Are You Willing to Pay for What You Believe?

Are You Willing to Pay for What You Believe? – “Today—we want to feel good about being involved in a just cause, but all we may want to do is sign a petition, or give one dollar, tweet something or post something on our Facebook page.”

The Difference Between a Sin and a Mistake

The Difference Between a Sin and a Mistake – “When people refer to this kind of behavior as a mistake rather than a sin, they are either consciously or unconsciously evading responsibility—even while they claim to accept responsibility. Why? Because of the fundamental difference between the two terms. Many people assume they are synonymous. They’re not.”

When Our Hearts Revert to Self-Reliance

When Our Hearts Revert to Self-Reliance – “For those of us who struggle with pride or are prone to rely on ourselves, here are four ways to remember to rest our souls decisively in God’s work, not our own.”

Russia’s Proposed Law

Russia’s Proposed Law – “Christians in Russia won’t be allowed to email their friends an invitation to church or to evangelize in their own homes if Russia’s newest set of surveillance and anti-terrorism laws are enacted.”

Parenting a Difficult Child

Parenting a Difficult Child – Here’s hope and encouragement for those of us parenting a difficult child.

How to Stay Sexually Pure In Marriage

How to Stay Sexually Pure In Marriage – This is well done and practical.

Are Christians Too Focused on Religious Liberty These Days?

Are Christians Too Focused on Religious Liberty These Days? – “If Eberstadt is right, Christians become cultural heretics. We are the dissenters from the Sexual Revolution’s orthodoxy. That’s why our common moral vision will become increasingly counter-cultural.”

How Hidden Sin Almost Destroyed My Life

How Hidden Sin Almost Destroyed My Life - But there's grace in the light.

LGBT Basics

LGBT Basics – It’s probably true for many Christians when considering this topic, “we may know what we think without knowing why.” Here is a simple explanation.

Supreme Court Refuses to Defend Religious Liberty for Pharmacists

Supreme Court Refuses to Defend Religious Liberty for Pharmacists – “If the state can ignore the first amendment and coerce these Christians to violate their conscience, then the state can do anything.”

When A Christian Feels Dry: A Simple Practice

When A Christian Feels Dry: A Simple Practice – “If you know life in Christ, you know languishing in Christ. We all go through dry seasons. The Christian life is never lived from mountain top to mountain top. Every saint has known lackluster days in relationship with the Lord. God doesn’t feel close.”

Fear Not, the Universe Is Wildly Out Of Your Control

Fear Not, the Universe Is Wildly Out Of Your Control – “Things are wildly out of my control but they are not out of control. These things are set in place. Designed. Ordered. Governed.”

When Trials Overwhelm Your Soul

When Trials Overwhelm Your Soul – This is written in a poetic form and worth a slow read.

Keep Christianity Strange

Keep Christianity Strange – “I resonated with this, and thought about how Christians should see the strangeness of our faith as an encouraging thing. Here are three reasons why we should acknowledge and embrace the strangeness of our faith.”

Be Strengthened by Grace

Be Strengthened by Grace – “I am challenged with the question, Do you really trust Me, even at the end of your rope?”

How the Sufficiency of Scripture Makes a Huge Difference

How the Sufficiency of Scripture Makes a Huge Difference – Here are four ways it ought to make a huge difference in our lives.

7 Lies We Tell Our Children

7 Lies We Tell Our Children – “We all lie to our kids. Sometimes it’s on purpose and for what we deem a good purpose. Sometimes it’s because we so want them to believe something, to feel better, to overcome a challenge, or to work through pain that we will say anything to try to help. Sometimes it’s because we’re idiots and just don’t realize what we’re doing. Here are seven of the most common lies parents tell kids.”

Supreme Court Rules on Texas Abortion Case

Supreme Court Rules on Texas Abortion Case – “In one of the most significant rulings on abortion in decades, the Supreme Court ruled on Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt in a 5-3 decision to overturn state laws designed to regulate abortion clinics in a way that would protect women’s health.”

Supreme Court’s Abortion Ruling: A Tragic Day for America

Supreme Court’s Abortion Ruling: A Tragic Day for America - Yesterday, the Supreme Court delivered what is being called “the greatest victory for abortion rights since Roe v. Wade.”

The simple explanation for Brexit isn

The Simple Explanation for Brexit Isn't So Simple - Here is a short discussion of the big issues.

The Counterintuitive Appeal of Christian Morality in a 21st Century World

The Counterintuitive Appeal of Christian Morality in a 21st Century World – The charge today goes something like this, “Unless Christianity updates its doctrine and adapts to a changing world, it’s destined for irrelevancy!”

3 Reasons Why American Evangelicals Should Care About Brexit

3 Reasons Why American Evangelicals Should Care About Brexit – This is a good brief analysis with #3 being particularly on point.

Identity Theft: Losing Our Christian Self-Consciousness

Identity Theft: Losing Our Christian Self-Consciousness – “Certainly what we are is entirely based upon God’s presence in us and His power bequeathed to us. We are nothing on our own. But in Christ, we are something beyond imagination.”

Read Scripture: Esther

Read Scripture: Esther – The book of Esther explained with illustrations in just over nine minutes.

The Main Message of Your Bible

The Main Message of Your Bible – “This theme of gracious provision is the context of all that follows in the Bible. All the subsequent history and messages of Scripture are elements in this unfolding story of divine rescue.” 

The Nations Have Come to Our Cities

The Nations Have Come to Our Cities – “We cannot overlook the influx of ‘the nations’ ready for the gospel.”

7 Good Reasons to Stop Looking at Porn Right Now

7 Good Reasons to Stop Looking at Porn Right Now – The list is simple and direct.

When Your Spiritual Gift Isn’t Changing Diapers

When Your Spiritual Gift Isn’t Changing Diapers – “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to use our gifts to serve our church family. But then again, who would say they have the spiritual gift of changing diapers? Holding doors open? Setting up chairs?”

California's Religious Liberty Moment—Coming to a State Near You

California's Religious Liberty Moment—Coming to a State Near You – “On the verge of a precedent that should not be set.”

How to Become Holy

How to Become Holy – “Of all the goals we have for our life, the most important is to pursue holiness because it is God’s goal for our life.” 

Protecting Our Children Is More Important Than Seeking Their Approval

Protecting Our Children Is More Important Than Seeking Their Approval – “Children will resent and eventually despise parents who just want to be their friends, including dressing and acting like them. Your children already have friends. They need you to be what only you can be—their parent.”

Why Does Prayer Sometimes Feel So Boring?

Why Does Prayer Sometimes Feel So Boring? - How to make praying something you actually want to do.

7 Marks of Humility

7 Marks of Humility – “To begin, take a few minutes to read Philippians 2:1-11. The verse references in parentheses below refer back to this passage. Meditate with me on seven marks of humility as modeled by Jesus.”

How to Resist Sins of Conformity

How to Resist Sins of Conformity – “Many sins in our lives follow this pattern. We get swept along in the tide and can’t believe what we’ve done. We’re always responsible for our actions, but sometimes social pressure tempts us in powerful ways.”

21 Questions With Barronelle Stutzman

21 Questions With Barronelle Stutzman – “Barronelle Stutzman is the Washington florist sued by a gay man, a friend and client of almost a decade, who was outraged by her refusal to do the flowers for his same-sex wedding. Whatever you think you know about her case, I bet you don’t know a lot of things in that short three-minute video.”

Character in Leadership — Does it Still Matter?

Character in Leadership — Does it Still Matter? – “Controversies of a political nature having to do with character are not new, but they certainly have changed over the years.”

Sorry, Jen Hatmaker: Christians Aren’t Complicit in Orlando

Sorry, Jen Hatmaker: Christians Aren’t Complicit in Orlando – “Christians who stand against redefining marriage and the homosexualization of our culture are deliberately and dishonestly conflated with ‘hate,’ ‘dishonor’ and being ‘anti-LGBTQ,’ none of which is accurate.”

Eight Passages Every Christian Should Memorize

Eight Passages Every Christian Should Memorize – Here is a great place to begin with Scripture memorization.

When Your Child Dates an Unbeliever

When Your Child Dates an Unbeliever – “I recently read a woman’s view that as long as one sheltered her children from unbelievers enough, she would never need to worry about kids dating unbelievers or dabbling in the world. I still squirm at the notion that our children’s spiritual development is simply a matter of controlling their environment. The reality is that good parents raise kids who do unwise things. When we’re young, we’re tempted to think our kids will never do that! Sometimes, they do. I hope this provides encouragement for some today.”

According to Moses, I’m Over the Hill

According to Moses, I’m Over the Hill – “The psalmist’s emphasis on the work of our hands and the favor of the Lord draws me back up to the connection he makes between counting our days and gaining a heart of wisdom.”

What the Tower of Babel Can Teach Us about Our Desire for True Gospel Witness

What the Tower of Babel Can Teach Us about Our Desire for True Gospel Witness – Foundational to following Jesus is that we live by faith and not fear!

Seven Biblical Truths That Can Bring Us Great Happiness

Seven Biblical Truths That Can Bring Us Great Happiness – Here are seven worth focusing on.

Why Politics Can’t Drive the Gospel

Why Politics Can’t Drive the Gospel – “If politics drives the gospel, rather than the other way around, we end up with a public witness in which Mormon talk-show hosts and serially-monogamous casino magnates and prosperity-gospel preachers are welcomed into our ranks, regardless of what violence they do to the gospel.” 

What Judges Teaches the Church

What Judges Teaches the Church – “The book of Judges is a mirror held up to the church that forces us to ask ourselves, “Is Jesus our king and do we live by faith in His Word?” If the answer is yes, the church from generation to generation will know the Lord.”

I Forbid You To Say These Things at My Funeral

I Forbid You To Say These Things at My Funeral – “Here are a few things I sincerely hope no one will say about me at my funeral or any time thereafter. In fact, I hereby forbid it. ”

How to Help the Suicidal

How to Help the Suicidal – “But we cannot let our fear and sadness over a dark and difficult issue keep us from moving toward one another. Therefore, it is with clarity, compassion, and conviction that we must speak to this terrible reality.”

Why You Should Be Praying the Psalms

Why You Should Be Praying the Psalms – “I believe that the most simple, permanent, and biblical solution to this almost universal problem is to stop making up your own prayers most of the time—because that results in repetitious prayer—and to pray the Bible instead.”

One Critical Conviction

One Critical Conviction – When it comes to God and His word we must confess that God is a good communicator.

Should Christians Support Gun Control?

Should Christians Support Gun Control? – Colonial period historian, Thomas Kidd, explores the evidence from history, biblical teaching, and current issues. I like to read most anything he is writing these days.

10 Things You Should Know about Shame

10 Things You Should Know about Shame – “Let’s start bringing up the problem of shame in our small groups and Sunday school classes and sermons, so that the light of the gospel can begin to free God’s people from its dark grip.”

When God Doesn’t Give us the Miracle We’ve Prayed For

When God Doesn’t Give us the Miracle We’ve Prayed For – “Why is it that God does a miracle for one but not for another? Why are some miraculously healed but others are not?”

9 Things You Should Know About Physician-Assisted Suicide

9 Things You Should Know About Physician-Assisted Suicide – “Earlier this month a new law took effect that makes California the latest—and most populous—state to legalize physician assisted suicide. A similar law was passed last week by the Canadian parliament. Once approved, Canada will join Albania, Colombia, Japan, Switzerland, and the Netherlands in implementing nationwide laws allowing assisted suicide.”

Angels Block Protesters at Orlando Funeral

Angels Block Protesters at Orlando Funeral - How do we balance truth and love as Christ-followers?

Should Christians in America Fight for the Religious Liberty of Muslims?

Should Christians in America Fight for the Religious Liberty of Muslims? – “Fundamental to the practice of religious liberty is that people are held accountable as individuals and citizens and not as classes of people or religious groups. All individuals are free to exercise their religion, and all individuals are held accountable to the law of the land.”

What Is an “Accurate” Translation?

What Is an “Accurate” Translation? – Bill Mounce discusses how complicated the issues are and why.

10 Things You Should Know About What the Roman Catholic Church Believes Regarding Mary

10 Things You Should Know About What the Roman Catholic Church Believes Regarding Mary – In order to understand other faiths, it’s important to know what they believe.

The Christian Virtue That Might Change Your Life

The Christian Virtue That Might Change Your Life - 4 ways to implement it every day.

7 Unchanging Truths in Light of Unreliable Politics

7 Unchanging Truths in Light of Unreliable Politics – “In light of the seemingly bleak days looming over us, particularly when considering the future of your children and grandchildren, it's easy to succumb to fear or paranoia. But is this the biblical response to calamity and chaos?”

Nine Prayers for the Not-Yet-Married

Nine Prayers for the Not-Yet-Married – “If you don’t know where to start in prayer — how to begin talking to God daily, or how to surrender your desires and difficulties in singleness to him — here are nine prayers for the not-yet-married life, each with God’s words to help shape your longing and waiting.”

Our Best Life Yet to Come

Our Best Life Yet to Come – “Our perspective today is informed by the reality that resurrection awaits God’s children. This means we’ll never pass our peaks. The best is yet to come! No need for bucket lists, because the adventures awaiting us in the New Heavens and on the New Earth will far exceed the greatest thrills of this life.”

Raising Christian Kids in a Public School

Raising Christian Kids in a Public School – Melissa writes, “Homeschooling is wonderful. Most of the time. For some kids. In certain situations. But, public school can also be a great experience for your kids and you, even if you are a Christian family wanting to raise your kids to be godly people.”

10 Unforgettable Lessons on Fatherhood

10 Unforgettable Lessons on Fatherhood – “In no particular order, here are ten lessons on fatherhood I learned from watching him, each lesson living on in my life from memories of his care for me.”

On Father’s Day

On Father’s Day – I was blessed by this prayer to our Heavenly Father.

Dads, Your Children Need You

Dads, Your Children Need You – “Children neither know nor care how influential Dad is outside the home. As far as they are concerned, he is the most influential man in the world. This is true regardless of a man’s intentions, or even his presence.”

Fatherhood

Gospel Reflexes and Forgetful Dads

Gospel Reflexes and Forgetful Dads – “We must teach our children that while, yes, God loves them even when they sin, he also loves them enough to not let them stay there.”

The Two Words Fathers Should Say to Their Children

The Two Words Fathers Should Say to Their Children – If we want our children to develop godly habits we need to imitate them by saying, “Watch me.”

Sexual Desire and the Single Girl (10 Tips for Purity)

Sexual Desire and the Single Girl (10 Tips for Purity) – Colleen Chao writes on a big topic with practical and biblical suggestions.

Let the Stepchildren Come to Me

Let the Stepchildren Come to Me – God has a special word and place for stepchildren on a Father’s Day weekend. These are some great encouragements.

Setting Up My Kids for Salvation

Setting Up My Kids for Salvation – “I trust God with my soul, but for some reason have a much tougher time trusting him with the souls of my kids. I wonder if you can identify with the struggle.”

4 Ways to Reach a Child’s Heart

4 Ways to Reach a Child’s Heart – Here are four suggestions for fathers on touching their children’s hearts.

The Armour of God

Here's something from my prayer notebook I wanted to share:

The Armor of God Prayer 

"Lord, please help me this day put on the Full Armor of God.

Help me put the Helmet of Salvation on my head that I might always remember I am saved, and who I belong to, that my mind is guarded in Christ Jesus, and that I may have the mind of Christ and that I may think the thoughts of Christ and reject all others.

Help me put the Breastplate of Righteousness on so that I may walk about in Righteousness and others may see your Righteousness in me, and that my heart is guarded in Christ Jesus, and that I may have the desires of Christ and reject all others.

Help me keep the Belt of Truth securely buckled on my waist, that I may always be secure in the knowledge of the Truth and always speak the Truth.

Help me fit my Feet with the Readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace, that I may stand firm in the Gospel, and spread the Gospel of Peace wherever I go.

Help hold the Shield of Faith with which to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one, strengthen my arm and help me hold it high, that I may use it to protect myself, my family, my household and those under my care, and help me use the Shield of Faith to press ahead and push forward for the kingdom of God.

And Lord, help me take up the Sword of The Spirit which is the Word of God, and use it every day, help me us it to protect myself and others from the evil one through the power and authority of Your Word, and to strike the hearts and minds of those who do not know You calling them towards repentance and salvation, help me use Your Word - the Sword of the Spirit - to cause those who know you but are backslidden to repentance, obedience and service, and to help awaken those who know you, but are asleep so they may obey and serve you, and please help me use your Word to bring, encouragement, strength and wisdom to the Remnant of God through your Word.

Help me serve you this and every day. Please use me Lord. These things I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ.

Amen"

The Armor of God  (Ephesians 6:10-20).

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."

Lottie Moon: A Story of Lifelong Sacrifice

Lottie Moon: A Story of Lifelong Sacrifice – Her story is inspiring and encouraging.

What to Do with Unanswered Prayer

What to Do with Unanswered Prayer – “The Lord is good to those who wait for him. In my heartache and confusion, my waiting is not in vain. He’s going to be good to me. He already has been.” 

How Fast Does a Christian Grow?

How Fast Does a Christian Grow? – “We’d like our Christian growth to be like vacuuming, wouldn’t we? Give me Five Easy Steps or Fifteen Minutes a Day with guaranteed progress on the other side!”

Is God Keeping Something from You?

Is God Keeping Something from You? – “We all have that one thing. We tell ourselves, ‘If only I had that, my life would be complete.’”

When Feeling Outnumbered or Overwhelmed

When Feeling Outnumbered or Overwhelmed – A reflection on the story of Elisha.

5 Times to Say No to Yourself to Stay Productive

5 Times to Say No to Yourself to Stay Productive – Here are 5 times that you need to say no in order to get more done.

The Confederate Battle flag and Southern Baptists

The Confederate Battle flag and Southern Baptists – “I got a lump in my throat today watching what unfolded on the floor of the Southern Baptist Convention. The messengers considered a resolution against the Confederate Battle flag. People spoke for and against. But it was Dr. James Merritt’s speech that proved to be the seminal moment. Among other things, he told Southern Baptists, “I rise to say that all the Confederate Flags in the world are not worth one soul of any race.” Amen.

Why Are Christians Bitter and Unhappy?

Why Are Christians Bitter and Unhappy? “One explanation for our cheerlessness is simple: many of God’s people don’t believe that the Christ we serve is cheerful.”

The Orlando Attack Is What Actual Homophobia Looks Like

The Orlando Attack Is What Actual Homophobia Looks Like – “Homophobia is not a reasonable objection to the deficiencies of modern gay culture, but a profound and even homicidal desire to harm gays because of their sexual preferences.”

3 Ways Suffering Produces Sanctification

3 Ways Suffering Produces Sanctification – Suffering for the believer is never without purpose.

Modern Medicine Failed Me in Kenya

Modern Medicine Failed Me in Kenya – This testimony is powerful. While there are many things we can do to care for others, we must always be sure to give them Jesus.

How Should Christians Fast?

How Should Christians Fast? – Here are six quick guidelines for Christian fasting.

Just One Verse

Just One Verse – “Consider the English Bible’s shortest verse. It takes less than a second to read the two simple words: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). But if we step into this verse, we discover complexity of cosmic proportions. This tiny linguistic shell contains a world of widespread wonder.”

5 Ways Christians Can Respond to the Orlando Shooting

5 Ways Christians Can Respond to the Orlando Shooting – “The news of such violent atrocities comes to us so regularly nowadays that we may feel numb, helpless to know what to do or say after such events. But as followers of Christ we can’t simply shut out the pain and despair. We must bring light and healing.”

A Prayer of Lament and Hope in Response to the Orlando Tragedy

A Prayer of Lament and Hope in Response to the Orlando Tragedy – And pray we should.

Selah: What does it mean in the Psalms?

Selah: What does it mean in the Psalms? – Here are some possible and probable meanings for that little word selah that appears so often in the psalms.

The Orlando Massacre: What We Know and What We Fear

The Orlando Massacre: What We Know and What We Fear - Jim Denison responds to the events, “We woke up yesterday to
the horrible tragedy in Orlando…”

Can We Still Weep Together After Orlando?

Can We Still Weep Together After Orlando? – “Our national divisions increasingly make it difficult for us not just to work together, but even to pause and weep together. We become more concerned about protecting ourselves from one another’s political pronouncements than we do with mourning with those who mourn.”

Little Eyes Are Watching in Worship

Little Eyes Are Watching in Worship – “Too often we sit distracted and disinterested in our corporate gatherings. We sing with little enthusiasm. We pray with little heart. We treat the privileges of God’s family as if they were mere little obligations. All the while, little eyes are watching us.”

Millennials Are the Most Stressed-Out Generation. And That’s a Spiritual Problem

Millennials Are the Most Stressed-Out Generation. And That’s a Spiritual Problem - It’s time to make a change.

Four Reasons We Don’t Share the Gospel

Four Reasons We Don’t Share the Gospel – “We need to ask if we are a fresh wind that causes the seed of the good news to spread, or instead, obstacles that keep it from moving further and faster. Unfortunately, many of us are more wall than breeze. But why?”

Read Scripture: Ecclesiastes

Read Scripture: Ecclesiastes – The Bible Project has moved to Ecclesiastes in their series of short videos giving an overview of each book of the Bible.

Change the Definition, Claim the Right

Change the Definition, Claim the Right – Here’s an interesting observation on some of our cultural changes.

If God Is a Good Father, Why Does He Allow Our Pain?

If God Is a Good Father, Why Does He Allow Our Pain? – “While the problem of pain and evil cannot be resolved in this brief piece (or in any of the massive volumes that have attempted to do so), I want to share a few truths I was reminded of as I held my son during his introduction to the pain of our world.”

Politics Aren’t Worth Your Friendships

Politics Aren’t Worth Your Friendships – A good reminder in the midst of heated political debates.

The FAQs: California Bill Threatens Freedom of Religious Colleges

The FAQs: California Bill Threatens Freedom of Religious Colleges – “Legislation pending in the California state senate threatens to strip some private colleges and universities of an exemption that protects them from lawsuits and allows them to function as faith-based organizations.”

Bringing Our Fears and Frets to Jesus: Praying Psalm 27:1-4

Bringing Our Fears and Frets to Jesus: Praying Psalm 27:1-4 – Learning to pray scripture is a powerful addition to your prayer life.

True Love Instructs, Corrects, and Warns: A Plea for Churches to Admonish One Another

True Love Instructs, Corrects, and Warns: A Plea for Churches to Admonish One Another – “Though only used eight times in the New Testament—all by Paul (7x in his Epistles; 1x in Acts)—the word “admonish” (noutheteō) lays a special charge on believers.”

It's Time to Rethink the Term 'Missionary'

It's Time to Rethink the Term 'Missionary' - Why all Christians are called to intentional, missional living.

Looking to the Chinese Church for Encouragement

Looking to the Chinese Church for Encouragement – “After all, does Christianity need a sympathetic government for its gospel to spread, for the kingdom of God to expand? Surely not, as the exponential expansion of Christianity in China suggests.”

Is Religious Freedom For Non-Christians Too?

Is Religious Freedom For Non-Christians Too? – “Must a person who believes Jesus Christ is the only way to God defend religious freedom for Christians and non-Christians alike?”

When In a Bit of a “Funk”

When In a Bit of a “Funk” – Here’s a good reminder and encouragement for tough days.

Why Are So Many Christians Bored with the Bible?

Why Are So Many Christians Bored with the Bible? – “Why are so many Christians bored with the Bible? Because we’ve forgotten what the Bible is.”

I’m an Atheist. So Why Can’t I Shake God?

I’m an Atheist. So Why Can’t I Shake God? – Here are some good answers and applications to the question.

10 Ways to Be An Exceptional Parent

10 Ways to Be An Exceptional Parent – “You can become not just a good parent, but also an exceptional parent. How? By becoming an Intentional Parent.”

Parents, Tell Your Kids They Are Sinners

Parents, Tell Your Kids They Are Sinners – “If I refuse to tell my kids they’re sinners, I’m forfeiting a chance to communicate gospel grace.” 

Study: 'Virgin Marriages' Less Likely to End in Divorce

Study: 'Virgin Marriages' Less Likely to End in Divorce - New research looking
for links between sexual activity and divorce rates has made some surprising
findings.

5 Things No One Tells You Before You Get Married

5 Things No One Tells You Before You Get Married - Until now ...

11 Ways to Become a “Global Christian” and Develop Your Heart for the Lost

11 Ways to Become a “Global Christian” and Develop Your Heart for the Lost – “The heart of missions, when we get down to it, is God’s heart for lost people. It’s the Gospel, the Good News of Christ’s completed work for us through His death on the cross and His resurrection. And it’s not just for people who look like us, speak like us, or live near us. It’s for everyone.”

Christian Funerals Can Be Too Happy

Christian Funerals Can Be Too Happy – “We still will taste the tyranny of death. And so, grief is appropriate. But we who believe in Jesus also will experience a resurrection into eternal life. And so, we grieve with hope.”

Four Ways for Fathers to Engage at Home

Four Ways for Fathers to Engage at Home – “As men who desire to follow Jesus, honor God, and lead our families, we are not simply called to be present but engaged fathers — and engaged husbands as well.”

Every Test and Every Temptation

Every Test and Every Temptation – “As we look at life’s difficult circumstances, we can sometimes be confused about what this thing is and what it is meant to accomplish. The Bible tells us that there are at least two categories of difficult circumstances.”

The Ten Pleasures

The Ten Pleasures – David Murray rephrases the ten commandments from 10 vices to avoid to 10 pleasures to pursue.

5 Ways to Read the Bible for Personal Application

5 Ways to Read the Bible for Personal Application – “When we reapply Scripture to our own lives, the Holy Spirit is rescripting our lives so that we may become more like Jesus.”

The Trans-formation Of Women’s Sports

The Trans-formation Of Women’s Sports – “High school girls in Alaska are crying foul after a male sprinter took home all-state honors in girls’ track and field. According to local reports, it was the first time in Alaskan history that a male athlete competed in the girls’ state championships.”

The Real Battle for Sexual Purity

The Real Battle for Sexual Purity – “One way to tell if you’re measuring success by an outer-cleanness versus an inner-cleanness is if you obsess over how many days it’s been since you last sinned. That mentality presupposes that your issue is one primarily of behavior, and not of the heart. But God always seeks a change deeper than our behavior.”

Living a Life of Stunning Significance

Living a Life of Stunning Significance – “What a difference it makes when a Christian man realizes that he does not have to be a fighter pilot, a movie star, or a pro athlete to have a life of significance and value.”

One Facebook, Two Worlds, Three Problems

One Facebook, Two Worlds, Three Problems – Trevin Wax breaks down how Facebook’s news algorithm works (and how controlled the information flow is).

How to Persevere in Prayer When You’re Really Stressed Out

How to Persevere in Prayer When You’re Really Stressed Out – “You try to pray, but the only words that come out are short, anxiety-soaked cries for help. Right after those short prayers you go right back to worrying.”

The Problem with the Pinterest Dream Wedding

The Problem with the Pinterest Dream Wedding – “Dear engaged Christian couple…”

Muhammad Ali and Good News in the Muslim World

Muhammad Ali and Good News in the Muslim World - “Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, began
last night. It is imperative that Christians pray for Muslims during these days
when they are most open to God. Missionaries to the Muslim world report
miraculous movements of God's Spirit during these weeks.”

Good Parents Connect, Not Just Correct

Good Parents Connect, Not Just Correct – “With the sheer quantity of time and energy it takes simply to react to our children’s needs, and to their growing manifestations of sin, it’s all too easy to focus only on discipline and punishment, and neglect the proactive and visionary calling of parenting.”

Satan Loves to Sail with the Wind

Satan Loves to Sail with the Wind – “Satan loves to sail with the wind, and to suit men’s temptations to their conditions and inclinations. If they be in prosperity, he will tempt them to deny God; if they be in adversity, he will tempt them to distrust God; if their knowledge be weak, he will tempt them to have low thoughts of God…” 

The Gospel Was Given for a Time Like This

The Gospel Was Given for a Time Like This – “When God gave us the gospel, he knew the times that would come.” 

4 Reasons Your Kids Should Sit with You on Sunday

4 Reasons Your Kids Should Sit with You on Sunday – “So if it’s that hard, why would a church encourage kids (not necessarily babies) to sit in worship with their families? Here are four areas why I believe this is helpful: discipleship, education, tradition, and opportunity.”

13 Reasons We Need Church History

13 Reasons We Need Church History – Most Christians today don’t have a connection with our Christian heritage. There are good reasons to better understand the Christian faith over generations.

How Do I Trust My Spouse After Adultery?

How Do I Trust My Spouse After Adultery? – “It is right, healthy, and normal to feel the weight of this sorrow and to take your time to process all that has happened to you. It is possible, however, over time, and with help, to overcome the broken trust and renew a healthy relationship. The key to rebuilding trust is to give it in stages.”

Who Will Our Friends Be in Heaven?

Who Will Our Friends Be in Heaven? Randy Alcorn takes on a common question. He writes, “God’s plan doesn’t stop on the New Earth; it continues. God doesn’t abandon His purposes; He extends and fulfills them. Friendships begun on Earth will continue in Heaven, getting richer than ever.”

Retirement Reexamined

Retirement Reexamined – “In order to better understand retirement, it is crucial to grasp both the expansive definition of work and how our vocation remains constant even though our work does not.”

“Lord, I Thank Thee That I am not Like Those Evangelical Trump Supporters”

“Lord, I Thank Thee That I am not Like Those Evangelical Trump Supporters” – Religious scorn should not flow from our voting choices.

Humility Is Not Always Nice

Humility Is Not Always Nice – “Humble people aren’t always what we think they ought to be. They aren’t always modest, they aren’t always agreeable and submissive, and they aren’t always nice — at least in the ways we proud people think those qualities are supposed to look in humble people.”

Our Greatest Contribution to the Good of Our Nation

Our Greatest Contribution to the Good of Our Nation – “We must continually remind ourselves that our citizenship is first and foremost in heaven, not earth.”

Four Warning Signs You May Be Wandering from the Truth

Four Warning Signs You May Be Wandering from the Truth – “You don’t want to be that person. So, you need to be alert to the danger. You may know someone who is wandering, and God may use you to bring a wanderer back and help them get rooted in the truth.”

Elisabeth Elliot: Wholly Surrendered to God’s Will

Elisabeth Elliot: Wholly Surrendered to God’s Will – This is an inspiring, challenging, brief portrait of an incredible Christ-follower.

It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And We Feel Fine)

It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And We Feel Fine) – “Eschatology isn’t meant to freak us out or check us out; according to the apostle Paul, it’s meant to affect us now.”

How to Pray When You Don't Feel Like It

How to Pray When You Don't Feel Like It - What you can learn from King David.

Fragile, Honored, Undaunted

Fragile, Honored, Undaunted – Abigail Dodds writes about the meaning of the First Peter reference to women as the “weaker vessel”.

The Most Important Reason We Work

The Most Important Reason We Work – “God designed humanity to work from the beginning. We work because our Creator works, and we’re made in his image, to reflect him.”

The Boy, the Gorilla, and the Outrage: Questions for Reflection

The Boy, the Gorilla, and the Outrage: Questions for Reflection – Joe Carter covers several topics in this article. He writes, “I believe it provides an opportunity for societal self-reflection. Here are several questions that are worth considering in light of the death of Harambe.”

Phenomenal Growth, Great Persecution: The Church in Iran

Phenomenal Growth, Great Persecution: The Church in Iran – It’s great to hear a story like this and a reminder to pray for the persecuted church.

The Bible Is Unbreakable

The Bible Is Unbreakable – “Go ahead, play as hard as you want with it. You won’t break it. You can’t.”

7 Questions to Ask an Older Mother

7 Questions to Ask an Older Mother – “It’s vitally important to have the advice and wisdom gained from moms who have spent years raising children.”

What Does It Mean to Take the Lord’s Name in Vain?

What Does It Mean to Take the Lord’s Name in Vain? – It means more than most people think.

Why Patience Doesn’t Come Naturally

Why Patience Doesn’t Come Naturally – “It grieves my heart that I’m as selfish as I am. It grieves me even more that I don’t have enough confidence in the goodness and sovereignty of God and the truth of his Word that I would trust him when things don’t go my way.”

Should Zoo Have Killed Harambe the Gorilla?

Should Zoo Have Killed Harambe the Gorilla? - “This story will probably fade from the news quickly, but
the larger narrative it illustrates is with us to stay. Princeton ethicist
Peter Singer rejects the worldview that gives preferential value to humans over
animals or other species. He also supports ‘mutually satisfying’ sexual
activities between people and animals, a movement that is gaining in popularity
(for more, see my Three
Shocking Stories and the Hope of Scripture). Atheist Richard Dawkins
likewise criticizes our ‘Christian-inspired attitudes’ that favor humans over
other species.”