Lou DeGolier's Blog

 The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, fully God, coequal with the Father and the Son. He is not merely a force or an influence, but a divine Person who has will, emotions, and intellect. From the very beginning of Scripture, the Spirit is present—hovering over the waters at creation, bringing order out of chaos, and breathing life into humanity. His role is consistent throughout the Bible: to glorify God, reveal truth, and draw people closer to the Lord. One of the most important works of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He helps us recognize our need for salvation and points us toward Jesus Christ, the Savior. Without the Spirit’s prompting, people would remain blind to the truth of God. His conviction is not meant to condemn, but to lead us to repentance and to the grace of Christ. In this way, the Spirit is the one who opens hearts and minds to the gospel. The Holy Spirit also dwells within believers, making our bodies...

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is central to the Christian faith. He was sent into the world by God the Father to bring salvation to humanity, fulfilling the promises made through the prophets of the Old Testament. His birth, life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of the gospel message. Jesus was not merely a great teacher or prophet, but the divine Son of God, who took on human flesh to dwell among us, bridging the gap between God and man. Through Him, we see the perfect reflection of God’s love and holiness. From the beginning, Jesus was with God and was God, as John 1:1 declares: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” His incarnation—when He became flesh and dwelt among us—is a mystery of divine humility. Born in a lowly manger in Bethlehem, His entrance into the world revealed that God’s kingdom is not about worldly power or wealth, but about peace, mercy, and truth. Even in His birth, He showed that He came for all people, from ...

God the Father is revealed in Scripture as the Creator of all things, the One who brought the universe into being by His word and power. He is the source of life, the giver of every good gift, and the sustainer of all creation. From the beginning of Genesis, God is presented as the Father who carefully designed and ordered the world, making it good. His role as Creator demonstrates His authority and majesty, reminding us that all life flows from Him and ultimately belongs to Him. As Father, God also reveals His heart of love and compassion. Jesus Christ often referred to Him as "Abba, Father," showing the closeness and tenderness that exists within this divine relationship. God’s fatherhood is not distant or detached; He is deeply concerned for His children, desiring that none should perish but that all would come to eternal life. This paternal love is steadfast, unconditional, and gracious, extending mercy even when His people stray. God the Father is also the great provid...

 The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most profound and essential truths of the Christian faith. It declares that there is one God who exists eternally in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are not separate gods, but one God in essence, co-equal and co-eternal. This mystery is beyond human comprehension, yet it is revealed through Scripture and experienced in the life of the believer. The Trinity is not a contradiction but a divine reality showing God’s perfect unity and diversity. God the Father is often understood as the source and sustainer of all creation. He is the one who spoke the universe into existence and upholds it by His power. In His love, He sent His Son into the world to redeem humanity. The Father’s role reveals His authority, His sovereignty, and His boundless love. Yet, He is not distant or unreachable; through Christ and the Spirit, believers can know the Father personally, as a loving Father who cares deeply for H...

The wisdom of God is an attribute that surpasses human understanding, for it is eternal, infinite, and perfect. Unlike human wisdom, which is shaped by experience, learning, and often error, the wisdom of God is absolute and flawless. It extends beyond time and creation, encompassing all that has been, all that is, and all that will ever be. His wisdom is displayed in creation itself, in the order of the universe, the laws that govern it, and the intricate design of life. Every detail reflects divine purpose and intelligence, testifying to the greatness of the One who set all things in motion. God’s wisdom is also revealed in His providence—the way He guides and sustains the world. Many times, humans cannot comprehend why certain events happen, whether blessings or trials, yet Scripture reminds us that His ways are higher than ours. His wisdom sees the end from the beginning, and what may seem confusing or painful in the moment is often part of a greater plan. As Paul wrote in Romans ...

The Lord’s omniscience is one of the most profound attributes of His divine nature. It means that God possesses complete and perfect knowledge of all things—past, present, and future. Nothing is hidden from His sight, for He sees the thoughts of the heart just as clearly as the outward actions of men. Scripture declares that “His understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:5), reminding us that the wisdom of God cannot be measured or compared to human reasoning. This truth brings both awe and humility, for we stand before a God who knows us better than we know ourselves. Omniscience also assures us that God’s purposes are never thwarted or uncertain. Because He knows all things, He is never surprised by events, nor does He need to learn or discover information as we do. His plans are carried out with full awareness of every detail and outcome. Romans 11:33 proclaims, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past fi...

  The Omnipresence of God: His Ever-Present Nature God’s omnipresence is one of the most comforting and awe-inspiring aspects of His nature, signifying that He is present everywhere at all times. Unlike humans, who are bound by physical limitations and can only occupy one space at a time, God transcends all spatial boundaries. His presence is not restricted by time, place, or circumstance, allowing Him to be intimately involved in all aspects of His creation simultaneously. As King David beautifully expressed in Psalm 139:7-10, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” This profound truth means that no place is too remote, too dark, or too hidden from God. The omnipresence of God provides a unique assurance that He is constantly with us, whether we are aware of His presence or not. In moments of joy, sorrow, loneliness, or fear, God’s presence is unwavering. Fo...

The eternal hope you have in Christ is more than a passing feeling—it is a steadfast anchor for your soul. This hope rests not in uncertain things of the world but in the unchanging promises of God. Scripture reminds us that through the resurrection of Jesus, believers have been given “a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3). This means that even when life brings hardship, sorrow, or uncertainty, your foundation is secure in the One who has already conquered sin and death. This eternal hope assures you that your sins are forgiven and that nothing can separate you from the love of Christ. Because He died and rose again, you are no longer under condemnation but have been set free. Every day you can walk with confidence, knowing that God’s mercy is new every morning and His grace sustains you. Even when the world seems dark, the light of Christ shines within your heart, reminding you that His kingdom cannot be shaken. The eternal hope in Christ also carries the promise of an everlasting inheritanc...

  The Omnipotence of God: Understanding His Infinite Power God’s omnipotence is one of His most profound and awe-inspiring attributes, encapsulating the limitless nature of His power. This divine characteristic means that God can do anything that is logically possible and consistent with His nature. His power is not just about the sheer magnitude of what He can do but also about the perfect execution of His will, whether in the grand design of the universe or the smallest details of life. As the Creator of all things, seen and unseen, God's omnipotence is evident in the intricate workings of the cosmos, the laws of nature, and the very existence of life itself. God’s omnipotence is demonstrated from the very beginning of the Bible in the act of creation. The opening chapter of Genesis vividly illustrates how God spoke the world into existence: "And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light" (Genesis 1:3). This effortless command is a testament to His unparal...

  The Lord's Omnipotence The omnipotence of the Lord, His all-encompassing power, is evident throughout creation and the unfolding of history. From the vast expanse of the universe to the intricate design of a single human cell, His might and authority are unparalleled. In the Scriptures, God reveals Himself as the Creator of all things, who spoke the heavens and the earth into existence with a word. He governs the forces of nature, controls the flow of time, and upholds all things by the power of His word. This omnipotence is not only a testament to His greatness but also a source of reassurance for those who trust in Him, knowing that no challenge or difficulty is beyond His capacity to handle. The Power Displayed in Redemption God's omnipotence is also profoundly displayed in His work of redemption through Jesus Christ. In His sovereign power, He devised a plan of salvation that defies human understanding and logic. The Son of God, who is Himself fully God, became man, l...

  God's holiness is the foundation of His very nature, setting Him apart from all creation in purity, perfection, and moral excellence. To be holy means to be distinct, separate, and entirely other. In the Bible, God’s holiness is revealed through His commandments, His presence, and His actions. He is not just a being with holy attributes but is Himself the essence of holiness. This holiness is so absolute that it cannot tolerate sin or imperfection, and it is why those who come before Him must be sanctified. The holiness of God is the standard by which all things are measured, and it is why He is worthy of reverence, awe, and worship. God’s glory is the manifestation of His holiness. The glory of God is His radiant presence, the visible and tangible expression of His divine nature. In the Old Testament, the glory of God is often depicted as a bright light or a consuming fire, demonstrating His majesty and power. For example, when Moses encountered God on Mount Sinai, God's g...

 Exodus 33:17

To be Christlike means to reflect the character of Jesus in our words, actions, and attitudes. Christ displayed humility, compassion, love, and obedience to the Father, and we are called to follow His example. Living this way is not about perfection but about surrendering daily to the Lord so that His Spirit can shape us more into His likeness. As Paul wrote, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). The goal is that others might see Christ through us. One of the central aspects of being Christlike is love. Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This love is not limited to those who are easy to love but extends even to enemies, as Christ taught in the Sermon on the Mount. True Christlike love is sacrificial and selfless, shown in kindness, forgiveness, and patience, just as Christ demonstrated when He laid down His life for us. Another essential trait of Christl...

  Commentary on Psalm 23 (NIV 2011) Psalm 23 is one of the most cherished passages in Scripture, offering comfort and assurance in God's constant presence. David, the psalmist, begins with a profound declaration: "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing." This opening verse establishes the foundational relationship between God and His people. Just as a shepherd cares for every need of his sheep, guiding, feeding, and protecting them, so does God provide for us. The imagery of a shepherd suggests intimacy, care, and an ongoing commitment. David's confident assertion that he lacks nothing underscores his trust in God's provision, not just for physical needs, but for spiritual and emotional well-being as well. As the psalm progresses, David expands on how the Lord meets these needs. "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul." Here, the green pastures and quiet waters symbolize peace and rest, which ar...

Division in the church is one of the great sorrows of our time. When the body of Christ is divided—by politics, race, social class, or culture—it weakens the testimony of the gospel and hinders the work of the Spirit. The church is meant to be one body, united under the lordship of Jesus Christ. When we allow worldly differences to become greater than our shared faith, we fail to reflect the love, unity, and humility that Jesus modeled for us. Scripture teaches us, “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). This truth applies just as much to the church as to anything else. Political differences, in particular, should never divide those who follow Christ. There is no right or left in the kingdom of God—only righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Our identity is not in a party or policy, but in the blood of Jesus Christ who died for all. When Christians argue over politics with hatred or contempt, they show more allegiance to the kingdoms of...

  Romans 1:21-27 is a passage that speaks to the consequences of humanity’s rejection of God, and it serves as a profound commentary on the nature of sin, idolatry, and divine judgment. The Apostle Paul, in these verses, outlines a tragic progression of human behavior that begins with a willful suppression of the truth and ends in moral and spiritual decay. In verse 21, Paul highlights the fundamental problem: although people knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him. This rejection of God is not due to ignorance but a deliberate choice to turn away from the Creator. When people fail to honor and thank God, their thinking becomes futile, and their hearts are darkened. This darkening of the heart represents a spiritual blindness that leads to a distorted understanding of reality. Instead of recognizing the truth of God’s sovereignty and goodness, they fall into the folly of worshiping creation rather than the Creator. Verses 22 and 23 describe how this r...

 The pro-life stance is rooted in the fundamental conviction that all human life is sacred and possesses inherent value from the moment of conception until natural death. This perspective holds that a new, distinct human being is created at fertilization, and therefore, this life deserves the same protections and rights as any other person. Adherents to this view believe that society has a profound moral and ethical obligation to defend the most vulnerable among us, which includes the unborn. This position is not merely a political or religious talking point but a deeply held belief informed by principles of science, ethics, and a commitment to human rights for every individual, regardless of their stage of development. From a biological standpoint, the pro-life argument asserts that a fertilized egg is a complete and living organism with its own unique genetic code, distinct from both of its parents. From this very early stage, it directs its own growth and development. Within jus...

  The phrase "The LORD loves us just as we are" conveys the profound idea that God's love is unconditional. It means that we don't have to change or achieve a certain level of perfection to be worthy of His love. God accepts us in our current state, with all our flaws, weaknesses, and imperfections. His love is not dependent on our actions or behavior; it is a constant, unwavering force that embraces us fully, just as we are. When it says "He has loved since before the beginning of time," it emphasizes the eternal nature of God's love. This means that God's love for us isn't bound by the limitations of time; it has always existed and always will. Even before we were born, or the world was created, God's love was present. This eternal love provides a deep sense of security and comfort, knowing that His love for us is infinite and unchanging. "He is a God of love" highlights that love is not just something God does, but it is who ...

  "Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (NIV) Context and Background This verse is part of Paul's letter to the Philippians, a church he had a deep and affectionate relationship with. The letter is filled with themes of joy, encouragement, and thanksgiving, despite Paul writing it from prison. In Philippians 1:6, Paul is expressing his confidence in God's faithfulness to complete the spiritual work He has started in the lives of the believers in Philippi. Commentary 1. Confidence in God's Work: Paul begins the verse with a statement of confidence: "Being confident of this very thing." This confidence is not based on human ability or effort but on God's character and faithfulness. Paul is certain that what God starts, He finishes. This assurance comes from knowing God's nature as one who is faithful and consistent in His actions. 2. The ...

  The phrase "The LORD loves us just as we are" conveys the profound idea that God's love is unconditional. It means that we don't have to change or achieve a certain level of perfection to be worthy of His love. God accepts us in our current state, with all our flaws, weaknesses, and imperfections. His love is not dependent on our actions or behavior; it is a constant, unwavering force that embraces us fully, just as we are. When it says "He has loved since before the beginning of time," it emphasizes the eternal nature of God's love. This means that God's love for us isn't bound by the limitations of time; it has always existed and always will. Even before we were born, or the world was created, God's love was present. This eternal love provides a deep sense of security and comfort, knowing that His love for us is infinite and unchanging. "He is a God of love" highlights that love is not just something God does, but it is who ...

  "Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (NIV) Context and Background This verse is part of Paul's letter to the Philippians, a church he had a deep and affectionate relationship with. The letter is filled with themes of joy, encouragement, and thanksgiving, despite Paul writing it from prison. In Philippians 1:6, Paul is expressing his confidence in God's faithfulness to complete the spiritual work He has started in the lives of the believers in Philippi. Commentary 1. Confidence in God's Work: Paul begins the verse with a statement of confidence: "Being confident of this very thing." This confidence is not based on human ability or effort but on God's character and faithfulness. Paul is certain that what God starts, He finishes. This assurance comes from knowing God's nature as one who is faithful and consistent in His actions. 2. The ...