by Jack Wroldsen | Jan 26, 2026 | Articles, Mentors Corner
The Bible frequently unites opposing concepts in counterintuitive ways. Want freedom? Be a slave. Want to live? Die. Want to be first? Be last. Want to be saved by grace? Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Want rest? Take Christ’s yoke. How does this principle of opposites-in-unity apply to strength and weakness? I have been pondering this question because I cry easily, which sure feels like weakness. Sometimes I cry for serious things. Sometimes for seemingly trivial things. It’s awkward. It makes others (and me) uncomfortable. I’d prefer to feel strong. But weeping is also confusing because people say it’s a gift. After all, Jesus wept. Jeremiah was the weeping prophet. Life is hard. Pain is real. We are born crying. Weeping seems unavoidable. And certainly, God uses our pain and tears for our good, to break us and teach us compassion. In some sense, weeping is surely a good thing in our walk with Christ. Nonetheless, weeping is disruptive. It ends conversations. It prevents me from saying what I think I should say. Am I emotionally imbalanced? Yes, for sure. But what’s the solution? How does the Bible address the tension between the good and bad aspects of weeping? Psalm 119:28 says, “My soul weeps because of grief; strengthen me according to Your word.” The Psalmist appears to have felt his weeping as weakness because the antidote he sought was to be strengthened. In trying to understand what the Psalmist means, some familiar verses immediately come to mind: “I will rather boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me,” or,...
by Jim Gustafson | Jan 12, 2026 | Articles, Mentors Corner
If you have studied using the methods outlined in the book, Studying, Interpreting and Applying the Bible, you know the authors emphasize he importance of words. They implore the reader to dive deep into their meanings and the relationship to the thoughts and concepts behind them. The serious student of the Bible is encouraged to pursue the author’s intent, implications, and unique nuances of the choice of specific words. Words represent ideas. Words are the medium by which we communicate ideas and thoughts. The greater and more specific a man’s vocabulary, the greater his ability to develop and communicate his thinking. This is particularly true when considering the infinite and indescribable character of God. Words matter in the pursuit of knowing and understanding Him. Without a correct understanding of the words, we risk misunderstanding His character and promises. This is critical to a growing and deepening relationship with Him—an expanding vocabulary! For example, take 1 John 2:2. The New American Standard Bible and the King James Version translate the Greek word hilasmos as “propitiation.” Other versions use the words: expiation, atonement, sacrifice, forgiveness, etc., each of which has a unique but inadequate meaning to the all-important work of the cross. Propitiation is the better word as it encompasses the total, final, complete satisfaction of God’s justice, declaring the believer innocent of all infractions through the Savior, Jesus. One such word that continues to intrigue me is the word “precious.” We invest in that which is precious to us; we protect it, embrace it. Hold it close. It is our priority, it reflects our hope. Precious things are rare, valuable...
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