Tim Cook: Is Being Gay a Gift of God?

Tim Cook: Is Being Gay a Gift of God? - Apple CEO Tim Cook recently announced, "I'm proud to be
gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me." Can
he be right?

10 Questions on Prayer with Tim Keller

10 Questions on Prayer with Tim Keller – I pre-ordered Keller’s new book when I heard it was coming out. I always enjoy hearing him speak and reading whatever he writes. This set of interview questions gives a good taste of what is to come.

The Perils Facing the Evangelical Church

The Perils Facing the Evangelical Church – Facing the future with R.C. Sproul.

Halloween and the Dark Side — What Should Christians Think?

Halloween and the Dark Side — What Should Christians Think? – Here’s a brief essay on a hot topic from Al Mohler.

What Not to Say to Parents of Adopted Children

What Not to Say to Parents of Adopted Children - “When are you having your own kids?” and other things to avoid. I have heard most of these. They are good reminders for us all.

Are Millennials Leaving the Church Because of Homosexuality?

Are Millennials Leaving the Church Because of Homosexuality? - This statement is regularly offered up. Is it true?

Do People in Your Church Believe in God? Two graphs of America’s 43 Largest Faiths

Do People in Your Church Believe in God? Two graphs of America’s 43 Largest Faiths – Most people say “yes” to this question but when presented with a simple clarifier, their answers shift.

What Led You To Become An Atheist? Some Surprising Answers

What Led You To Become An Atheist? Some Surprising Answers – This is an interesting read.

7 Marks of a Deeply Deadly Sin

7 Marks of a Deeply Deadly Sin – Not all sin is the same. “The deadliness of a sin is not related so much to the category of that sin, but to how deeply-rooted it is in your life, and to how you have responded to God as he has revealed it to you.”

25 Things to Know About Money Before You Turn 25

25 Things to Know About Money Before You Turn 25 – Most of these are good to know at any age. Thanks Dave Ramsey!

Does My Local Church Have Authority to Declare That I Am Not a Christian?

Does My Local Church Have Authority to Declare That I Am Not a Christian? – A new Lifeway survey found that 9 in 10 evangelicals say no. Here's how Christian leaders responded.

How Christians Will Know They Can Join Hands With Rome

How Christians Will Know They Can Join Hands With Rome - This article covers a broad scope of doctrinal issues. With Reformation Day coming up, this is a good time to
recall why the Reformers departed from Roman Catholicism. 

What Is Reformation Day All About?

What Is Reformation Day All About? – Friday, October 31, is Reformation Day. What is the story behind it and why does it matter?

10 Reasons Why Friends and Family Struggle to Believe the Gospel

10 Reasons Why Friends and Family Struggle to Believe the Gospel - I have seen and experienced several on this list.

One Trait that Set Apart the Earliest Christians

One Trait that Set Apart the Earliest Christians – You may be surprised by the trait and it is especially relevant today.

3 Reasons You Should Care About Election Day

3 Reasons You Should Care About Election Day – Christians, exercise your right to vote!

The State of Theology

The State of Theology – Here is a revealing infographic from Ligonier regarding religious views of Americans. 

Corporate Worship Is Better Than Your Quiet Time

Corporate Worship Is Better Than Your Quiet Time – “Worshiping God shoulder-to-shoulder is one of the greatest joys of covenant relationship with God.”

A Prayer for the Parent’s Soul

A Prayer for the Parent’s Soul – “There is a prayer in Psalm 143 that might help us. The aim of this prayer is not for parental advice, but for the parent’s soul. The focus is not your methods and procedures in parenting, but the postures of your heart as a parent.”

Sent into the Harvest: Halloween on Mission

Sent into the Harvest: Halloween on Mission - How will you address Halloween this week as a believer?

Stop Apologizing for God

Stop Apologizing for God – “Our worship and our lives and our holiness and our joy demands that we worship a God we dare never trifle with.”

The Ways of God Are To Be Admired

The Ways of God Are To Be Admired – It should not come as a surprise that God knows what He is doing.

Working on Learning to Rest

Working on Learning to Rest – This a growth area for me and many of us.

Do You Know Him?

Do You Know Him? - Blair Linne again presents a powerful word from the Lord in her unique way in this video from the True Woman Conference.

When Jesus Says Stay

When Jesus Says Stay – Often He does.

Why ‘Quiet Times’ Shouldn’t Just Happen Alone

Why ‘Quiet Times’ Shouldn’t Just Happen Alone – Personal Bible reading is great, but it's just the beginning.

20 Ways to be Refreshing in the Local Church

20 Ways to be Refreshing in the Local Church — Jason Helopoulos

Jason shares a great list of reminders how refreshing ministry can be and what you can do to reignite that refreshment in your ministry.

God’s School of Waiting

God’s School of Waiting – There are great lessons to be learned in this unpopular school.

Sin Is Worse Than Hell

Sin Is Worse Than Hell – “So sin, in the final analysis, is worse than hell. We should not marvel that God burns with wrath against his enemies. Let us marvel, instead, that while we were still enemies, Christ died for us.”

6 Costs of Real Friendships

6 Costs of Real Friendships – Why is friendship so difficult? Because it costs. Be willing to pay for such a treasure.

Cheerful Confidence after Christendom

Cheerful Confidence after Christendom - This is a good word on living in a post-Christian culture.

When the Church Has Let You Down

When the Church Has Let You Down – During a recent doctor visit, I had a conversation with a nurse who was still carrying hurt from the church she grew up in. Years had passed but the wounds were still fresh. Her story is common. A few steps forward for those who have been hurt.

Celebration Is a Spiritual Discipline

Celebration Is a Spiritual Discipline – Mastering the fine art of joyful occasions

5 Reasons Why There Are No Millennials in Your Church

5 Reasons Why There Are No Millennials in Your Church - There is much to consider in our traditional churches in this article. The answers aren't all easy and clear but the discussion is important.

Biblical Literacy by the Numbers Part 2: Scripture Engagement

Biblical Literacy by the Numbers Part 2: Scripture Engagement – “No matter how you look at it, Bible engagement is related to spiritual growth. Growing Christians don't just read the Bible; they value and engage it because God is at work in their lives.”

Proactive and Reactive Prayer

Proactive and Reactive Prayer – “By and large, prayer points shared around the room tend to be reactive to the life issues that each of us, or our friends/family, are facing. And please don’t hear me saying anything other than that is appropriate and good, especially in a home group context. But…”

4 Reasons to Speak the Gospel to One Another

4 Reasons to Speak the Gospel to One Another – Christians should speak the Gospel to one another and here are some good reasons why.

Seven Good Things about the Houston Subpoena Controversy

Seven Good Things about the Houston Subpoena Controversy - Here is a good perspective on things from Thom Rainer.

The Top 5 Things Americans Pray to God For

The Top 5 Things Americans Pray to God For – Interesting but not surprising.

The Resurrection Demands Response

The Resurrection Demands Response – The story of the Risen Christ is more than informational. It requires something of us.

Three Reasons to Attend Corporate Worship

Three Reasons to Attend Corporate Worship – Why is it important to be in the Lord’s house on the Lord’s day?

The Hopeless Marriage

The Hopeless Marriage - It is hard to have a vibrant life with God when your primary relationship is in the dumper. So, what can you do?

4 Things That Happen When You Study Leviticus More Than 10 Years

4 Things That Happen When You Study Leviticus More Than 10 Years – It took a few years but I’ve come to anticipate my annual reading of Leviticus. This author helps to explain why that would be so. 

There’s More to Africa Than Just Problems to Solve

There’s More to Africa Than Just Problems to Solve – From my experiences with the people of the African continent would agree with this author, “We need to start seeing Africa as more than just a disaster zone.”

9 Things Everyone Should Do When Reading the Bible

9 Things Everyone Should Do When Reading the Bible – A few simple habits to build into your Bible reading.

The Best Theological Label Is “Berean”

The Best Theological Label Is “Berean” – Here is a good word from Randy Alcorn.

3 Principles for Asking for Forgiveness

3 Principles for Asking for Forgiveness – As we ask for forgiveness, we are taking a most important step in restoring an injured relationship.

Parents: Should You Mandate Bible Reading for your Children?

Parents: Should You Mandate Bible Reading for your Children? - At what point will we defeat our purpose and discourage them?

Houston Officials Demand Pastors Turn Over Sermons

Houston Officials Demand Pastors Turn Over Sermons – Jim Denison weighs in on the religious liberty issues of the Houston case.

How God Impacts Our Money and Stuff

How God Impacts Our Money and Stuff - The love of money is more than dangerous — it’s spiritual suicide.

Contentment Does Not Come Naturally

Contentment Does Not Come Naturally – “Present contentment is rooted in a past reality and a future hope. It’s hard not to trust a bleeding Savior who will take me home.”

Honoring the Sabbath Like a Command

Honoring the Sabbath Like a Command – Why observing Sabbath still matters.

Dispelling Rumors of Religion’s Demise

Dispelling Rumors of Religion’s Demise – I had opportunity to meet Byron Johnson last month. He’s doing great work in research and here is another interesting sampling.

Behold Your Mother

Behold Your Mother – Why we need to teach Christians how to care for aging parents.

A Prayer for Offloading Our Anxieties and Cares on God

A Prayer for Offloading Our Anxieties and Cares on God

Finding a Level Head in a Hectic World

Finding a Level Head in a Hectic World – In a day of endless distraction and diversion, there is no greater remedy for our clouded heads and hectic lives than the sober mind of Christ.

Successful Ministry

Successful Ministry – The encouragement that comes from knowing “the Lord is with us” as we share the Gospel.

Houston, We Have a Constitution

Houston, We Have a Constitution - Russell Moore comments on the attack on religious liberty and the constitution in Houston.

How Often Do We See Our Faith Through a Western Worldview?

How Often Do We See Our Faith Through a Western Worldview? - We sometimes read and interpret the Bible as if it was written just to westerners who speak English.

Attack on Religious Liberty

Attack on Religious Liberty – City of Houston Demands Pastors Turn Over Sermons. Pray for church leaders on Houston.

Evangelizing to People Who Have Heard it All Before

Evangelizing to People Who Have Heard it All Before – 5 ways to share your faith without shoving it down people's throats.

What Should Evangelicals Make of the Rome Synod on the Family?

What Should Evangelicals Make of the Rome Synod on the Family? – Russell Moore comments, “There are some important questions posed here, that we should consider.”

Be Ready to Answer Your Kids’ Questions About the Bible

Be Ready to Answer Your Kids’ Questions About the Bible – Jon Bloom writes, “So here are a few answers (in language I would speak to my 9 year old twins) that might be helpful for some mealtime (or bedtime!) discussions.” He also includes links to adults’ questions about the Bible.

A Prayer for Growing Thick Skin and a Big Heart

A Prayer for Growing Thick Skin and a Big Heart – In a world of messy relationships, this is a good word to offer to the Lord.

12 Pillars of Faith for Parents of Special Needs’ Kids

12 Pillars of Faith for Parents of Special Needs’ Kids – An encouraging, biblical word from Paul Tautges.

Activism in the Social Media Age

Activism in the Social Media Age – This cartoon is about right.

7 Things Your Church Needs From You

7 Things Your Church Needs From You – Tim Challies’ list is right on the mark.

Three Lessons on Loving One Another

Three Lessons on Loving One Another – These are good practical application points in our church drive to be devoted to one another.

A Quote Worth Remembering

Tim Challies shares this great Adrian Rogers quote:

Holiness is not the way to Christ. Christ is the way to holiness. —Adrian Rogers

Let Your Dim, Sin-Stained Light Shine Before The World

Let Your Dim, Sin-Stained Light Shine Before The World – Here is a good description of what it means to live out a Christian testimony.

Why is the Ascension so Important

Why is the Ascension so Important - We don't spend much time of this topic. This is a helpful refocusing on this significant event.

Are You Out of (Evangelism) Shape?

Are You Out of (Evangelism) Shape? – Here are some ideas for tuning up your personal efforts in sharing your faith with others.

The Key to Radical Generosity

The Key to Radical Generosity – “God’s call to radical generosity begins with good news that he doesn’t need us!”

Following Your Passion

“Following Your Passion” – We hear this phrase often but often it may not be good advice. We should instead follow the Lord.

8 Warning Signs Your Marriage Might Be In Trouble

8 Warning Signs Your Marriage Might Be In Trouble – A few habits you should be paying very close attention to.

Idolatry Is Alive Today

Idolatry Is Alive Today – Idolatry is still trying to work its way into our lives.

Do You Have Confidence in Christ That Can Handle Ebola?

Do You Have Confidence in Christ That Can Handle Ebola? – In the midst of fears, it’s a question Christians need to answer.

Will Christians Be Secretly Raptured?

Will Christians Be Secretly Raptured? – With the release of the Left Behind movie, this discussion is again on many minds. This article describes the history and some brief analysis of the secret rapture movement in America.

Why Did God Allow Satan to Harm Job and His Family?

Why Did God Allow Satan to Harm Job and His Family? – Here is one view of the story of Job and lessons to be learned.

A Prayer for Sowing Peace in Places of Conflict

A Prayer for Sowing Peace in Places of Conflict – Blessed are the peacemakers.

One Thing I Want My Kids to Remember About Me

One Thing I Want My Kids to Remember About Me – I tend to agree with this author.

Self-Control and the Power of Christ

Self-Control and the Power of Christ – “We are promised the gift of self-control, yet we also must take it by force.”

When I Feel Afraid

When I Feel Afraid – Any number of things can stir our fears just now. What should we do when we are afraid

When God Feels Cruel

When God Feels Cruel – Have you ever asked God “why” and complained to Him or cried out to Him in frustration. The Bible is filled with godly examples of people who did just that. What can we learn from them?

A Sad Milestone for Marriage and Morality

A Sad Milestone for Marriage and Morality – Al Mohler provides commentary on what the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage means for the nation. As Justice Scalia predicted earlier, “The other shoe has dropped.”

Same-Sex Marriage and the Supreme Court: What Now for the Church?

Same-Sex Marriage and the Supreme Court: What Now for the Church? – Russell Moore writes, “We ought to have the confidence of people who have heard a word from God and the compassion of a people who are on a mission with God. The Supreme Court can do many things, but the Supreme Court cannot get Jesus back into his cemetery plot.”

20 Leadership Quotes from Louie Giglio

20 Leadership Quotes from Louie Giglio – These are good reading.

The Ten Commandments For Using Modern Media

The Ten Commandments For Using Modern Media – Tim Challies writes, “I stumbled across one parent’s attempt to bring reason and discipline to her children’s use of digital media. To help them learn how to use their devices well, Susan Maushart has instituted “The Ten Commandments For Using Modern Media.” Here they are:

• Thou shalt not fear boredom
• Thou shalt not “multitask” (not until thy kingdom come, thy homework be done)
• Thou shalt not WILF (WILF describes the “What Was I Looking For” phenomenon of using Google to look for one thing, and then burning two hours hunting down random and unimportant facts)
• Thou shalt not text and drive (or talk, or sleep)
• Thou shalt keep the Sabbath a screen-free day
• Thou shalt keep thy bedroom a media-free zone
• Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s upgrade
• Thou shalt set thy accounts to “Private”
• Thou shalt bring no media to thy dinner
• Thou shalt bring no dinner to thy media.

I’ve got to say: Those aren’t too bad…

Be Yourself in Prayer

Be Yourself in Prayer– We shouldn’t make prayer overly complicated. Here are some suggestions for engaging in a meaningful prayer conversation with God.

What Is Discernment?

What Is Discernment? – This is a good article describing discernment and then finding its applications for us all. 

6 Great Reasons To Study Doctrine

6 Great Reasons To Study Doctrine – Why should be dig into the big truths of God?

What Americans Pray For and Against (Per Max Lucado's LifeWay Survey)

What Americans Pray For and Against (Per Max Lucado's LifeWay Survey) – According to these results, Americans are missing much in the practice of prayer.

Six Essential Commitments for Leadership

Six Essential Commitments for Leadership – Sunday we focus on spiritual leadership from Titus 1. Here’s another good word for spiritual leaders and those who need to be.

Harvard Divinity School Introduces 'All Gender' Restroom

Harvard Divinity School Introduces 'All Gender' Restroom - There are a series of issues our society will face beyond the same-sex marriage debates. This is another significant one related to sexual identity or confusion.

A Prayer for Being with Jesus

A Prayer for Being with Jesus – May we each live our live today with clear evidence that we have “been with Jesus.”

The Best Things About the Boring Parts of the Bible

The Best Things About the Boring Parts of the Bible – This is a good word on the difficult sections of the Bible and why they matter.

How to Gird Up Your Loins

How to Gird Up Your Loins – See what it meant and what it means.

There's More to the End Times Than Being Left Behind

There's More to the End Times Than Being Left Behind – “Our rapture obsession is taking a toll.” The comments section at the end of the article is also interesting. The author is right about views of eschatology in the rest of the world.

The Real Danger of Unforgiveness

The Real Danger of Unforgiveness – How refusing to forgive past wrongs undermines our ability to build healthy relationships moving forward.

When God Himself Speaks to You

When God Himself Speaks to You – The news God shares with you is really good in Romans 8.

A Prayer for Accepting the Normalcy of Suffering

A Prayer for Accepting the Normalcy of Suffering – None of us want suffering to be the norm, but at times, God says it will be. 

9 Things You Should Know About Atheism

9 Things You Should Know About Atheism - The number of people who identify themselves as atheists in the United States has been steadily rising in recent years. According to the Pew Research Center, when asked about their religious identity, 2.4 percent of Americans say they are atheists, up from 1.6 percent in 2007. Here are nine things you should know.

13 George Whitefield Quotes That Will Challenge Your Spiritual Life

13 George Whitefield Quotes That Will Challenge Your Spiritual Life – The one on evangelism is one of my favorites.

3 Truths About Spiritual Gifts

3 Truths About Spiritual Gifts - This is a helpful article in finding a place to serve the Lord.

3 Ways to Avoid the 'Children's Church' Ditch | The Christward Collective

3 Ways to Avoid the 'Children's Church' Ditch - Here is a interesting article on a much-discussed church topic.

Only One Life

Only One Life - This article shares an inspirational biography and some great quotes such as, "Only one life,
‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last."

Where Satan Will Attack You Today

Where Satan Will Attack You Today – The victory that overcomes the world is our faith.

Five Questions With a Former Muslim Who Converted to Christianity

Five Questions With a Former Muslim Who Converted to Christianity – I found this to be interesting and helpful.