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.

Union with Christ: Living Moment by Moment in His Strength
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

Union with Christ: Living Moment by Moment in His Strength

The Christian life is not about self-improvement or striving to live up to an impossible standard. It is about union with Christ—a profound reality in which His life becomes ours, supplying all we need for strength, purity, and victory. This truth invites us to surrender, to let go of our self-reliance and rest in the life of Jesus Himself, who lives in us.

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From First to Last Adam: A Heart Established in Grace
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

From First to Last Adam: A Heart Established in Grace

The journey of the Christian life, from the moment of justification to the process of sanctification, is firmly rooted in grace. Without a solid foundation in the grace that justifies us at salvation, our growth in grace during sanctification becomes uncertain and fragile. The unshakable truth of what Christ has accomplished on our behalf must be the anchor for our continued transformation.

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Finding Wholeness: When Pain Becomes an Invitation to Grace
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

Finding Wholeness: When Pain Becomes an Invitation to Grace

Recently, I encountered the story of a public figure who shared her struggles with heartbreak, loneliness, and a longing for clarity amidst emotional and physical turmoil. She openly expressed her exhaustion from wrestling with herself, searching for answers through various methods and still feeling adrift. Her vulnerability was both touching and revealing, capturing the shared human experience of seeking fulfillment and healing in a world that often feels broken.

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Proverbs 21: Reflections on God's Sovereignty, Justice, and Parental Responsibility
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

Proverbs 21: Reflections on God's Sovereignty, Justice, and Parental Responsibility

Proverbs 21 offers profound wisdom for navigating life under God's sovereignty, aligning our hearts with His justice, and embracing the weighty responsibility of nurturing the next generation. By drawing on the insights of the Grace and Truth Study Bible, we can explore how this chapter addresses themes of divine control, the care of the vulnerable, and the vital role of parenting.

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Revelation 7: Sealed for Redemption, Saved by the Lamb
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

Revelation 7: Sealed for Redemption, Saved by the Lamb

Revelation 7 offers a powerful vision of God’s faithfulness and the ultimate redemption of His people. Drawing from the Grace and Truth Study Bible, this chapter reveals God’s sovereignty, His protection of the faithful, and the glorious destiny of the redeemed. As we explore this passage, we are reminded of the unshakable hope we have in Christ and the calling to live in light of that hope.

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Matthew 8: Jesus, Lord Over Sickness, Nature, and the Supernatural
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

Matthew 8: Jesus, Lord Over Sickness, Nature, and the Supernatural

Matthew 8 is a breathtaking chapter that reveals Jesus’ authority over sickness, nature, and the supernatural. Following the Sermon on the Mount, this chapter transitions to accounts of miracles that demonstrate the arrival of the kingdom of God through the ministry of Jesus. Each event showcases not only Jesus’ power but also His compassion and the call to faith.

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Lessons from Jeremiah 22: Faithfulness, Leadership, and God's Sovereignty
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

Lessons from Jeremiah 22: Faithfulness, Leadership, and God's Sovereignty

Jeremiah 22 is a powerful passage that speaks to leadership, faithfulness, and the consequences of rebellion against God. It highlights the lives of three kings of Judah—Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, and Jehoiachin—providing both warnings and encouragement for how we approach our own lives and responsibilities.

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Saul’s Downfall and the Sovereignty of God: Reflections on 1 Chronicles 10
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

Saul’s Downfall and the Sovereignty of God: Reflections on 1 Chronicles 10

Saul’s tragic story in 1 Chronicles 10 sets the stage for David’s rise to power. Yet, it is far more than a historical account; it serves as a theological reflection on loyalty, leadership, and the sovereign purposes of God. As we consider Saul’s downfall, we are invited to examine our own lives in light of God’s faithfulness and grace.

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The Balance of Prayer: Resting in What’s Already Ours and Trusting God’s Sovereign Will
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

The Balance of Prayer: Resting in What’s Already Ours and Trusting God’s Sovereign Will

Have you ever hesitated in prayer, unsure of what to ask for? Perhaps you've wondered if it’s appropriate to ask for something God has already promised—or if you're seeking something outside His will. This tension is common for many believers, but understanding the balance between what God has already given and what He sovereignly decides to grant can revolutionize your prayer life.

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Understanding Slavery in Biblical Context and God’s Redemptive Plan
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

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?

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The Perceived Loss of Surrender: A Gateway to Unfathomable Riches in Christ
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

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.

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The Daily Cross: Embracing the Fullness of Christ’s Redemptive Work
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

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.

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Beyond the Work: Knowing the Person of Jesus
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

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?

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The Evidence of Brokenness: A Path to Christ-Dependence
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

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.

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Can AI Be a Biblical Study Partner? A Fun and Faithful Exploration
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

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?

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Crucified, Dead, and Buried: The Finality of the Old Man
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

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.

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Leaving the Old Life Behind: Living as a New Creation
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

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.

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Holding Fast to What is Good: Engaging with Christian Books and Teachings
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

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.

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The Existence of a Creator: What DEI Tells Us About God’s Image in Humanity
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

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.

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Living by Faith: Understanding Galatians 2:20 and the Faith of Christ
Believing Thomas Believing Thomas

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.”

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