A Personal Journal of Grace and Discipleship
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,who loved me and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20
From the blog
The Exchanged Life: Finding Freedom and Wholeness Through Spirituotherapy
In a world filled with competing counseling models, it’s not uncommon to find contrasting views on what “biblical” or “Christian” counseling truly means. Searching for answers can feel overwhelming, and the terms alone—“biblical counseling” versus “Christian counseling”—can spark endless debates on how, or whether, secular counseling methodologies fit within a Christian framework.
Understanding Slavery in Biblical Context and God’s Redemptive Plan
Slavery is one of humanity’s deepest scars, leaving a legacy of pain and injustice that continues to ripple through history. Its presence in Scripture raises challenging questions: Why doesn’t the Bible explicitly condemn slavery? How do we reconcile God’s justice with laws that regulate, rather than abolish, slavery?
The Perceived Loss of Surrender: A Gateway to Unfathomable Riches in Christ
For many believers, surrendering fully to God can feel daunting, even frightening. The fear of losing something precious—health, loved ones, financial stability, or a sense of control—creates a barrier to trusting God completely. Surrender is often seen as a gateway to loss rather than a pathway to the abundance Jesus promises.
The Daily Cross: Embracing the Fullness of Christ’s Redemptive Work
The Christian life is not merely about being saved from sin but about living in the fullness of Christ’s victory daily. The concept of the "daily cross" is central to this abundant life, as it represents the ongoing process of appropriating the transformative power of Christ's redemptive work in every aspect of our being. This truth was explored deeply in Grace Fellowship International's Spirituotherapy Workshop, which I had the privilege of attending in 2020. It profoundly shaped my understanding of how the cross applies to the believer's soul—our mind, will, emotions, and affections—and equips us to live victoriously.
Beyond the Work: Knowing the Person of Jesus
For many Christians, the journey of faith begins with gratitude for what Jesus has done: His work on the Cross, His provision of salvation, and His blessings in our lives. These are wonderful truths, and they inspire awe and thankfulness. But have you ever stopped to ask: Is my faith more focused on what Jesus does for me than on who He is?
The Evidence of Brokenness: A Path to Christ-Dependence
In the Christian life, brokenness is not a weakness to avoid but a strength to embrace. Brokenness brings us to the end of ourselves and opens the door to living in the fullness of Christ. The following list of evidences of brokenness was compiled by Grace Fellowship International and presented at a Spirituotherapy Workshop I attended in 2020. It reflects the transformative power of surrender and dependence on Christ—a life marked by humility, trust, and the power of His indwelling presence.
Can AI Be a Biblical Study Partner? A Fun and Faithful Exploration
Have you ever wondered whether modern technology, like AI, has a place in our faith journey? As Christians, how do we navigate this intersection of innovation and timeless truth? Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming part of our daily lives, from organizing tasks to sparking creativity. But can it play a role in something as sacred as studying Scripture?
Crucified, Dead, and Buried: The Finality of the Old Man
Have you ever felt trapped in an endless cycle of trying to fix yourself? Do you catch yourself wrestling with the same sins, striving to be “better,” and wondering why true freedom seems so elusive? If so, you’re not alone. Many believers spend their Christian lives attempting to resuscitate what God has already declared dead.
Leaving the Old Life Behind: Living as a New Creation
Do you ever find yourself trying to “fix” the parts of you that feel broken? Perhaps you think a little more effort, a few better habits, or some self-improvement will finally make you into the person God wants you to be. But the Gospel tells a radically different story. In Christ, we are not improved versions of our old selves—we are entirely new creations.
Holding Fast to What is Good: Engaging with Christian Books and Teachings
In guiding a brother in Christ through exchanged life truths, we discussed the topic of Christian books and teachings. He expressed a growing hesitancy to read extra-biblical writings, citing concerns about potential misinterpretations by human authors. When encountering an interpretation he disagrees with, he feels tempted to dismiss the author’s entire perspective. These concerns are valid, but they also present an opportunity to explore a biblically sound approach to engaging with Christian resources.
The Bible provides clear guidance on this issue: test everything, hold fast to what is good, and release the rest.
The Existence of a Creator: What DEI Tells Us About God’s Image in Humanity
In recent years, the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have risen to prominence, shaping conversations in workplaces, schools, and communities. These values resonate deeply with our collective sense of justice, fairness, and the worth of every individual. But if we pause to consider these concepts from a broader perspective, they reveal something rather intriguing about the existence of a Creator.
Living by Faith: Understanding Galatians 2:20 and the Faith of Christ
Galatians 2:20 has been a cornerstone for countless believers, encapsulating the exchanged life in a single verse:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
One phrase in this verse has invited rich theological discussion: “faith in the Son of God” versus “faith of the Son of God.” Different Bible translations, such as the KJV and ESV, vary on this point, with some rendering it as “faith of the Son of God” and others as “faith in the Son of God.”
How Technology and Faith Intersect: My Journey with an AI Study Partner
Technology has become an ever-present part of our daily lives, transforming how we communicate, work, and learn. As a believer, I’ve often wrestled with how to engage with these advancements responsibly—especially when it comes to nurturing my faith and sharing the gospel. One of the more surprising ways I’ve done this is through the use of an AI assistant in crafting blog posts and exploring Scripture.
A Biblical Perspective on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Exposing Self-Driven Motivations and Embracing the Exchanged Life
Have you ever found yourself caught in the whirlwind of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) conversations, wondering how to respond as a follower of Christ? These ideas dominate today’s workplaces, schools, and social spaces, reflecting humanity’s deep longing for fairness, dignity, and unity. These values seem noble—and they are—but can human-driven efforts truly address the divisions in our world?
The Suffering and Submission of Christ: A Heart of Praise and Awe
When we consider the life and suffering of Jesus Christ, it is easy to focus on the physical agony of the cross. But a deeper examination of Scripture reveals not only His physical suffering but also a significant spiritual and emotional suffering tied to His complete submission to the Father’s will. This submission, described so powerfully in Philippians 2 and 3, stirs a heart of awe and praise as we realize the magnitude of what Christ endured—not only for our salvation but also to give us His very life and live His life through us.
Living From the Inside Out: The Heart of the Exchanged Life
Many Christians find themselves caught in a cycle of self-effort, striving to live a life that pleases God but often feeling frustrated and exhausted. The harder we try, the more we realize our inability to live the Christian life in our own strength. Yet, the beauty of the gospel is that God never intended for us to live this life by our own efforts. Instead, He invites us to live "from the inside out," allowing Christ to be the source and expression of our lives.
Living Moment-by-Moment in Dependence on Christ
In our journey of faith, many of us often grasp the truth of the exchanged life—Christ living His life within us and through us. Yet, when faced with challenges, we can revert to self-effort, striving to manage things in our own strength. This creates a gap between what we know intellectually and what we live out practically. Our challenge, then, is moving from head knowledge to heart experience—where we not only know Christ lives in us and through us, but we actively trust God to manifest this truth as we respond to the Holy Spirit.
A Letter to the Atheist Who Opposes Religion
I want to begin by saying that I see you. I see your frustration, your anger, and your objections to religion—and I understand where they come from. You’ve likely encountered or studied instances where religion, instead of being a force for good, has caused harm, perpetuated injustice, or turned a blind eye to suffering. You’ve seen hypocrisy, pain, and power wielded in the name of God, and it’s left you disgusted. I can’t blame you for feeling that way.
Reason, Faith, and the Human Search for Meaning and Significance: A Letter to the Seeking Skeptic
The search for truth is one of the most profound pursuits in life. Whether we identify as religious, agnostic, or atheist, many of us share a deep desire to make sense of the universe, our place within it, and the moral framework that underpins our existence. For some, this journey is guided by faith. For others, it is reason. And for many, it is both.
Grace and Truth: Addressing Sin in the Body of Christ
As followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that reflects both His grace and truth (John 1:14). Yet, when we encounter sin—whether in ourselves, our community, or society—it can be challenging to navigate our response. The temptation often arises to focus on the sins of others, sometimes as a way to avoid confronting our own shortcomings. This dynamic can be especially evident in discussions about societal or cultural shifts, including those related to sexual ethics, addiction, dishonesty, or any behavior we perceive as contrary to God’s Word.
Theology or Distraction? Staying Focused on Christ in Our Walk
In guiding and small group settings, I’ve often noticed an intriguing phenomenon. When the discussion centers on walking with Christ—living out our faith and abiding in Him—it doesn’t take long for the conversation to shift. Instead of delving deeper into our relationship with Christ, discussions often veer toward theological minutiae, doctrinal debates, or speculative questions. While theology is vital and rich in its ability to illuminate truth, these detours can sometimes serve as distractions from the very heart of what we’re called to focus on: our walk with Jesus.
This pattern raises important questions: Why does this happen? Could it be more than a simple lack of focus? Might there be a spiritual dynamic at play, subtly diverting our attention from Christ Himself?