Should Christians Follow the Example of Charlie Kirk?
Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. – Jesus (Matthew 10:34, NKJV) This is a striking and shocking statement by our Lord. Isn’t Jesus the Prince of Peace? Why does He say that He has not come to bring peace, but…
The Unchanging Goodness of God
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of…
The Origin of Sin
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when…
Enduring Temptation: The Path to the Crown of Life
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. – James 1:12 James, in our text, refers to a man whom he calls “Blessed.” He is blessed, not because he must endure the pain…
The Helmet of Salvation
And take the helmet of salvation… – Ephesians 6:17 (Watch the corresponding sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/live/MENjcginFrA?si=d-n8Lru4A2O3CAUF) In the book of Ephesians, Paul likens salvation to a helmet, or more specifically, the hope of salvation. In First Thessalonians, he repeats the metaphor: … putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope…
The Shield of Faith
Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. – Ephesians 6:16 (Watch the corresponding sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/live/qm-NqJaxlAc?si=NvZkRDpZrJ1SE146) A shield was an imperative piece of equipment to the ancient soldier. It provided both defensive and offensive means for overcoming the enemy.…
The Shoes of the Readiness of the Gospel of Peace
(Watch the corresponding sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/live/eMNyMER6AqA?si=Q4HKZON_bwHbwEmN) and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace – Ephesians 6:15 As a father of seven, I often tell my children to get ready for school in the mornings. Sometimes they reply, “I am ready!” But then I see that they have no shoes…
We Live Because Christ Lives
(Watch the corresponding sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1eWvPKmTcM&t=5134s) Because I live, you shall live also. – Jesus (John 14:19) Jesus often made very bold statements that set him apart from normal men. He said things like, “I am the Bread of Life,” and, “I am the Light of the world.” He also famously said, “I am the…
The Breastplate of Righteousness
(Watch the corresponding sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/live/tdrwlHv_fYY?si=laUuZTvGZXVF9GG7) Stand therefore,… having put on the breastplate of righteousness. – Ephesians 6:14 The second piece of armor that the apostle Paul tells us to ‘put on’ in Ephesians six is the ‘Breastplate of Righteousness.’ The Breastplate of Righteousness is not a new concept invented by Paul, but part of…
The Belt of Truth
(Watch the corresponding sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/live/EFqjA7Q7leI?si=9P0lInqUqowsBjDr) Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth… – Ephesians 6:14 Truth is foundational, that which everything else stands on. If we do not have truth as a foundation, we have no proper structure, like a building poorly constructed. Life may seem fine without the foundation of truth for…
Did God Approve of Forced Marriage in Deuteronomy 21? A Christian Response
The Old Testament, particularly Deuteronomy 21:10–14, presents challenging laws that can seem morally problematic today. Yet, these laws served to protect women in a brutal context, emphasizing marriage and freedom rather than exploitation. They reflect a moral progression toward Jesus, whose teachings reveal God’s true vision of compassion and righteousness.
The Armor of God: Your Defense Against Darkness
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. – Ephesians 6:11 In the book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul teaches that there is a war between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. It is a war that is happening at…
Living Faithfully in Difficult Circumstances
Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing…
The Bible: The Ultimate Guide For Parents and Children
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth. And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training…
How to Be Filled with the Spirit
And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit… – Ephesians 5:18 I consider that, among the most important things for Christians to know and experience, being filled with the Spirit is at the top. It cannot be overstated how essential it is for a Christian to…
Redeeming the Time
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16 Time is a precious commodity. Many things are replaceable and recoverable, but time is not. Each moment that passes is a moment that will never come again. Life often continues as it…
Eight Warnings, One Message: Do Not Be Deceived
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. – Ephesians 5:6-7 According to my count, on eight occasions, the New Testament specifically admonishes us not to be deceived: Take heed that no one…
A Reflection of 2024
The Call 2024 was a year of battles. As Paul has written, “Without were fightings, within were fears” (2 Cor 7:5). It is tempting not to speak in such ways for fear of being labeled as faithless, but Paul spoke this way, so it is only pride to withhold the truth. However, battles survived mean wisdom gleaned. A novice…
Working for a Giving
Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. – Ephesians 4:28 Theft is extremely common in our country. The National Retail Federation reported an annual loss of $112.1 billion in 20211. This is…
Summer Newsletter 2024
Our Jewish Messiah. This ministry provides many opportunities to speak with individuals of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. I’m very thankful that I get to do this! It’s a joy sharing Jesus with so many people. It is especially a joy to share my Jewish Savior with Jewish students. The University of Florida is teeming with…
Walking Worthy of Our Calling
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. – Ephesians 4:1-3 The letter to the Ephesians was…
Spring Newsletter 2024
As spring ends and summer comes into view, I reflect back upon the previous school year. Numerous seeds were planted, and the impact of those seeds will not be known until eternity. But I know how one small encounter can be life-changing, especially in the lives of those seeking to make sense of the world…
The Wisdom of the Cross
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence… – Ephesians 1:7-8 Is it wise for God to forgive sins? Some would argue no–and with good reason. One could argue that it is…
January / February Newsletter 2024
Starting the year out right. We’ve had a good and busy beginning of 2024. As you can see from the pictures below, we have had endless engagements with students at the university, students with all kinds of beliefs and backgrounds. We have spoken with Jews and Muslims, Catholics and Protestants, atheists and agnostics, and other…
Years End Newsletter 2023
A year in summary. This past year has been marked by both challenge and triumph, many downs and many ups. Like every year, it seems to have flown by so fast! How is it that 2024 is already here? As I reflect back, I think about how much change a year can bring. Things don’t…
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Hal Chaffee Ministries 