by Chris Martin | May 19, 2026 | Articles, Mentors Corner
One could correctly conclude that the overarching theme of the Bible is Authority. If it is not “the” theme of the Bible, it certainly is one of a number of themes. All men live under authority in some form or fashion. The Bible teaches us that there is even authority in the Godhead (I Cor: 11:3). A child lives under his parent’s authority, an employee lives under the authority of his employer, citizens live under the authority of their government. Biblically, we can rightly conclude that authority is good, necessary, and profitable for man. Jesus states in Matthew 28:18, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Universally, without question, all men are under the authority of Jesus Christ. However, man is afforded two differing options: the option of choosing to acknowledge and voluntarily live under that authority now, or refusing to do so and at judgement being compelled to live under and acknowledge that authority as he is cast into Hell. The immutable fact about authority is that all authority is conferred, not usurped. That is, all men during their life on earth get to CHOOSE under what authority they will place themselves. It is a choice that each man will make, whether he does so consciously, after thought and deliberation, or subconsciously, without any specific or deliberate thought. Either way, it is the individual man who chooses who will be an authority over him. Have you chosen what authority you live under? Many Christian men will readily confess, after some self-reflection and thought, that they voluntarily place themselves under the authority of God,...
by Jim Gustafson | Apr 28, 2026 | Articles, Mentors Corner
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16) “it is the power of God” (1Corinthans 1:18). Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:24). “And what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might” (Ephesians 1:19). “And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:9). 1 Corinthians 15:1-6: The Gospel: 1) “Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, 2) by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 3) “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures…” First importance! The summing up of God’s purpose: the redemption of His own, the culmination of the power and theme of the entire Bible—the Gospel, starting with Genesis! The forgiveness of all sins! The removal of the guilt, the penalty, and overpowers the power of sin! The power of the confidence we have via the prophecies of the Old Testament Scriptures: the foretold coming Gospel over 100 times! 2) “And that He was buried, and...
by Matt Ramey | Apr 20, 2026 | Articles, Mentors Corner
Biblical wisdom is more than intelligence or accumulated knowledge; it is the God-given ability to rightly apply truth in a way that honors Him. While general definitions describe wisdom as discernment, sound judgement, and skillful living, Scripture presents wisdom as being rooted in who God is and how we respond to Him. The Bible refers to wisdom hundreds of times, particularly in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word chokmah emphasizes skillful and practical living, while the New Testament word sophia highlights divine insight. Together, they reveal wisdom as both understanding and practice rather than abstract knowledge alone. Proverbs 1:7 states, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” True wisdom begins with humility, submission to God, and recognition of His sovereignty. Biblical wisdom is inseparable from obedience and stands in contrast to pride and self-reliance (see Colossians 1:9-10). Scripture distinguishes between man’s wisdom and God’s wisdom in James 3:13-17. Human wisdom is described as rooted in bitter jealousy and self-ambition. It is “earthly, natural, and demonic” and insufficient to truly know God. God’s wisdom, by contrast, is “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering without hypocrisy.” In 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, the Apostle Paul tells us that God’s foolishness is wiser than men; His ways are not ours. He also tells us that true wisdom finds its fullest expression in Jesus Christ, whom Scripture calls “the power and wisdom of God.” So, how do we become wise according to God’s standards? Biblical wisdom is obtained by asking God in faith, learning from Scripture, walking with wise people, and...
by Mitch Hershey | Apr 8, 2026 | Articles, Mentors Corner
It goes without saying that we are in a battle for our minds. A quick scroll through our phones or a short drive down the road evidences the fact that we live in a world that is fighting to gain the attention of our thoughts. Not only that, but so many things control or affect our thinking – our experience, our culture, where we live, how we were raised, what seems fair to us. Proverbs 23:7 tells us that “as a man thinks, so is he,” and so we know that our thinking has a lot to do with how we perceive the world and how we live our lives. How do we as believers resolve to use clear thinking to live with an eternal focus in a temporal world? Fortunately, the Bible has much to say about this topic. God has created us with minds that function beyond our comprehension. We have the ability to think quickly, think deeply, and process information in magnificent ways. And yet we don’t think the way that He does. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Not only do we not think like God does, but our thinking often leads to death, ruin, and destruction. Proverbs 14:12 tells us that “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” The root of the problem lies in our sin...
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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