Friday, May 31, 2019

Teach Your Children to Praise


Teach Your Children to Praise – “You must teach your children to praise. Just as you teach your child not to yell or to put others first or to come quickly when called you must also teach them to praise.”

In Defence Of Deep Friendships


In Defence Of Deep Friendships “We need a friend that shares more than just a passing interest in a mutual hobby. We need a friend who we’ll talk with even though we don’t need to ask them a favor. We need a friend who isn’t someone we feel compelled to impress. We simply need a friend.”

The Church is on the Move


The Church is on the Move – Christianity is and always will be a mobile faith.

Thursday, May 30, 2019

4 Reasons the Ascension Matters

4 Reasons the Ascension Matters – Today is Ascension Day. “It may be the most important doctrine you never think about.”

The Human on Heaven’s Throne: Why the Ascension of Christ Matters


The Human on Heaven’s Throne: Why the Ascension of Christ Matters – “The ascension of Jesus Christ is vital to us personally. We all have an eternal stake in what happened as Jesus returned to his Father. In these brief reflections, let’s consider five key implications of the ascension related to our union and communion with Christ.”

4 Reasons Why Ascension Day Matters


4 Reasons Why Ascension Day Matters – “Here are four reasons why the Ascension of Jesus Christ matters to our faith.”

The Bondage of Either/Or Spirituality


The Bondage of Either/Or Spirituality – “Hell is the end of the road for the sin of pride, which is the root sin, the sin of sins.”

What It Means to Love Jesus


What It Means to Love Jesus – “What does He want? What would make Jesus feel loved?”

Find True Hope for Your Marriage


Find True Hope for Your Marriage – “This challenge will help you become more aware of your words and actions toward your husband, apply the Truth to your everyday challenges, and give you a starting place to make a difference in your marriage.”

Why Big Tech Struggles with Ethics


Why Big Tech Struggles with Ethics – “Christians must not sit on the sidelines and let corporations or governments tell us what is ethical. We must proactively engage these pressing issues with biblical wisdom and moral insight.”

The Theological Legacy of Rachel Held Evans


The Theological Legacy of Rachel Held Evans “Increasingly marginalized American mainline denominations embraced a splintered reading of Scripture throughout the last century without making any real mark on evangelicalism. Evans popularized this confused reading, reaching many disenfranchised evangelicals just at the moment when they hungered and thirsted for a more culturally palatable Bible.”

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Longer Than


Longer ThanThrough the years as the fire starts to mellow, burning lines in the book of our lives. Though the binding cracks and the pages start to yellow, I’ll be in love with you…” I enjoyed this article on marriage very much.

Filling The Void


Filling The Void – “There seems to be something missing from me. I am willing to bet most people have felt something similar. You might express it a little different, but it is the same phenomenon. You feel incomplete.”

Money Lessons from My Father


Money Lessons from My Father – Good lessons to learn or remember.

Pursue Integrity Relentlessly


Pursue Integrity Relentlessly“That’s what we need to call to mind whenever we are tempted to adapt our ethical principles for convenience’ sake. It isn’t worth the high cost to our reputation, our character, or our testimony.”

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

How Much Authority Does Satan Have in the World?


How Much Authority Does Satan Have in the World?“All Satan’s power is by permission. He has no autonomy to do anything God does not permit for infinitely wise purposes.”

The Night That Took My Wife: How Grief Imprisoned Us to Grace


The Night That Took My Wife: How Grief Imprisoned Us to Grace – “Loss and suffering, then, imprison us to the grace of God and teach us that apart from him there is no lasting hope and peace.”

Having Fun Loving Your Spouse?


Having Fun Loving Your Spouse?“You have to work through the hard stuff to get to the more enjoyable stuff.”

Approach Your Bible Desperately


Approach Your Bible Desperately – “Your soul will wither and die without your Bible. Approach it desperately.”

A Mistake We Often Make When Reading the Bible


A Mistake We Often Make When Reading the Bible – “We fall short when we look only to an individual application of the Bible.”

22 Benefits of Fearing God


22 Benefits of Fearing God – The Psalms are a rich source of guidance and blessing.

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Give Up on the Church


5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Give Up on the Church – “Church has never been perfect and it never will be but we have the responsibility to address our mistakes and continually reassess how we can grow in the image of Christ on this side of heaven.”

Monday, May 27, 2019

43 Quotes About Prayer To Inspire Your Prayer Life


43 Quotes About Prayer To Inspire Your Prayer Life – “When I need inspiration to pray, which is often, I regularly turn to quotes about prayer.”

Waiting When God Seems Silent


Waiting When God Seems Silent – “Just because we can’t hear God exulting doesn’t mean He is not rejoicing over us with shouts of joy.”

Satan Will Sing You to Sleep


Satan Will Sing You to Sleep – “We can gauge our sleepiness by how the eternal states of non-Christians around us shape the way we approach life.”

What Does the Bible Say About Baptism? Six Texts We Cannot Ignore


What Does the Bible Say About Baptism? Six Texts We Cannot Ignore – “Whatever your tradition, a good argument for the nature and application of Christian baptism cannot ignore or minimize what the Bible actually says, including these six important texts.”


3 Truths to Speak To Your Temptation


3 Truths to Speak To Your Temptation – “Learn to speak truth, his truth, to every temptation.”

The Difference between Shiite and Sunni Muslims and Why It Matters


The Difference between Shiite and Sunni Muslims and Why It Matters – Madeline Arthington gives an explanation of the two major sects of Islam, what their similarities and differences are, and how to share the gospel with Muslims in light of these facts.

Why Do Christians Worship on Sunday?


Why Do Christians Worship on Sunday? “Why do we worship on Sunday and not Saturday?”

Getting Older Involves a Lot of Dying


Getting Older Involves a Lot of Dying – “Obviously physical mortality will be my final end, just as it has been for everyone else, but I’m seeing there is lots more I’ll need to die to before that.”

Saturday, May 25, 2019

God is Not Optional


God is Not Optional “We have come to think that God is a choice, that we can take him or leave him as we think best. But the universe doesn’t work that way. Everything was formed at the command of God and designed to function as he determined, people included.”

When We Bump or Crash into Our Insufficiency


When We Bump or Crash into Our Insufficiency – “So, forsaking self-reliance, we abandon ourselves to Jesus, and ask you to bring resurrection power into the stories that weary us, discourage us, and/or anger us.”

A Tree Between Two Mountains


A Tree Between Two Mountains “We must not fall into the trap of only seeing God on the mountain tops of life; falsely believing that if we soak enough of Him in in those moments it will sustain us until the next peak. God is in the valley also. God is in the dry and barren places.”

3 Comforts When You’re Reduced to Wordless Prayer


3 Comforts When You’re Reduced to Wordless Prayer – “Christianity reveals a God whose understanding of his creatures extends even to wordless prayers.”

Friday, May 24, 2019

Being a Special Nobody


Being a Special Nobody – “David was anointed to sit on the throne. But he was appointed to sit among sheep. He was destined for the palace. But he was stuck in the field. He was called to greatness. But he was left in obscurity.”

My Only Living Book


My Only Living Book – “There are many books in my library, both at home and church, but only one of them is alive.”

Exercise for More of God


Exercise for More of God – “The world tells us exercise is primarily a tool for our vanity and for living longer. Here are five reasons to pursue a regular exercise plan — not related to looking your best in your bathing suit.”

Waiting When God Seems Silent


Waiting When God Seems Silent – “The call to wait on God is an invitation to trust and hope. It entails believing that one day—even if today is not that day—He will make all things right.”

4 Truths for Grandparents to Embrace


4 Truths for Grandparents to Embrace – “We see four ways childhood is a unique time to invest in the lives of our grandchildren.”

Who Owns Your Body?


Who Owns Your Body? “Who owns your body? It’s a hot topic today, with actress Alyssa Milano calling for a ‘sex strike’ till legislators agree that women own their own bodies. If you’re a Christian, you know the answer: God owns your body.”

Hope Shrinking Our Fears


Hope Shrinking Our Fears – “Father, we enter this Memorial Day weekend, grateful that hope is our secure anchor. No matter the size of the waves, the strength of the wind, or what the Weather Channel says about the forecast.”

The Secret to Meaning When Death Looms


The Secret to Meaning When Death Looms – “Living our days in the shadow of the cross, we remember that one day the sufferings of this life will roll back like a scroll.”

Getting Married? Some Resources and Humor to Get You Started Right



Thursday, May 23, 2019

In the Presence of My Enemies


In the Presence of My Enemies  - “This psalm reminds us that no matter what our circumstances appear to be, the good Shepherd is always caring for his sheep.”

A Better Mom Is a Broken Mom


A Better Mom Is a Broken Mom – “Moms, everything within you will tell you that you need certain “gains” to get through your day, to be a better parent for your children. The world will tell you that brokenness means failure.”

Memorial Day Is a Big Deal, So Let’s Think About It Theologically


Memorial Day Is a Big Deal, So Let’s Think About It Theologically – “This post probably has something to make everyone unhappy. But here goes.”

The Incarnation as Revelation


The Incarnation as Revelation – “No, it’s not Christmas time, but I think we should go ahead and consider the incarnation of Christ anyway. Specifically, I want to point out what the incarnation means for revelation.”

4 Reasons the Wilderness Is Not a Waste


4 Reasons the Wilderness Is Not a Waste – “It’s not our destination, our home, and it’s not even a desired stop along the way, but God has good plans for us in every place He leads us. Even in the desert…”

6 Reasons to Avoid Divisive People


6 Reasons to Avoid Divisive People – “Divisive people should be avoided because of the problems they cause.”

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Pondering and Praying a Classic Passage


Pondering and Praying a Classic Passage – Praying through 1 Corinthians 13.

9 Things I Will Teach My Kids About God


9 Things I Will Teach My Kids About God – “There are a lot of things about parenting you can’t really prepare for, which is what makes the journey that much more fun. But while my wife and I still have many years of parenting experiences, failures and victories ahead of us, there are a few things I’ve already decided I will make sure to teach them about God.”

How to Avoid Accumulated Fatigue


How to Avoid Accumulated Fatigue – “Accumulated fatigue signals the gradual build-up of circumstantial stresses, mental challenges, and relational sorrows. It doesn’t ride right up to you and bandit you. It embezzles you instead.”

Why Is It Better That Christ Went Away (John 16:7)?


Why Is It Better That Christ Went Away (John 16:7)? – “The Spirit’s role is to reveal the glory of Christ in the gospel, which cannot be done until Jesus is dead, buried, and risen.”

To Be Found


To Be Found“I know you don’t know where you are, Grandma, but Jesus knows where you are – He’s found you.”

How to See Human-Trafficking Victims, Even in Your Church


How to See Human-Trafficking Victims, Even in Your Church – Sadler defines human trafficking as “the exploitation of vulnerability for commercial gain.” Human trafficking, he asserts, can happen anywhere, “because there are vulnerable people everywhere”

Monday, May 20, 2019

Songs in the Night


Songs in the Night – What do we do when God seems far away? Barry York surveys Psalm 42 to find hope and encouragement for these dark times. 

Exercise for More of God: Five Reasons to Train Your Body


Exercise for More of God: Five Reasons to Train Your Body – Stacy Reaoch writes about the benefits of exercise, including serving others, stewardship, and ultimately for joy. 

The Kingdom of God in 8 Words


The Kingdom of God in 8 Words – “The number-one thing Jesus talked about is the kingdom of God. It’s everywhere in the Gospels and impossible to miss.”

Where Sex Trafficking Occurs in America


Where Sex Trafficking Occurs in America “A recent report highlights the cities and states within the U.S. in which human trafficking is most reported.”

Everyone is a Prayer Novice


Everyone is a Prayer Novice – “With that in mind, take a deep breath and relax. Let any pressure you feel about prayer or being spiritual roll off of you.”

7 Threats From False Teachers


7 Threats From False Teachers – “False teachers and abusive leaders need to maintain their power. Therefore, they use a series of threats to keep people quiet and in line. Get out of line? You might hear one of the seven statements listed below.”

Sunday, May 19, 2019

If We Could See Sunday from Heaven


If We Could See Sunday from Heaven – “How does the awe-inspiring weekly gathering of God’s chosen people devolve into a stoplight — an inconvenient intrusion in the flow of our lives? Often, it’s because we’ve started worshiping something else the rest of the week.”

For the Freshmen of Tomorrow: Six Guiding Lessons for Graduates


For the Freshmen of Tomorrow: Six Guiding Lessons for Graduates – “As you die to what has defined you and find your life in Christ, here are six other pieces of counsel I regularly give to any freshman heading to college.”

The Whole Bible in 12 Verses


The Whole Bible in 12 Verses – “If you had to summarize Scripture in 12 verses, which would you choose?”

7 Things to Do When You’ve Blown It (Again) with Your Kids


7 Things to Do When You’ve Blown It (Again) with Your Kids – “Behind the glory of the gospel, going all the way back to the first sin in Eden, is the God of a million second chances.”

Jesus’ Family Tree


Jesus’ Family Tree – “Genealogies are hardly spellbinding. Perhaps, like me, you are tempted to skip them in your Bible reading. Yet genealogies are a significant part of God’s infallible Scriptures.” 

Thursday, May 16, 2019

How We Treat the Church is How We Treat Christ


How We Treat the Church is How We Treat Christ – “What does your love for the church say about your love for Christ?”

Bad News Comes, but Good News Wins


Bad News Comes, but Good News Wins – God comes to us with Good News.

Discipling a New Christian? 3 Reasons to Start With This Book of the Bible


Discipling a New Christian? 3 Reasons to Start With This Book of the Bible – There are a lot of opinions on this topic. Some say we should begin with John and others say Mark. This article says to begin with Matthew. The key is to begin with the Bible.

5 Bedtime Prayers That Will Change Your Life


5 Bedtime Prayers That Will Change Your Life – “Sleep and bedtime prayers before sleep present a unique opportunity for us to connect with God.”

Will We Go When Wisdom Calls?


Will We Go When Wisdom Calls? – “Wisdom calls us to forsake folly and follow Jesus. And we find the power to do that by beholding the wisdom of the cross where the Prince of glory died.”

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Maker of Heaven and Earth


Maker of Heaven and Earth – “The most fundamental features of our worldview are rooted in our doctrine of creation.” 

Quality Time or Quantity Time with Your Kids


Quality Time or Quantity Time with Your Kids – “In summary—plan quantity times and look for quality moments inside those times.”

How Do We Know If We Have The Spirit?


How Do We Know If We Have The Spirit? – “When you look through Scripture, you find several tests that can be administered to discover if you have the Spirit or not, and, therefore, assurance of eternal life.”

Parenting in the Spiritual Battle


Parenting in the Spiritual Battle – Here are simple reflections from a mom.

The Church Today in Cultural Captivity


The Church Today in Cultural Captivity – “Why the Lordship of Christ is the Great Commission.”

Making the Prolife Case for Life, in 250 Words


Making the Prolife Case for Life, in 250 Words – “By all means, preach a biblical view of human value. But students in local churches also need to know how to make an essential pro-life argument and convey it to non-Christians.”

Why Christianity Quit Growing in Korea


Why Christianity Quit Growing in Korea –“The reasons are complex, ranging from Western secularization to materialism to high-profile corruption in the church.”

Were the First Christians Socialists?


Were the First Christians Socialists?“Despite the initial plausibility of a socialist reading of Acts, there are at least two realities that make the sharing in the early church different from socialism and especially communism.”

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Peace in the Mess of Life


Peace in the Mess of Life – “The twenty-third psalm is often read at funerals to give hope and comfort for mourners. However, the psalm has a powerful message for life. It is a message that will center you on God’s care.”

What the Bible Says About Itself



The Feel-Good Gospel: How We Use God for Comfort


The Feel-Good Gospel: How We Use God for Comfort – “The word of the cross is not first given for present mental health but for the eternal salvation of the soul. Emotional flourishing will be found in the shadow of the cross — a cross which is not first and foremost about emotional flourishing.”

Jesus: The One Who Commands and the One Who Understands


Jesus: The One Who Commands and the One Who Understands – “He is more than our authority; Jesus is our friend.”

Look Out for Friendly Fire!


Look Out for Friendly Fire! – “How Christians Can Be Our Own Worst Enemies.”

Monday, May 13, 2019

The Everyday Relevance of Eternal Life


The Everyday Relevance of Eternal Life  - “Matt McCullough writes that the good things in this life serve to point us to the greater day of eternity. We ought to allow pain in this life to cause us to look toward the glory of heaven.”

If Only We Were Desperate for Jesus


If Only We Were Desperate for Jesus – “How desperate are you for Jesus? No really, how desperate are you? To what lengths are you willing to go to be close to Him? What’s it worth to you? Your reputation? Your job? Your sleep? Your time?” 

101 Small Ways to Share the Gospel


101 Small Ways to Share the Gospel“Remember, our goal in evangelism is not to force the Gospel on people, but to simply tell them the Truth and help them understand it if possible. God asks us to simply try, not coerce.”

Family Matters: Sharing Christ With Your Flesh And Blood


Family Matters: Sharing Christ With Your Flesh And Blood – “Nearly every one of us has a family member that we can’t imagine will ever believe the gospel. We can feel so weak.”

The One Thing I Tell Moms of Wayward Children


The One Thing I Tell Moms of Wayward Children – Here’s a helpful word for parents of prodigals.

The Staggering Rise of the Church in Iran


The Staggering Rise of the Church in Iran“As we near the fortieth anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, however, we see that the prayers of many Christians over the years have been answered, and the climate in Iran is vastly different. The gospel has spread throughout the land in unprecedented fashion despite increased persecution of Christian believers.”

Babies Are Not Tech


Babies Are Not Tech – “You might, reasonably, ask what the differences between dial-up Internet and the iPhone have to do with babies. But, increasingly, babies are thought of as themselves aspects of technology. And that’s not good news.” 

The Weakness and Predictability of Progressive or Liberal Theology


The Weakness and Predictability of Progressive or Liberal Theology – “You know where progressive thinkers are going to end up: exactly where those who don’t fear God always end up. The only difference is that they try to make the case that God Today is also against God Yesterday.”

Saturday, May 11, 2019

The Bullseye of Successful Motherhood


The Bullseye of Successful Motherhood – “God’s Word exhorts us to aim for faithfulness in motherhood, in order to mirror God’s faithfulness to us in Christ.”

The Prayers of a Faithful Daughter


The Prayers of a Faithful Daughter “How often do you pray for your mother? I posed this question to friends on social media recently and the consensus was pretty overwhelming: not enough.”

Honor Your Father and Mother


Honor Your Father and Mother – “Devoutly honoring the superficiality of appearance, we look with longing toward youth—and with loathing toward age and maturity. We desperately don’t want to grow up and give up childish ways (1 Cor. 13:11b), so, rather than showing the aged honor, we despise them.”

When Feeling a Bit or a Bunch Anxious


When Feeling a Bit or a Bunch Anxious – “Grant us grace, give us peace, fuel our hope.”

20 Bible Truths to Tell Kids That Will Change Their Life Forever



Missions Experts Are Redefining ‘Unreached People Groups’


Missions Experts Are Redefining ‘Unreached People Groups’“The labels are not just a matter of semantics; if too broad or too narrow, they fail to identify the people who are most desperate for the gospel and won’t accurately capture the church’s progress toward making disciples of all nations.”

Friday, May 10, 2019

Re-thinking Mother’s Day


Re-thinking Mother’s Day – “Thanks for being a great mom! Thanks for doing the heavy lifting required to teach your kids about Jesus and for parenting according to God’s plan, even when it’s countercultural.”

Moms, You’ve Got One of the Best Jobs


Moms, You’ve Got One of the Best Jobs – “So consider three ways the work of motherhood is rewarding.”

Lies Moms Believe


Lies Moms BelieveThis is a new series of blogs with a great set of topics coming for moms.

Aggravating People


Aggravating People – “Here are four passages that will help you to be a blessing to aggravating people.”

Ramadan Is a Time for Christians to Pray–For Their Muslim Neighbors


Ramadan Is a Time for Christians to Pray–For Their Muslim Neighbors – “Since so many people will be seeking a spiritual encounter in a more focused way during the month of Ramadan, this is an incredible opportunity for us as Christians to pray for a true encounter with God on behalf of our Muslim neighbors.”

A New Kind of Pharisee


A New Kind of Pharisee“Have you seen them? There is a new kind of Pharisee today. Things like social media have paved the way for them. And they are not rare or quiet. Here is a partial profile of the new Pharisees.”

Persistent Myths about the New Testament (Video)


Persistent Myths about the New Testament (Video)“Don Carson and Michael Kruger discuss some of the most common urban legends about the New Testament. Has the text of the New Testament been radically corrupted? Were the real Gospels suppressed?”

Why Did Jesus Need to Be Baptized?


Why Did Jesus Need to Be Baptized? “Baptism wasn’t just something Jesus commanded his followers to do, but an experience he also underwent. As familiar as we may be with the Gospel accounts, the fact that Jesus submitted himself to baptism may still strike us as odd.”

The Big Business of Loneliness


The Big Business of Loneliness – “Coworking spaces, friendship apps, and adult dorms are selling human connection.”

How Were People Saved in the Old Testament?


How Were People Saved in the Old Testament? – “To answer this question, it’s helpful to follow the Apostle Paul’s logic in Romans 4.”

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Saved by Grace But Entertained by Sin


Saved by Grace But Entertained by Sin“As I strive to navigate this media-saturated world with my eyes fixed on the prize before me, these are the questions that are shaping my convictions.”

More than Mothers


More than Mothers – “A better way to celebrate our wives and moms is to remember how the Bible affirms women for who they are, not what they do for us.”

Churchgoers Build Relationships, But Often Without Discipleship


Churchgoers Build Relationships, But Often Without Discipleship – “Building relationships with other believers seems to come naturally to Protestant churchgoers, however, for many, those relationships are built apart from Bible study and spiritual growth.”

When Contentment Sneaks Up on You


When Contentment Sneaks Up on You“It takes a huge effort to drag myself to my Bible, open it up, and allow God to reorient my heart. I must preach to my own soul, as David did.”

A Letter To My Aging Friends


A Letter To My Aging FriendsGod’s Not Done With You Yet.

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Four Reasons the Wilderness is Not a Waste


Four Reasons the Wilderness is Not a Waste – “When we walk through spiritual droughts, we’re tempted to believe this time is an unusable, accidental derailment in our Christian journey.”

What are the Responsibilities of Church Membership?


What are the Responsibilities of Church Membership? –“No athlete joins a team hoping to sit on the sidelines every practice and game. Church membership is far more important than participating in team sports. But sadly, individualism, consumerism, easy-believism, and unbiblical church polities have left many church members intentionally or unintentionally sidelined.”

How Does a Biblical Understanding of “the Heart” Help Our Relationships?


How Does a Biblical Understanding of “the Heart” Help Our Relationships? – “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

True Repentance Is More Than Just Words


True Repentance Is More Than Just Words – “Repentance is more than reciting well-rehearsed words while trying to minimize our losses. Genuine repentance is vulnerable. It confesses not just as much as what has been found out, but more.”

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

The Surprising Enemy of the Modern Church: Distraction


The Surprising Enemy of the Modern Church: Distraction – “The rise of media saturation, targeting every moment of our lives, has ushered in a new age of competition with the gospel for the human gaze.”

You Are Invited . . . by Suffering


You Are Invited . . . by Suffering – There are gifts to be discovered in the path of suffering.

Twitter Is Not America


Twitter Is Not America “Twitter is not America. And few people who work outside the information industries choose to spend their lives reading tweets, let alone writing them.”

How to Love Your Muslim Neighbor


How to Love Your Muslim Neighbor – How is the Lord inviting you to share His heart for the Muslim world?

Understanding Social Pressure in Islam


Understanding Social Pressure in Islam “Our Muslim friends’ religious identity and behavior, their interest and occupations, as well as their personal relationships and search for personal meaning are under constant scrutiny by fellow Muslims. Social pressure promotes individual conformity to proper Islamic behaviors. This is especially true as Muslims interact with a Christian gospel presentation and show any consideration of leaving Islam.”

Monday, May 6, 2019

Do Your Children Know Your Testimony?


Do Your Children Know Your Testimony? – “As they build their knowledge about the family—what do they know about you? Do they know about your job? Do they know you like baseball? Sure, but the question is, do they know you’re a Christian?”

When Needing a Bit of Perspective, Encouragement, and Hope


When Needing a Bit of Perspective, Encouragement, and Hope – “Praying through 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17.”

The Gospel is Offensive, But You Shouldn’t Be


The Gospel is Offensive, But You Shouldn’t Be “We must stand behind the fact that the gospel will offend. We must not cower in fear of being offensive.”

Surprised by Grief


Surprised by Grief “Lament reminds me that God is not absent in the troubles of my life. Without God’s presence and the comforting promises found in the Bible, my grief would only end in despair. In lament, I can admit my troubles with boldness by telling God these circumstances are too much for me.”

Grab Hold of God: The Importance of Wrestling in Prayer


Grab Hold of God: The Importance of Wrestling in Prayer – “When we wrestle, we believe that our cries and prayers matter. We have hope that our situation will change. We are fully engaged.”

Together Forever


Together Forever – “Life with God, which began in the Garden of Eden, will be restored in another garden. This time a heavenly one.”

7 Things Teens Need From Their Parents So They Won’t Abandon God


7 Things Teens Need From Their Parents So They Won’t Abandon God – “When it comes to kids’ faith, parents get what they are.”

Saturday, May 4, 2019

Heart Attitudes and Prayer


Heart Attitudes and Prayer – “Here are 3 core heart-attitudes to cultivate that will help mold your heart to be God’s instrument for presenting Christ to your children.”

The Hill We All Must Die On: Four Questions to Ask About Atonement


The Hill We All Must Die On: Four Questions to Ask About Atonement – “There is no greater news than this: Christ Jesus, as the divine Son incarnate, perfectly meets our need before God by his obedient life and substitutionary death.”

The Gospel of Inclusion is Far Too Narrow


The Gospel of Inclusion is Far Too Narrow “What put Christianity in the crosshairs of Caesar and the Roman authorities was this explosive combination of inclusivity and exclusivity—this little group of people who insisted on the exclusive claim that Jesus is the only way, not the idols of Rome, and also issued an inclusive call to everyone, regardless of ethnicity, to repent and believe and become part of a new worldwide family.”

5 Ways to Pray for Missionaries


5 Ways to Pray for Missionaries – Here are some good specific suggestions.

9 Things You Should Know About Global Persecution of Christians (2019 Edition)


9 Things You Should Know About Global Persecution of Christians (2019 Edition) – “Here are nine things you should know about the persecution being faced by our brothers and sisters in Christ around the globe.”

The Posture of Prayer: A Look at How Muslims Pray


The Posture of Prayer: A Look at How Muslims Pray“Believers in Jesus Christ are already forgiven because of Christ’s work on the cross. Prayer is not a compulsory act of prescribed worship. Christian prayer is an expression of a confident, intimate relationship with God.”

Friday, May 3, 2019

The Liberating Truth of Romans 6


The Liberating Truth of Romans 6“Many Christians live defeated spiritual lives. They may not want to live this way, but they have not been able to overcome issues in their lives that impede their spiritual growth.”

4 Popular Lies About Singleness


4 Popular Lies About Singleness – “While this list isn’t exhaustive, here are four major lies that contribute to an unbalanced theology of singleness.”

Four Creative Ways to be Generous


Four Creative Ways to be Generous – “May our hearts overflow with humble, creative generosity because God in Christ has first been generous to us.”

10 Ways to Spoil an Apology


10 Ways to Spoil an Apology – These are good reminders.

Understanding Our True Citizenship


Understanding Our True Citizenship – “In addition to individual elements of conversion, we’re also made part of a kingdom and joined to a people that will endure beyond any nation or government.”

Those Who Suffer Are My Teachers


Those Who Suffer Are My Teachers“Living as an American in a developing country has forced me to wrestle hard with what I believe. Am I believing an American gospel? Or the actual gospel?”

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Where is God?


Where is God? – “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

TWO ADAMS – Which One Are You “In”?


TWO ADAMS – Which One Are You “In”? – “There are two spiritual families: the family of Adam, and the family of God. Which one are you “in”? The answer to this question will determine your eternal destiny.”

U.S. Remains an Outlier on Prayer


U.S. Remains an Outlier on Prayer – “Americans say they pray every day, which makes the U.S. unique among wealthier countries.”

The Funeral As We Know It Is Becoming a Relic


The Funeral As We Know It Is Becoming a Relic“Religious burial requirements are less a consideration in a country where only 36 percent of Americans say they regularly attend religious services, nearly a third never or rarely attend, and almost a quarter identify as agnostic or atheist, according to the Pew Research Center.”

The World is Passing Away


The World is Passing Away – “The world can’t and won’t fulfill you, nor can it provide ultimate salvation. It's just passing away.”

Five Ways to Help Protect Your Kids from Sexual Abuse


Five Ways to Help Protect Your Kids from Sexual Abuse – “It is always the right time to be educating children on concrete, age-appropriate safety skills.”

8 Reminders for Leading People Through Difficult Prayers


8 Reminders for Leading People Through Difficult Prayers – “Here are several ways to encourage people with whom you may be at odds or who have wronged you.”

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Comfort Others


Comfort Others – “Not one ounce of your grief, hurt, or loss will ever be wasted. God will redeem every teardrop.”

Start Asking God for More: Four Reasons We Pray Less


Start Asking God for More: Four Reasons We Pray Less – “I don’t think there is a single reason why prayer has slipped off our agendas, but there are several significant factors which make it harder to pray today than in previous generations.”

When Should A Child Be Baptized?


When Should A Child Be Baptized? – “Here are some truths that a child must understand to be saved so that they can then be baptized as a believer.”

What Biblical Command Do Americans Consider the Most Important?


What Biblical Command Do Americans Consider the Most Important? – “When asked the greatest command, Jesus pointed to admonitions to love God and love others. When American Bible users were asked, they chose a different Old Testament passage.”

Let the Outrage Culture Help You Share the Good News


Let the Outrage Culture Help You Share the Good News“For all the fearsome aspects of the outrage culture, there is one surprisingly redemptive thing about it that Christians can use for good: It reveals biblical truth.”

You Believe the Prosperity Gospel


You Believe the Prosperity Gospel – “Here are 4 ways ordinary evangelicals like you and me sometimes fall prey to a kind of prosperity gospel in our thinking.”

Five Ways the Bible and Economic Principles Are Connected


Five Ways the Bible and Economic Principles Are Connected“God is interested in both the spiritual and material aspects of his creation...”