5 Lies American Culture Feeds Us Every Day – We've gotten so used to hearing these, we
forget they're not even true.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Things That Hold Us Back From Serving Others
Things That Hold Us
Back From Serving Others – These are all excuses we use to avoid helping
other people—and they're all bad.
Wise Counsel to Care for Those Suffering
Wise Counsel to Care for Those Suffering – The “practical helps”section is worth reading the
article.– The “practical helps”section is worth reading the
article.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
15 Worship Decisions We’ll Regret
15 Worship Decisions We’ll Regret – Here are some
things to consider.
Lessons from the School of Prayer
Lessons from the School of Prayer - D.A. Carson
provides 8 lessons from the school of prayer.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
The Love That Is Neither Easy Nor Natural
The Love That Is
Neither Easy Nor Natural - Life in community with sinners doesn’t fit
on a Hallmark card. It’s messy and pride-exposing. It is anything but easy.
To the Church in America Today
To the Church in
America Today – This seven minute video is worth the watch. It
describes where evangelical Christians are today in relationship to the culture
and how we need to adjust our thinking regarding our position.
The “Let Us” In Genesis 1:26
The “Let Us” In Genesis 1:26 – The author of this
article talks about whether “let us” refers to the Trinity.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Will Christians Be Allowed To Serve as Judges?
Will Christians Be Allowed To Serve as Judges? -
Denny Burk writes about a big move coming from California.
3 Muslim-Christian Crossroads
3 Muslim-Christian Crossroads - And at each
intersection, we can meet our Muslim friends and encourage them to take up the
cross with us and follow Jesus.
Why the Prosperity Gospel Is the Worst Pyramid Scheme Ever
Why the Prosperity Gospel Is the Worst Pyramid Scheme Ever
– “The prosperity gospel is strikingly similar to a pyramid scheme in at least
three ways.”
Monday, January 26, 2015
11 Bible Verses for Your Secular Friends
11 Bible Verses for Your Secular Friends - To help you talk about religion with others, here are 11
Bible verses that your friends, whether secular, spiritual or religious, may
find interesting.
What Does It Mean to Say a Bible Translation Is Faithful?
What Does It Mean
to Say a Bible Translation Is Faithful? – Here’s a helpful article on
the issues involved in Bible translation.
We Are Gomer
We Are Gomer
- The story of Hosea and Gomer reminds us that God loves us not because of our
faithfulness, but because of his.
How to Combat the Demonic
How to Combat the Demonic – If Satan is real—prowling
around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour—what can Christians do
about it?
Saturday, January 24, 2015
A Prayer for Perspective When We Are Suffering
A Prayer for Perspective When We Are Suffering – Here’s
a good word from Scotty Smith.
7 Principles of Sabbath Rest
7 Principles of Sabbath Rest – “Here are 7 principles
about Sabbath rest that I am learning. I share them in hopes they might help
others fighting the battle of busyness, fatigue, and endurance.”
Friday, January 23, 2015
The Spiritual State of Our Nation
The Spiritual State of Our Nation – Ronnie Floyd asks, “Are we really trusting only in
governmental powers and processes to heal our land?”
What to Do When We’re Prayerless
What to Do When We’re Prayerless - Prayerlessness is not fundamentally a discipline problem. At
root it’s a faith problem.
Spoiler Alert
Spoiler Alert – Children’s
birthday parties are getting more and more extravagant. Here’s how we let it
happen.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
5 Ways to Kill a Spiritual Conversation
5 Ways to Kill a Spiritual Conversation - A few
mistakes that inevitably derail important theological debates.
Abortion and the Gospel
Abortion and the Gospel – “As today marks the
forty-second anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, most
Christians recognize, and rightly so, the loss of millions of unborn human
lives. What we often forget is the second casualty of an abortion culture: the
consciences of countless men and women.”
Not Caring About Diversity is Not an Option
Not Caring About Diversity is Not an Option – Trillia
Newbell explores why many American churchgoers do not care about diversity. It’s
an interesting perspective.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Persecution of Christians Reached Record High in 2014. Will 2015 be Worse?
Persecution of Christians Reached Record High in 2014. Will 2015 be Worse? – Remember the
persecuted church around the world.
Nine Profits of Praying with Company
Nine Profits of Praying with Company – Here are
some of the biblical blessings of praying with other believers.
The Oldest Gospel Fragment
The Oldest Gospel Fragment - “A text found on
papyrus used on a mummy mask may be the oldest copy of a gospel known to
exist—a fragment of the Gospel of Mark that was written during the first
century, before the year AD 90.” Read about what it is and why it’s a
big deal.
Monday, January 19, 2015
What is a Clever Way to Engage a Spiritual Conversation on Monday with a Stranger?
What is a Clever Way to Engage a Spiritual Conversation on
Monday with a Stranger? – As we seek opportunities to share our faith,
here is a possible conversation starter.
Developing Godly Qualities in Our Children
Developing Godly Qualities in Our Children - What qualities does God want us to develop
in our children? No need to guess. Scripture tells us specifically: “And what
does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to have mercy and to walk
humbly with your God” (Micah 6:9). These three requirements are a basis for
evaluating our children’s character development.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
5 Simple Ways to Teach Your Kids Theology
5 Simple Ways to Teach Your Kids Theology - This material is simple and practical.
Friday, January 16, 2015
How Involved Is God in the Details of Your Life?
How Involved Is God in the Details of Your Life? - Why does God give us more details about
Joseph’s life than any other individual in Genesis?
9 Things You Need to Know About Widows
9 Things You Need to Know About Widows - “Here are nine things you need to know about
the ever-increasing member of society, the widow…”
Change For Struggling Marriages
Change For Struggling Marriages – Written by a couple who were both Christians
when they were married, but who had significant relationship struggles in the
first few years.
What is the No. 1 Threat to Marriage?
What is the No. 1 Threat to Marriage? – The No. 1 threat to marriage is ourselves.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
A Caution for Believers in 2015
A Caution for Believers in 2015
– “The new year brings hope and opportunity. Many of us have made New Year’s
resolutions we are firmly committed (at least for now . . .) to keep throughout
the year. Every new year, though, also brings renewed temptations and fresh
opportunities for failure. Consequently, this post is a caution based on the
story of Noah’s drunkenness after the receding of the floodwaters (Gen.
9:20-27).”
The Inevitable Misery of Living for Yourself
The Inevitable
Misery of Living for Yourself – Living for yourself is the default
option for every person. This means that unless something happens to bring
about a change. we end up living for ourselves. The Bible says this quite
clearly: “All seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ” (Phil.
2:21).
9 Things You Should Know about Boko Haram
9 Things You Should Know about Boko Haram - “While
the world’s attention has been focused on terrorist attacks by radical Islamist
groups in Europe, Iraq, and Syria, another series of attacks in Africa has
largely gone unnoticed. Here are nine things you should know about
Boko Haram…”
Why Christians Don’t Seek to Avenge Insults against God
Why Christians Don’t Seek to Avenge Insults against God – You may want to read through the
comments below the article as well.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Don’t Miss These Three Markers for Discipleship
Don’t Miss These Three Markers for Discipleship – It
is not fair to be frustrated that people do not reach a destination if we do
not give them clear directions.
When Prayer Comes Out of the Closet
When Prayer Comes Out of the Closet – Here is a
good word on the importance of praying with other believers.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Pain and Evil amid the Wreckage of Eden
Pain and Evil amid the Wreckage of Eden – This brief
interview provides some good material on a hot topic.
A Look At The Religious Make-Up Of The 114th Congress
A Look At The Religious Make-Up Of The 114th Congress—Ed
Stetzer writes, “I’m always fascinated by the fact that Congress polls as a
more religious institution than society as a whole. Why, you ask? Because
saying you are religious is still considered an asset.
“
Practical Atheism
Practical Atheism - Practical atheism appears when we
live as if there were no God.
Fisherman That Don’t Fish
Fisherman That Don’t Fish – Here’s one that’s been
around a while but may be all new to some.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Praying the Scriptures
Praying the
Scriptures – Here are some resources to enhance your prayer life.
Which Promises Are for Me?
Which Promises Are for Me? – This article will
help you better understand and interpret the promises of the Bible.
When the Sin of Sloth Sneaks Up on You
When the Sin of Sloth Sneaks Up on You - “One day
I woke up and realized that I was stressed out about the chaotic state of my
life. There was no relaxation, EVER. But, it wasn’t because I
never sat around. It was because I was sitting around too much. I
was avoiding what I didn’t want to do, and it was making me miserable.”
Religious Liberty vs. Erotic Liberty — Religious Liberty is Losing
Religious Liberty
vs. Erotic Liberty — Religious Liberty is Losing – Religious liberty
seems to no longer be a right in our country.
Friday, January 9, 2015
Journey of Discipline: A New Year of Prayer
Journey of
Discipline: A New Year of Prayer – Here are some good prayer starters
for your daily time with God.
God Is at Work in Your Unremarkable Days
God Is at Work in
Your Unremarkable Days – Jon Bloom makes some helpful observations for
your reading through Genesis.
Trading Fear for Fear
Trading Fear for
Fear – Trading the fear that is bad for the fear that is of God.
Not a Game of Telephone
Not a Game of Telephone - You may have heard that the
early transmission of the Bible is like the kids’ game of telephone. Here’s why
that’s a bad comparison.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
4 Ways to Win the Battle Against Busyness
4 Ways to Win the Battle Against Busyness - Busyness
is in the air. Not many of us like it, but few of us have managed to escape it.
Which Churchgoers Would Skip Sunday Service to Watch Football
Which Churchgoers Would Skip Sunday Service to Watch Football - LifeWay finds less than 1 in
4 men would trade weekly worship.
Intergenerational Friendships
Intergenerational Friendships - Yes! Here’s why the
church needs intergenerational friendships.
The Great Evangelical Recession
The Great Evangelical Recession - The challenge is before us and it may be harder than you think.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
The Most Important Things to Do to Start Paying Off Your Debt
The Most Important
Things to Do to Start Paying Off Your Debt - 5 steps toward beginning
to get debt-free this year.
The Most Important Neglected Prayer
The Most Important Neglected Prayer - “Our Father
in heaven, hallowed be your name" (Matt. 6:9). This first line of the
Lord’s Prayer is one of the most familiar in the Bible. It is one of the most
commonly prayed prayers in history. Yet among believers it is often
underappreciated and misunderstood.
The Power and Privilege of God’s Children
The Power and Privilege of God’s Children - Here are a few practical flashpoints on
private prayer.
Faithful With Fifteen Minutes
Faithful With Fifteen Minutes - We’ve
all heard that small investments add up to big gains. Well, just 15 minutes a
day spent in the Word will add up to these staggering figures.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Common Confusions About Arabs and Muslims
Common Confusions About Arabs and Muslims – This would
be helpful for many Americans, and especially American Christians, to read.
5 Reasons to Pray for Other Churches
5 Reasons to Pray for Other Churches – Each week I send out my Pastor’s Prayer Partners
email. At the end of a list of requests for our church, I include a list of other
pastor’s and churches ask my prayer partners to pray for them as well. This
article shares some good reasons why.
7 Verses of Hope for the Coming Year
7 Verses of Hope for
the Coming Year
·
“And he who was seated on the throne said,
“Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these
words are trustworthy and true” (Revelation
21:5).
·
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your
faithfulness” (Lamentations
3:22-23).
·
“Remember not the former things, nor consider
the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you
not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert”
(Isaiah
43:18-19).
·
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a
new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2
Corinthians 5:17).
·
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made
it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining
forward to what lies ahead” (Philippians
3:13).
·
“Therefore repent and return, so that your
sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the
presence of the Lord” (Acts
3:19).
·
“For I know the plans I have for you,
declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and
a hope” (Jeremiah
29:11).
Monday, January 5, 2015
Three Facts for Your Fret
Three Facts for
Your Fret - We tend to fret. It is a fact about creatures that we are
derivative beings who can’t ultimately control the world around us.
5 Reasons We Eat Together as a Family
5 Reasons We Eat
Together as a Family – I think there is application for all of us in
these.
New Year’s Resolutions: Aim for Godliness and Glory
New Year’s Resolutions: Aim for Godliness and Glory -
Christina Fox has a word about new year’s resolutions.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Here’s a Great Place to Find a Daily Devotional
Here’s a Great Place to Find a Daily Devotional – I receive several daily devotionals in my
inbox each day. They are brief and encourage my walk with the Lord. Crosswalk has several available here. I signed up for two new ones today.
10 Questions to Ask at the Start of a New Year or On Your Birthday
10 Questions to Ask at the Start of a New Year or On Your Birthday – Plan out your
Christ-honoring New Year!
Ten Practical Ways to Control Spending and Wisely Manage God’s Money
Ten Practical Ways to Control Spending and Wisely Manage God’s Money – Randy Alcorn provides
simple steps to your financial stewardship in the new year.
Read Your Bible in 2015
Read Your Bible in
2015 – In addition to the options for Bible reading on our church website, you
might explore one of these
plans. Having a plan is a key to following through on reading the Bible
daily and especially on reading the whole Bible in a year. It has been shown
that Bible reading is a key to spiritual growth at every stage of spiritual
development.
Newsweek on the Bible — So Misrepresented It’s a Sin
Newsweek on the Bible— So Misrepresented It’s a Sin – Al Mohler takes on the absurd article in Newsweek. Here is a sample of his
response, “But Eichenwald demonstrates absolutely no attempt to understand
traditional Christian understandings of the Bible, nor ever to have spoken with
the people he asserts “claim to revere [the Bible] but don’t read it.” What
follows is a reckless rant against the Bible and Christians who claim to base
their faith upon its teachings.”
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