuals can significantly influence our minds and draw us toward Christlikeness. For instance, studying the life of George Whitefield has been a personal source of motivation over the years.

David Brazzeal also highlights that confession is not threatening, because confession should also be seen as less of a threat and more as a friend that helps us to get real with ourselves and allows us to be who we really are (David Brazzeal, Pray Like A Gourmet: Creative Ways to Feed Your Soul, Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press, 2015, 110)

George Orwell, a novelist and one of the most influential and intriguing writers, highlighted the desolation of a self-centred, unholy lifestyle in a story he unpacked. “He described a wasp that was sucking jam from his plate. Orwell cut the wasp in half. The wasp just kept sucking the sweet jam from the plate as it poured out the other end of his severed esophagus. Like the wasp, unholy living sucks on God’s creation and never knows real satisfaction. Because there is no real “soul fulfilment,” the world’s enjoyment and passion will finally ebb.”

Louis Berkhof points out that hell may include:

(1) A total absence of the favour of God

(2) An endless disturbance of life because of the complete domination of sin

(3) Positive pain and suffering in body and soul

(4) Punishments as pangs of conscience, anguish, despair, weeping, and gnashing of teeth.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit will result in love for God and others as the Apostle John would highlight “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love" (1 Jn 4:8). We should know that when a person has the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that individual will operate with a Spirit of love. Efforts to love God and His creation would be evident.

Looking at all these biblical episodes may make us run a movie scene of our success and failure in the context of self-control. If we have been succeeding, then cheers! We need to keep that pace up. On the other hand, if we have failed multiple times, we can learn from our failures and not repeat them. We can give ourselves into the discipline of mastering self-control.

Exorcism Miracle: Mark 1:23-27. Christology: Demonic identify Jesus as the Holy One of God. Discipleship Lesson: We need to have authority in our teachings especially to destroy the hold of darkness.

Hearing God’s voice is key to discovering our steps. We should not limit God’s voice to special supernatural conferences or events; He desires us to discern His voice consistently. This can be achieved through confession and leaning on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every area of our lives.

Calvin also clarifies the distinction between law and the Gospel from Romans 10:5-9, in which Mosaic Law gives Justification to works, but the Gospel bestows it freely without the help of works. Calvin further quotes from what Augustine said: “Let human merits, which perished by Adam, here be silent, and let the grace of God reign by Jesus Christ.” Hence, whatever good a man sees in himself, is not of his merit, but is of God’s divine mercy.

Let’s quickly look into the episode of Abraham, Sarah, and King Abimelech. A scene where we note the unhindered, powerful, undefeated hands of God intervening to stop King Abimelech from sinning against Sarah: “I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her” (Gen 20:6). This is an incredible truth!