christianity

The Centrality of Personal Meditation in the Word of God

/ Lee A. Robinson / Leave a comment

In the Christian world there is constantly talk about growing spiritually — amongst friends, in sermons, Sunday schools, Bible studies, books, podcasts, etc. There is no shortage of advice, and much of it is good advice. But there is one recurring theme, I have observed, that is regularly mentioned as the most critical element of growth for a Christian: the importance of personal meditation in the Word of God. Again and again, Christians of every background seem to return to this same conclusion: the whole of the Christian life — success or failure, strength or weakness, joy or barrenness — is profoundly tied to our relationship with God’s Word. 

If you are regularly in God’s Word with an open and receptive heart, and God’s Word is in you, you will have God’s enlightenment, direction, transformation, motivation, inspiration, power and grace to do His will. But if you are not in the Word, and the Word is not dwelling richly in you, you will be left to yourself—your knowledge, direction, wisdom, power, will, motivation— to accomplish God’s will. And we know, from experience, that you will fail miserably without his help, for without him we can do nothing. 

What does Scripture itself say?

The Blessed Man — Psalm 1

Psalm 1 opens with these words:

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

The word “blessed” means being in a state of true happiness. Is that not what every person truly wants? Beneath all our striving, all our ambitions, all our pursuits, we are seeking happiness, fulfillment, stability, and peace. True joy is not discovered by getting rich, having a top physique, being popular, accruing power, or seeking luxurious ways to satisfy the flesh (the counsel of the ungodly), but rather by delighting in and meditating upon the Word of God. For the blessed man, the Word of God is not a mere religious duty. It is not a chore or an obligation. It is delightful and desirable. 

The Psalm says he “meditates” in the Word day and night. Meditation (to mutter) means to focus, contemplate, and think deeply over a prolonged period of time. Just as a camera lens focuses on one object, or as a person concentrates all their thoughts onto one issue, the truly blessed person has steadily focused his heart and mind on one thing: the Word of God.

We often assume our inner life is just simply who we naturally are, but the “real me” (my soul) is a developing person shaped by what we constantly allow ourselves to be influenced by. Jesus taught that our words and actions flow from the heart. This is why Scripture repeatedly warns us to guard our hearts and minds carefully and to feed them what is true, good, and healthy.

Our minds can only truly focus on one thing at a time. Therefore, the overall focus of our lives must continually be the Word of God. Of course, we have a life to live, so we cannot only be seated in a chair in front of our Bibles, but what is the heart’s ultimate desire? What is driving us to do what we do? What do we do with our “free time?” 

What is the result of a life dedicated to the delightful meditation of God’s Word? We become like well nourished trees. Trees are stable, grounded, enduring, and fruitful. They withstand storms. They provide beauty and nourishment. The image is intentional. The question naturally follows: Am I spiritually stable? Am I flourishing? Am I fruitful? Is there consistency and strength in my inner life? These qualities are produced naturally as God’s Sap (Word) is flowing through us. 

The Psalm concludes by saying, “whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” To prosper means to succeed, to advance, to push through obstacles victoriously. Biblical prosperity is true happiness- a state of blessedness. Regardless of what you end up doing, you end up being happy.  

Abiding in the Vine — John 15

Jesus uses similar imagery in John 15. He describes Himself as the Vine and believers as branches.

The purpose of a vine is fruitfulness. Healthy vines produce grapes. In the same way, God desires our lives to be spiritually fruitful, flourishing, and alive.

But how does a branch bear fruit? The branch does not strain anxiously trying to manufacture grapes. Its responsibility is simply to remain connected to the vine — to abide.

Jesus says:

“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” John 15:3

And again:

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you…”

How do we abide in Christ? There is no ambiguity here: abiding is essentially synonymous with constant exposure to his Word. The life of Christ flows into us through communion with Him, and His Word is central to that communion.

Joshua 1

In Joshua 1, Israel stands on the brink of entering Canaan. They are about to face fortified cities, trained armies, and giants in the land. Humanly speaking, they are disadvantaged and weak.

What, then, would be their strength?

God tells Joshua:

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

Israel’s ultimate strength would not be their swords, military strategies, or sheer numbers. Their strength would be their relationship to the Word of God. How different! 

While the Canaanites trained for battle, sharpened their swords, strengthened their defenses, the Israelites were to carefully review the Torah and make sure everyone’s household was in sync with it.  Their victory would come through obedience flowing from careful observation of God’s Word.

The principle remains the same today. Every day we wake up we are on the verge of a battlefield. This world is fallen, broken, corrupt and relentless. How do we get victory (holiness & happiness)? It is not through money, possessions, influence, luxury, or power over others. Christ is the victor. He is the only one who can win the battle. Who does he fight for? He fights for those who take his Word seriously; who demonstrate that they truly believe that victory comes through being in the Word and not by self.  

In Matthew 4, Jesus battled with Satan in the wilderness. Each temptation is answered with the same phrase:

“It is written…”

One of the Scriptures Jesus quotes is this:

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

The Word is our weapon. Paul calls it: “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

We need Scripture ready at hand for moments of direct temptation. But we also need it for indirect temptations — the subtle lies and thought patterns constantly shaping our culture: materialism, sexual immorality, entitlement, greed, pride, selfishness, apathy, and unbelief.

Without Scripture saturating our minds, we slowly absorb the worldview of the age around us.

Joshua 1:9 says the Word should not depart from our mouths. Scripture should shape our conversations. We should speak it to one another naturally and regularly. But this only happens when the Word first fills the heart, because “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

And notice the purpose of meditation: “that thou mayest observe to do.” Meditation is not merely intellectual. The goal is obedience.

Without obedience there is no blessing. Yet many believers struggle to obey consistently. Why? One major reason may simply be neglect of meditation upon God’s Word. If God’s commands are not saturating our minds, we easily forget them, minimize them, or drift from them.

Deuteronomy 6

Deuteronomy 6 expands this vision even further:

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up…”

The word “diligently” carries the idea of sharpening a blade through repeated strokes. God’s truth is to be repeatedly impressed upon the heart through continual exposure and conversation.

Notice how comprehensive this is. Scripture is to shape family life, work life, mornings, evenings, leisure, and conversation. The people of God were to become so identified with the Word that it became inseparable from their identity.

In every possible way, we should take advantage of reminders of God’s truth — verses on walls, reminders on phones, memorization habits, conversations centered around Scripture, songs rooted in truth. We are forgetful people and desperately need continual reminders.

This takes time. It takes intentionality. But the rewards are immeasurable.

John 6:63

God’s Word does not merely contain instructions we are supposed to obey. It also contains the power we need in order to obey.

Jesus said in John 6:63:

“The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

And Peter at the same time confessed:

“Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.”

Hebrews 4:12 declares:

“For the word of God is quick [alive], and powerful…”

The Word of God is living. It is active. It carries divine power.

Even when we do not fully understand everything we read, God’s Word still works upon us. It convicts, strengthens, illuminates, and transforms.

Romans 10:17 says:

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Faith is not generated apart from exposure to the Word. Hearing alone does not automatically produce faith, but faith never arises independently of taking in God’s truth.

This principle applies not only to salvation but also to sanctification. If God used the Word to awaken spiritual life in us initially, why would we imagine that growth afterward occurs through some entirely different means? The same Word that brought us to Christ is the Word that continues to transform us into His image.

Paul tells the Thessalonians:

“…the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”

God is actively working within believers, and His Word is one of the chief means through which He does so. The Spirit of God works through the Word of God in the people of God.

John 17:17

Jesus prayed in John 17:17

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

Sanctification is the process by which we become increasingly like God. And according to Jesus, truth is the means by which this transformation happens. Truth is reality as it actually is. The more we come to see reality clearly — God’s holiness, the seriousness of sin, the beauty of Christ, the certainty of eternity, the glory of heaven, the terror of hell, the promises of God — the more we are changed. Sin and weakness thrives in deception. Holiness and power flourishes in truth.

Psalm 19 describes the transforming effects of Scripture beautifully:

  • “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul.”
  • “The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”
  • “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart.”
  • “The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.”

The Word produces repentance, wisdom, joy, enlightenment, and purity.

We Become What We Behold

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:18:

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image…”

We become like what we consistently behold.

The Word of God is the only perfect object in this world. The only perfect counselor, the only perfect mentor, the only perfectly balanced influence in existence. Every human influence — pastors, teachers, parents, friends, authors — is incomplete and flawed.

But the Word of God is a perfect revelation of God Himself.

As we consistently focus our minds upon an accurate analysis and meditation of God’s Word, we are in a real sense rightly beholding God Himself. And as we behold Him, we are gradually transformed into His likeness.

Consistent exposure to social media, network television, media advertisements, and just plain old life interacting with other people—even in the Christian world— does not produce godly transformation in us. It’s humorous to actually think about it that way, but how easily do we somehow assume that it will!   

Conclusion

The Christian life is not sustained by Christian podcasts, sermons, church attendance, attending Bible studies or a quick perusal of the Daily Bread. It is sustained by personal, continual communion with God through His Word.

Scripture is not peripheral to the Christian life; it is central. We will come to the end of our Christian journey and we will say one of these two things: 

  1. All of my success was because of His Word living and working in me. 
  2. My failures are because I neglected his Word in my life. 

Read the Bible every day. Memorize it regularly. Surround your eyes with his Word wherever you can. Pray the Word thoughtfully. Teach the Word— this is super helpful is getting it engrained in you. Write out Scripture. Listen to the audio bible. When you don’t feel like more Bible, get more Bible anyway.

Is Jesus King?

/ Lee A. Robinson / Leave a comment

One of the defining teachings of classic dispensationalism is the belief that Jesus came to Israel offering the promised kingdom, but because Israel rejected Him, the kingdom was postponed until a future time. This idea has been taught clearly and consistently by many of the most influential dispensational theologians and advocates. C. I. Scofield stated in his notes on Matthew 11:20 that “the kingdom of heaven was announced as ‘at hand’… but it was rejected by the Jews, and the kingdom was therefore postponed.” Lewis Sperry Chafer likewise wrote in his Systematic Theology that “the kingdom was offered to Israel at the first advent of Christ, but was rejected. It therefore awaits establishment at the second advent.” John F. Walvoord echoed this position when he said in The Millennial Kingdom that “the kingdom in its mediatorial, Davidic form was offered to Israel, but because of their rejection of Christ, the kingdom was postponed until His second coming.” Charles Ryrie summarized the view succinctly when he said, “The kingdom was genuinely offered to Israel, but because it was rejected, it was postponed.”

Traditional dispensationalists have clearly articulated their position, but what does Scripture teach? Did Jesus postpone His kingdom because the Jews rejected Him? Or did He inaugurate His kingdom anyway? We will look at the narrative of the New Testament to demonstrate that Jesus, the King of Israel, did indeed establish His kingdom on time and as planned. We will then conclude with remarks about why this matters.

The King Has Come

The advent accounts of Christ are marked potently by references to Jesus not merely as the Savior of the world, but as the King of the Jews. He is called “the Christ,” “the Messiah”—both explicit ways of saying that He is the anointed One of God, God’s chosen King. Has He been anointed yet? Was His anointing delayed? No.

Jesus has eternally been recognized by God as King (Psalm 2). At His baptism, the Holy Spirit—like the anointing oil of old—descended upon Jesus publicly installing Him as King. Acts 10:38 says, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.” How unbiblical would it sound to say, “Jesus will be the Christ,” or “Jesus will be King one day”?

When Jesus was born, the angel Gabriel announced to Mary in Luke 1:32–33 that her Son would receive the throne of His father David and reign over the house of Jacob forever. There is no hint of delay or contingency. Isaiah 9:6–7 speaks similarly: “For unto us a child is born… and the government shall be upon His shoulder… of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David.” The government would be established with the birth of the child and would increase endlessly. No postponement. No gap.

In Matthew 2:2, the magi ask, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” Jesus did not come to offer to become King. He was born King. The same is true at the crucifixion. Though rejected by Israel’s leaders, the sign above His head providentially declared the truth: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Human rejection did not negate divine reality.

Jesus’ Own Testimony

Jesus Himself clearly believed He came to inaugurate the kingdom. In Mark 1:14–15 He announces, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.” This is not conditional language. It is declarative. The time is fulfilled. If this was not the intended moment for the kingdom, then Jesus Himself misunderstood the divine timetable.

In Matthew 12:28, Jesus states, “If it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” The kingdom is not postponed; it is present and active, overthrowing the dominion of darkness.

Later, Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, intentionally fulfilling Zechariah 9:9: “Behold, your king is coming to you.” Whether the people received Him or not is beside the point. He is the King.

Even the crucifixion does not negate His kingship but reveals its nature. The cross is not the cancellation of the kingdom; it is the means by which the King is enthroned. God, not Israel’s leaders, determines when and how He installs His King.

The Apostolic Interpretation

Peter’s sermon at Pentecost is decisive:

“Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins… he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne… Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus… both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2:30–36)

Peter explicitly identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of the Davidic promise and places His enthronement at the resurrection. Jesus is reigning now, seated on David’s throne, until every enemy is subdued.

Paul preaches the same message in Acts 13:32–34, declaring that God fulfilled His promises to the fathers by raising Jesus from the dead.

Paul’s epistles reinforce this repeatedly. Romans opens by linking Jesus’ Davidic lineage, resurrection, and lordship into a single, present reality (Romans 1:1–4). In 1 Corinthians 15:25, Paul says Jesus “must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.” Reigning “until” implies present reign. Colossians 1:13 says believers have already been transferred into the kingdom of God’s Son.

Theological Consequences of Postponement

Understanding that Jesus is already reigning matters deeply—not only doctrinally, but practically and ethically.

One unintended consequence of postponing Christ’s reign into the future is a subtle tendency toward Jewish supremacy. When the Davidic kingdom is framed as an exclusively future, ethnically-centered reality, ethnic Israel can be viewed as permanently superior in God’s redemptive hierarchy. This can lead to Jews being regarded as inherently closer to God’s ultimate purposes than The Church. While Scripture honors the nation of Israel’s role in redemptive history, it is equally clear that in Christ there is “one new man” (Ephesians 2), and that there is neither Jew nor Greek in terms of covenant standing (Galatians 3:28). Any theology that subtly reintroduces a two-tiered church undermines the unity Christ achieved by His cross. The center of gravity for God’s work and plan in the world is not the state of Israel, or the Jewish people, but is only and fully Jesus Christ! If you want to know what God is up to, look to Christ and those who follow him. 

Postponement theology also diminishes the present authority of Jesus, especially in the public and political realm. If Christ is not reigning now, then His lordship becomes largely internal, private or relegated to being “spiritualized,” while earthly powers are treated as the true governors of history. This weakens Christian confidence in proclaiming Jesus as Lord of nations, rulers, and laws. Yet the New Testament insists that Jesus already possesses “all authority in heaven and on earth.” Jesus is the Savior of the world, but he is also the King of Kings. Individuals ought to obey Jesus, but so should every organization, institution, state and nation. 

If the kingdom was postponed, the cross risks becoming a contingency plan rather than the centerpiece of God’s eternal purpose. Yet Acts 2:23 tells us Jesus was delivered up according to God’s definite plan. Nothing caught heaven off guard.

If Jesus is not reigning now, the church is merely waiting for victory in the future. But if He is reigning now, then evangelism is the announcement of a victory already won, obedience is joyful allegiance to a present King, and suffering is participation in an unshakable kingdom.

God’s King & Kingdom (Jesus) did not arrive early. He did not arrive late. He did not arrive almost successfully. He came exactly on time. He fulfilled the promises made to Abraham and to David. And He reigns now.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

The King is on the throne—and He will be forever. Amen.

*This article was compiled partially with research and grammatical assistance from chat gpt. 

Jesus’ Focus When He Was Young

/ Lee A. Robinson / Leave a comment

Let’s talk about heroes. Everybody’s got one. Sports stars; YouTubers; celebrities; the kid at school who can skateboard and solve a Rubik’s cube.

But out of everyone who ever lived, there’s one person who stands out as the greatest example of what a human life should look like: Jesus Christ. He has more followers than anyone in history— and not just online followers, but in real life. 

Jesus lived human life perfectly. The closer we align our lives to his, the closer we will be to our perfect destiny. 

So how did Jesus grow up? What was his focus?

The Bible gives us a pretty amazing summary in Luke 2:52:

“Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

Let’s break that down. Jesus grew in four main areas of his life — and we can too:

1. Jesus Grew Intellectually (aka: His Brain)

When Jesus was a kid, one of the biggest stories we get is him hanging out in the temple with experts — asking deep questions, listening carefully, and honestly, just kind of blowing the grown-ups away with how sharp he was, especially about the Law of God.

This shows us that Jesus wanted to learn. He wasn’t wasting his time watching donkey-cart crash videos on scrollTok. Rather, he would spend time pouring over God’s Word. 

Imagine you’re dropped off at a carnival (like Sailfest in New London) with no rules and total freedom. Where would we find you— The cotton candy stand? Riding the rides? Jesus would’ve been a church asking, “So, about the prophecies of Isaiah…”

📚 Illustration:

Think of your brain like a gym. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. So read. Ask questions. Hang out with wise people (yes, even if they have gray hair).
Or as Proverbs 1:5 says:

“A wise person will hear and increase learning…”

TIP: Be friends with the smartest people — even if they’re dead.
(That’s what books are for!) As one person pointed out— A library is an amazing place when you view it as a portal to the past to meet with all the great people of history.

2. Jesus Grew Physically (aka: His Body)

Jesus worked hard. He was a carpenter — probably ripped. He ate real food, didn’t stay up until 3am scrolling memes, and didn’t have a Mountain Dew addiction.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:31:

“Whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do — do it all for the glory of God.”

🏋️‍♂️ Illustration:

Your body is kind of like a car. You wouldn’t pour soda in the gas tank and expect it to run well, right?
Same with your body. You need good fuel: water, real food, plenty of sleep, exercise.

Do:

  • Eat stuff with nutrients and vitamins that will strengthen your body. Whole foods.
  • Sleep enough that you don’t look like a zombie in math class.
  • Do something active (sports, karate, walking your goldfish).

Don’t:

  • Survive on Hot Cheetos and energy drinks
  • Binge video games all night
  • Treat your phone like it’s part of your hand

3. Jesus Grew Spiritually (aka: His Soul)

Jesus didn’t just know about God — he loved God. He cared about what made his Father happy and spent time doing it.

You don’t have to be a grown-up pastor to grow spiritually and to serve God.

Becoming more like Jesus is not rocket science. It’s really this simple: 

  • Read the Bible.
  • Actually do what it says

Psalm 1 says if you delight in God’s Word and think about it, you’ll be like a tree — strong, growing, and full of life.

🌳 Illustration:

Think of your soul like a tree.
No water = dead, languishing tree.  Water every day = strong, fruitful tree.
No Word = dead, languishing soul.  Word every day = Strong, fruitful soul.

4. Jesus Grew in Relationships (aka: His Social Life)

Jesus loved people and people loved Jesus: when he was a toddler, a teen and an adult. Everyone liked being around him. He made people feel seen, valued, and loved.

So how do you become the kind of person people like to be around?

Simple:

  • Be kind
  • Help out
  • Respect others
  • Smile (it helps, seriously)
  • Don’t be that kid who’s always grumpy and roasting people for fun

The Golden Rule. Jesus said:
“Do to others as you want them to do to you.” (Luke 6:31) This is so important because many time other people will do to you what you do to them. Ask yourself these questions: “What do I actually want people to do to me?” “How exactly do I want people to talk to me?” “What kind of spirit do I want others to carry when they’re around me?” 

👥 Illustration:

Think of your relationships like mirrors. If you’re rude and arrogant, others will probably treat you accordingly. But if you’re kind and helpful, people reflect that back to you.

Final Thoughts: Why It Matters

Imitating Jesus isn’t just a nice idea — it’s a command.

If you’re not following Jesus, you’ll end up following someone or something else — and whatever you follow becomes your idol.
You start to act like what you admire. You’ll become like what you worship. 

So the real question is:

Who are you becoming?
Are you being molded into the image of some popular person in the online world? Or are you learning to love and live like Jesus?

Because here’s a truth bomb:

“I will honor those who honor Me.” – God (1 Samuel 2:30)

If you make space for God in your life, He’ll make space for you in His plans.
But if you push Him out, you’re pushing away the greatest source of blessing and purpose you’ll ever know.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

Jesus grew in four areas — and so should you:

  1. Mind – Learn stuff. Read good godly stuff. Ask questions.
  2. Body – Take care of yourself. Sleep. Eat right. Move.
  3. Spirit – Know God. Read the Bible. Obey it.
  4. Relationships – Be kind. Respect people. Smile. Serve.

Don’t settle for being a copy of someone else.
Imitate Jesus. He’s the real deal.

*This core of this article is all the original content of the author. However, some help (formatting, word choice, suggestions for humor, etc.) was used in the article from chat

Can We Control Our Thoughts?

/ Lee A. Robinson / Leave a comment

Our Inner Sanctuary 

There is a special place in this world that only you have exclusive access to — a secret place where no one else can enter, and where you hold the power to decide what stays and what goes. The only other person who has access — and reigns supreme — is God. This place is your mind, your inner, mental world. It is precious, because it offers the freedom we all long for—a retreat from this world. We cannot control the world around us, but we can shape what happens within us. This inner sanctuary is very delicate: it can become a garden of light, love, peace, and joy—or a dungeon of fear, darkness, torment, loneliness and disease. Its condition is not random. It is formed, day by day, by the choices we make and the thoughts we allow to take root. As the saying goes, “Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.” What we cultivate in our minds today will become the life we live tomorrow.

But do we have authority over what happens in our minds? Can we actually control our thoughts? Yes—we can, we should, and we must. Just as we are called to obey God with our hands, feet, eyes, and tongues—the visible, tangible parts of our bodies—so we are also commanded to obey Him with our thoughts, emotions, and intellect—the unseen, inner parts of who we are. Our mind is not neutral territory; it is ground to be claimed for Christ.

In this study, we’ll begin by looking at key Scriptures that show we can control our thoughts. Then we’ll explore two primary functions of the mind: imagination and reasoning. After that, we’ll consider why it is so vital to bring our minds under Christ’s rule. Finally, we’ll end with practical steps to help us walk in victory and live with minds that truly honor God.

We Can Control Our Thoughts 

Philippians 4:6-8 

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

The last part of these verses are the most explicit command I have found in the Bible on this topic. It says, “THINK ON THESE THINGS.” There are good things we can think about, and evil things, excellent things and distractions. We can decide to think about whatever we want to. Our obligation is to choose to think on the things that are pleasing to God and best for ourselves. We are even given a list of excellent thought topics in this passage. We’re also instructed something not to do with our minds as well: “Don’t worry about anything.” Worry is a sin of the mind. When our minds are bombarded with incomplete or unresolved things demanding our attention, we are to run to God in prayer and praise, and he will give us “mental grace” to help us do his will with our minds. 

Matthew 22:37-38

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” Loving God is the highest calling of our lives. It’s not a feeling, but a choice, a daily choice to live for His pleasure—regardless of the cost. This love involves every part of who we are, including our minds. God, as our Creator, has full claim over our thought life. In His wisdom, He designed our minds to be relentless thought factories. Everything we create or pursue—language, art, relationships, worship—originates in the mind. To love God with all our mind means choosing thoughts that reflect His character, aligning our mental world with His will. It’s in this surrender that we begin to bear His image more clearly in how we live, speak, and think.

Mental idols

Most people would agree that we shouldn’t dwell on obviously sinful things—violence, lust, bitterness. Scripture makes this clear: God hates “a heart that devises wicked imaginations” (Proverbs 6:18). But there’s another danger—mental idols: anything we love or elevate in our thoughts more than God.

What fills your mind? Our thoughts should begin and end with God—He should be the source, substance, and aim of our inner world. Yet often, something else takes that central place. What dominates your thought life? What subtly frames your perspective or colors everything else you think about?

Mental idols aren’t always sinful in and of themselves. They can be good things we’ve given too much weight—relationships, possessions, goals, ideas, or ambitions. How can you tell if something has become an idol? Ask yourself: What does my mind return to again and again? What has a stronger grip on my thoughts than God? What do I naturally talk about most? As Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). What you dwell on in your mind will eventually overflow in your words—and reveal what truly sits on the throne of your heart.

Two Areas Of Our Thought World (imagination & reasoning)

Imagination 

In our quiet moments—when we’re resting, daydreaming, or just waiting—we often retreat into the theater of the mind. We imagine. We visualize. We create. This inner world is an extraordinary gift. What goes on in that mystical, mental world of yours? 

Whether we realize it or not, each of us is a full-time film producer—directing a mental movie that is filming all day, every day. Think of it this way: what we see and experience throughout the day is the filming. Our mediation is the editing and becomes the production. Scene by scene, thought by thought, we compile storylines that shape our inner world—and eventually, our outer life. Some plotlines last a moment; others span years or a lifetime. So the question is: what is your mental movie about?

If we played your mind’s movie on the church projector this coming Sunday morning, would the saints conclude that you love the Lord your God with all your mind?

It may feel like we’re simply the audience of this mental reel—but Scripture informs us that we’re in the director’s chair. We may not control every thought that auditions, but we do control which ones get the starring roles. We decide who and what gets screen time.

We must partner with the Holy Spirit to “edit” our mental content—filtering out violence, impurity, ungodly messages, and mental idols. Our goal isn’t just to have a clean script—it’s to produce something God would gladly sit through. Let your thoughts entertain the Lord with what delights Him. Don’t grieve Him with a film that nauseates him.  

Reasoning 

Another key way we use our minds is through reasoning. If imagination is like producing a movie in our minds, then reasoning is like holding a conversation there. We’re constantly talking to ourselves. Have you ever noticed that the dialogue in your head sometimes feels like it’s coming from someone else? That’s because we have a dual nature (flesh & Spirit) and there are spiritual voices that can suggest thoughts to us. Still, we are the ones who ultimately decide which conversations we allow to continue.

Sometimes we let certain lines of thinking play out just to see where they lead—but the question is, are these conversations pleasing to the Lord?

Every internal conversation is made up of simple statements—each one either true or false. Taken together, they form a storyline, and that storyline can either reflect reality accurately or distort it. For example, consider a mental script that says, “Why does everything go wrong for me? No one likes me. No one loves me. Nothing ever works out.” Thoughts like these are common—but none of those statements are actually true. And if we give them the microphone in our minds, we’re not just tolerating lies—we’re promoting them. What is always true is God’s Word, which says that God loves you more than you could ever imagine, that he will never leave you nor forsake you, that he prefers you (his thoughts towards you are more than the grains of sand on the sea, and that he is committed to making all things in your life ultimately work for your good. 

Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That means we must learn to recognize worldly or faulty thinking, and train our minds to think the way God thinks. This is not a one-time fix—it’s a lifelong, often difficult process. But it’s essential. And it begins by saturating our minds with God’s Word, and daily applying it to the way we think, speak, and live.

4 Practical Steps to Help Us Gain Control of Our Thoughts

Like taming the tongue, we won’t gain control of our thoughts through sheer willpower. We need God’s wisdom and God’s strength.

1. Surrender Your Mind to God
The first step is full surrender. Romans 12:1 urges us to “present your bodies [including your mind] as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” Who truly rules your thought life? Who is the Master of your mind? Have you yielded your inner world to the Lord? Only you know the answer. If your mind belongs to God, you’ll feel conviction when your thoughts veer toward selfishness or sin. We desperately need God’s help, but he will only help us if our commitment is to please him. 

2. Train Your Discernment
 Next, we must learn what pleases God—and what doesn’t. Romans 12:2 tells us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This means we need to grow in discernment. Hebrews 5:14 says that mature believers “by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Don’t assume you already know what’s right in every situation. Real spiritual maturity means realizing how much we still need God’s Word to guide our judgments. It takes time, practice, and humility to let the Lord reshape our thinking.

3. Fill Your Mind with Truth
 Our minds are never idle—they are always thinking. So don’t just try to stop bad thoughts; replace them. Feed your mind Scripture. Read it. Copy it. Say it out loud. Memorize it. Let God’s truth sink deep. We will mostly dwell on the things we dwell on—Imagine that! Surround yourself with what is holy and true: music that honors Christ, media that inspires righteousness, conversations that cultivate godly thought. Like a plant thrives in the right conditions, so your mind is more likely to grow strong when it’s nourished by the right influences.

4. Fight Back Ruthlessly
 When ungodly thoughts sneak in—whether imagination, reasoning, or mental idols—don’t flirt with them. Fight! 2 Corinthians 10:5 commands us to “take every thought captive to obey Christ.” The thought itself isn’t sin—but entertaining it is. Seeing something isn’t sinful, but staring is. Thinking isn’t sin, but dwelling on it is. The moment you recognize an unclean thought, expose it. Sound the alarm and call on the Lord to arrest and kill it.
We must learn to hate sin. Refuse to let darkness camp in your mental sanctuary. Trust Christ to break mental strongholds, and invite the Holy Spirit to renew your mind with purity and power.

Prayer 

“Father, we confess that we have often defiled our minds by dwelling on things that do not please or honor you supremely. Forgive us, in the name of Jesus. Wash our minds clean. Take lordship over our thought lives. Help us to see how sacred and precious our inner man is.

Cultivate in us a deep hatred for sin, and a growing love for what is true, pure, and good. Transform our minds into workshops of truth, love, and praise. Give us wisdom and grace to guard what we see and hear. Teach us balance and discernment in every area of our thinking.

May our minds become fertile ground—where ideas are born that glorify You, and where every thought bows in obedience to Christ. Amen.”

Is the Pope a Biblical Position? A Closer Look at Scripture and the Papacy

/ Lee A. Robinson / 1 Comment

Introduction

This past week, the world watched as a new Pope was installed in Rome. For many, it marked a sacred milestone. But for those who view the Bible as the final authority in all matters of faith and practice, it raises an important question:

Is the office of the Pope biblically legitimate?

The Catholic Claim

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 882):

“For the Roman Pontiff, by reason of his office as the Vicar of Christ, and as pastor of the entire Church, has full, supreme, and universal power of the whole church, a power which he can always exercise unhindered.”

This statement makes five bold claims about the Pope:

  1. He is called “Father.”
  2. He is the “Vicar of Christ.”
  3. He is the global “Pastor” of the Church.
  4. He holds “full, supreme, and universal power.”
  5. Submission to him is essential for salvation.

Let’s examine each of these claims in light of Scripture.

1. “Call No Man Father”

The word Pope derives from the Latin papa, meaning “father.” Yet Jesus clearly warned:

Matthew 23:9
“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”

This is not simply about titles—it’s about spiritual authority. No earthly leader should take a title that belongs to God alone.

2. The Vicar of Christ?

The Pope is described as Christ’s “vicar” or substitute on earth. But Scripture declares:

1 Timothy 2:5
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

There is no room for a human substitute when Christ Himself is our living Mediator. The position of “Vicar of Christ” undermines the sufficiency of Jesus’ ongoing role.

3. Pastor of the Entire Church?

Peter, claimed by Catholics to be the first Pope, wrote:

1 Peter 5:4
“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear…”

1 Peter 2:25
“For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”

Jesus—not Peter or any successor—is the Shepherd of the Church.

4. Supreme Authority?

Catholic teaching says the Pope has “full, supreme, and universal power.” But Scripture says:

Colossians 1:18
“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

Colossians 2:10
“And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.”

Even Peter, held by Rome as the first Pope, was publicly corrected by Paul:

Galatians 2:14
“But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all…”

The Apostle John also condemned those who sought control over the Church:

3 John 9-10
“Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence… receiveth us not.”

The New Testament repeatedly opposes the kind of unchecked authority Rome assigns to the Pope.

5. Salvation Through Submission to the Pope?

In 1302, Pope Boniface VIII issued the Papal Bull Unam Sanctam, stating:

“We declare, state, define, and pronounce that it is altogether necessary to salvation for every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff.”

But this directly contradicts the Gospel. Nowhere in the Bible is submission to a church official made a condition for salvation.

Acts 4:12
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

That name is Jesus Christ—not Peter, and not any pope.

Conclusion: Christ Alone is Head of the Church

The office of the Pope, as defined by Roman Catholic teaching, is not supported by Scripture. It attributes titles, roles, and authority to a man that belong to Jesus Christ alone.

Ephesians 1:22-23
“And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body…”

Let us not look to men for spiritual headship, but to Christ—the true Shepherd, Mediator, and Head of the Church.

Share your thoughts:
Do you believe the office of the Pope aligns with Scripture? Comment below.

*The core content of this blog post is my original work. Some help was given by AI for paraphrasing.

Lord’s Supper: What Does It Mean To Eat Unworthily?

/ Lee A. Robinson / Leave a comment

There is an aspect of the Lord’s Supper that I think needs some clarification. The part I am referring to is the idea of partaking of the Lord’s Supper “unworthily.” What exactly did Paul have in mind when he said, “whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord?” (1 Cor. 11:27). I have had people come to me with deep concern about whether they should partake of the Lord’s Supper on certain occasions, fearing that they would be partaking “unworthily,” because they had a struggle with some sin in their life. This is a legitimate concern. Who wants to engage in a holy ceremony in an unholy way, be “guilty of the body and blood of the Lord,” and “drink damnation upon himself!?” I think I can see at least a part of the reason why the average church goer feels this way…

Typically, the pastor stands before his congregation (I’m coming at this from a Baptist background, where the Lord’s Supper occurs once a month or so and fills up the good part of a whole service) and rightly encourages his parishioners to “examine” themselves to make sure their life is order before God and that they are “worthy” to partake. The pastor soberly recommends this, in obedience to the Scriptures, indicating that there may be or probably is at least someone in the room who will fail to do partake in a worthy manner. At the very least it indicates that everyone present may be tempted to eat unworthily, otherwise there’s no need for the admonition. The room is most likely filled with average people: not violent gang bangers or hardened criminals. There isn’t usually a catalog of what kinds of sins or behaviors would serve as a checklist as to whether someone is “worthy” or not. 

Then you put on top of this the consideration: “Well, actually, who is even worthy to eat with Jesus anyways!?” I know me, and I know that I am not worthy to sit at the table of Jesus. If anything I’d be the slave who washes the feet of the people who come to dine with Jesus. I’m reminded of Abigail when David sent to marry her, she “bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.” If she felt this way about David, how much more she we feel unworthy to eat at his table like we’re an equal with him! 

So, put all of that together, and it’s understandable that you have people in the church who struggle with some kind of sin – short temper, lust, gossip, laziness, etc. – just like everyone in the church does, who fears that they might be bringing damnation upon themselves for eating the cracker and drinking the juice. 

Now, I’d like to offer what I think is the right perspective. 

First, the fact that someone is being sensitive to the Spirit and concerned that they might be displeasing the Lord is a MAJOR indication that they ARE worthy to dine with Jesus. What does the Lord require of us? “He hath shown thee, O man, what is good: and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8). “A broken and a contrite God will not despise” (Psalm 51). If you are coming to the table with humility and a repentant heart – regardless of what your besetting sin is – then you are coming in a worthy manner. The truly unworthy person who is not going to stress themselves out over whether they are following the Scriptures to a “t” or not. They will brashly take what they can get from God and the church. 

Secondly, on what basis are we relying to be worthy? Are we considering whether we have been “good enough” or not throughout the week? Do you feel like you’ll only be worthy if you overcome that pestering, besetting sin? Remember the Gospel!!! Our only worthiness to have any accessibility to God only comes through Christ – Christ alone! Not Christ and my goodness. We are welcomed into God’s favorable presence because of Christ. We are received as God’s children because we are born again by the Spirit of God. We are washed of our sins because of Christ. The only thing that makes us worthy to partake of the Lord’s Supper is Christ! In every way our access to Christ is conditional only by repentance and faith, but as long as we have that posture then we are worthy!!!

Thirdly, the context reveals to us specifically the “unworthy” behavior Paul had in mind. Verses 18 & 19 Paul chides the Corinthians for tolerating “divisions” and “heresies,” which both refer not to doctrinal impurity, but behavioral deficiency. One of the chief purposes of the Lord’s Supper is to highlight the unity that we have in Christ! We are “one body and one bread.” The broken body of Christ is the spiritual gluten (the Corinthians must have been a gluten free assembly – sorry, I had to) that holds very different people together in love. BUT, instead, the Corinthians decided to use this observance as a wonderful opportunity to display their selfishness and pride.

One faction in the church would get the scoop on when and where the “love feast” would occur. They would show up to the party early, eat all the food and get drunk on the wine before everyone else showed up. This is even more egregious when you think that their society didn’t have a welfare system like we do, there was a much more sharp contrast between the poor and higher social classes. This communal meal was probably a highlight for many people – a true feast – and for others who were poor it may actually have been the only meal that they would have eaten that day. Paul then enters into the narrative of when the Lord instituted the Lord’s Supper: the sweet, serene setting where the Lord washed his disciples feet and then sat surrounded by his disciples. This was the night before his passion. He would be “broken” for them and shed his blood for them. Every time in the future they would gather to remember their Lord they would remember that night. They would recall with vivid memory the day following as well – his love, his blood, his cries, his agony, for them, for them all. 

Now, imagine people trying to use this memorial as an opportunity for the flesh. I can see any one of the apostles busting into that assembly with fire in their eyes, “Do you have any idea what you are doing!!! I was there when he washed my feet! When he suffered on that cross! He died for us! And you have the nerve to shame your brethren, steal all the food, get drunk on the wine, and arrogantly divide into factions amongst one another!!! And instead of being remorseful you glory in your sins and double down in your pride! The Lord is going to bring judgment on you for taking his name in vain!” This is what I see going on here in Corinth, and how I imagine Paul speaking to them. 

So, what does it mean to eat and drink “unworthily?” I think we have a strong case to argue that an unworthy participant is someone who is proud in their sins, who has no humility or repentance over their sins; someone who doesn’t have a desire for unity and has no problem being at odds with others in the church and who will use others in the church for their own gain. If that’s you, then yes, do not assume that Jesus wants to eat a meal with you, because he doesn’t. He wants you to put down your gift at the altar and go be reconciled with your brother first. God will not be mocked – mess with his church and you’ll pay. 

However, if you are a Christian struggling with your sin, and even being often overcome with it to one degree or another, but you hate your sin and confess it to God, let these promises wash over you, my dear brother or sister, “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin…If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:7,9). As soon as you confess your sins you are instantaneously and fully forgiven by your loving, heavenly Father. He says, “Don’t be afraid. I’ve already forgiven you. Come and dine.” The blood of Jesus is your worthiness to come to his table. 
Now, all of that being said, when you do approach the Table, you should examine yourself. It is a wonderful moment – probably the best moment – for God’s people to do some introspection, and allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Every Christian should leave the Lord’s Supper with joy in their hearts because they were all encouraged specifically to “do business” with their God. There is a need to reason with Christians to realize how devastating sin is and there are times to highlight the urgency of repenting of it. But I have sensed the need to give my brothers and sisters relief on this particular issue. If you’re a church leader, maybe consider covering this with your congregation at some point. God bless you in your walk with God and may your next experience at the Lord’s Supper be extra special!!!