What Kind of a Thing Is the Bible?

What Kind of a Thing Is the Bible? – As you begin reading through your Bible in 2015, here are some helpful understandings to guide your experience.

Hopes and Fears

Hopes and Fears - How were the hopes and fears of all the years met in Bethlehem the night Jesus was born?

3 Ways to Guard Your Christmas Witness

3 Ways to Guard Your Christmas Witness - Here are a few suggestions to guard your and your church’s witness this season.

A Prayer for Christmas Eve

A Prayer for Christmas Eve – Scotty Smith shares a strong devotional thought in prayer for this Christmas Eve.

You Were Made for Christmas

You Were Made for Christmas - God forbid that we ever get used to Christmas.

The Unexpected Lessons of Your Nativity Scene

The Unexpected Lessons of Your Nativity Scene -  A few things we can learn from the circumstances of Jesus'
birth.

Christmas in a Minor Key

Christmas in a Minor Key – Thinking through the familiar story of A Charlie Brown Christmas.

An Advent Prayer: When Holidays Are Hard

An Advent Prayer: When Holidays Are Hard – A good word for dark days.

And Them That Mourn — Celebrating Christmas in the Face of Grief and Death

And Them That Mourn —Celebrating Christmas in the Face of Grief and Death – Is Christmas also for those who grieve? Such a question would perplex those who experienced the events that night in humble Bethlehem and those who followed Christ throughout his earthly ministry. Christmas is especially for those who grieve.

A Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson

A Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson –

Loving God, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,

that we may share in the song of the angels,

the gladness of the shepherds,

and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate

and open the door of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,

and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children,

and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,

forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

– Robert Louis Stevenson

Read the Entire Bible in 2015

Read the Entire Bible in 2015 – Here are some helpful encouragements and resources for reading through the Bible in 2015. 

When God Gives You an Overcrowded Christmas

When God Gives You an Overcrowded Christmas - For many, the last few days before Christmas are rarely peaceful. 

Joy to the World: A Christmas Hymn Reconsidered

Joy to the World: A Christmas Hymn Reconsidered – While "Joy to the World" is primarily sung at Christmas, it's not about the incarnation. Rather, the song tells the story of Christ’s return—his second coming. 

Let’s Rethink Our Holly Jolly Christmas Songs

Let’s Rethink Our Holly Jolly Christmas Songs - We have a rich and complicated and often appropriately dark
Christmas hymnody. We can sing of blessings flowing “far as the curse is
found,” of the one who came to “free us all from Satan’s power.”

The Story of Pain and Hope Behind “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”

The Story of Pain and Hope Behind “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” – It is a story of personal struggle and of hope.

Glory to God in the Lowest

Glory to God in the Lowest – Christmas…in all it’s glorious simplicity.

Why Jews Wrote Some of Our Most Beloved Christmas Songs

Why Jews Wrote Some of Our Most Beloved Christmas Songs - This is an interesting article and a good Christmas challenge.

Facing Discouragement? We Need Protection in God’s Encouragement

Facing Discouragement? We Need Protection in God’s Encouragement – An encouraging word from Ronnie Floyd.

Christmas Is the Greatest Mystery

Christmas Is the Greatest Mystery - The Word became flesh (John 1:14).

Going Home for Christmas? Honor Mom and Dad

Going Home for Christmas? Honor Mom and Dad

5 Lessons I Learned in Youth Group That Turned Out to be True

5 Lessons I Learned in Youth Group That Turned Out to be True – A few important things church taught us as teens that still hold true.

12 Days of Christmas: 7 Ways to Make a Difference

12 Days of Christmas:7 Ways to Make a Difference

The Important Things Church History Taught Me About Christmas

The Important Things Church History Taught Me About Christmas – What church tradition shows us about celebrating the coming of Jesus,

Praise We Didn’t Plan

Praise We Didn’t Plan– “We have this new-creation redemption Jesus has accomplished, but this old-creation setting in which we’re left to live.”

The Weight of Perfection in Marriage

The Weight of Perfection in Marriage - A good perspective on healthy marriage.

3 Christmas Pitfalls for Parents

3 Christmas Pitfalls for Parents – “It’s Christmastime again, and if you’re a parent you may be having familiar conversations about gift-giving, consumerism, and the cross. Discipling children through the Christmas season is challenging.”

Is it Ridiculous to Believe in a Literal Adam and Eve?

Is it Ridiculous to Believe in a Literal Adam and Eve? - It is no less sensational than any of the common theories we hear BUT creationism has purpose behind it.

The Dumbest Thing I Ever Said

The Dumbest Thing I Ever Said – This article focuses on the real challenge of living the Christian life “devoted” to one another.

Free Bible Study Tools

Free Bible Study Tools – Jacob Gerber shows where to find and how to use some helpful and free Bible study tools.

Don't Be Proud of Your Busyness

Don't Be Proud of Your Busyness – We wear worry as a badge of honor, but it actually just hurts us.

8 Reasons for Leaders to Give God a Blank Check

8 Reasons for Leaders to Give God a Blank Check - Chuck Lawless writes, “I have been a follower of Jesus for a
long time, but the “blank check” image is still stretching me. In fact, few
exhortations have been as thought provoking to me. Below are eight reasons why
the “blank check” call is both necessary and challenging for me as I strive to
be a leader in God’s work. Perhaps the image will likewise challenge you.”

The Darkness of Christmas

The Darkness of Christmas - Whatever darkness you face this Christmas, it is not the final word in your life. 

5 Questions to Ask Before You Say ‘I Do’A few ways to prepare for a marriage, not just a wedding.

5 Questions to Ask Before You Say ‘I Do’ - A few ways to prepare for a marriage and not just a wedding.

Prayer, Dependence, and Our Unhindered Access to God’s Throne

Prayer, Dependence, and Our Unhindered Access to God’s Throne – Randy Alcorn has an encouraging word for us in our prayer struggles.

Moses Without the Supernatural — Ridley Scott’s “Exodus: Gods and Kings”

Moses Without the Supernatural — Ridley Scott’s “Exodus: Gods and Kings” – This review, by Al Mohler, would be good to read either before or after you see the movie.  Here’s one of his lines, “The best single line analysis of the movie and its failure to garner either critical acclaim or more viewers was offered by Eric D. Snider of GeekNation: “This big dud isn’t blasphemous enough to be outrageous, emotional enough to be inspiring, or interesting enough to be good.”

A Prayer for the Third Sunday of Advent

A Prayer for the Third Sunday of Advent – Prepare your heart for worship this day.

One Carol, Three Marriages (O Come All Ye Faithful)

One Carol, Three Marriages (O Come All Ye Faithful) – We begin our worship hours today with this Christmas carol. Take some time to walk through this breakdown of it’s construction.

11 Resolutions Everyone Should Consider Making Next Year

11 Resolutions Everyone Should Consider Making Next Year – New Year's resolutions you'll actually want to keep.

24 Hours of Prayer

We are so excited to join together, next weekend, with other churches in our area for a 24-hour prayer experience. In light of the current events taking place in our nation, we are answering the only way we know how, through prayer. Our friends at ONE Church have extended an invitation to our entire community to join us next Friday and Saturday (from 7p - 7p) as we meet at their church campus to pray for our country, county, community and churches. Join us as we stand together for change, on our knees. 

Click here to select the time (1-hour increments) you would like to meet to join us in prayer.

Christmas Spending Is a Test of Your Treasure

Christmas Spending Is a Test of Your Treasure - ‘Tis the season to test your treasure.

When God Doesn't Zap Away Our Sin

When God Doesn't Zap Away Our Sin – “More commonly God’s grace is not manifested in the instant obliteration of a sin. Instead, his grace is manifested in a newfound desire to destroy that sin.”

5 Money Mistakes to Avoid During the Holidays

5 Money Mistakes to Avoid During the Holidays – A few ways to be financially responsible this Christmas season.

New Research: Americans Want to Keep Christ in Christmas

New Research: Americans Want to Keep Christ in Christmas – What do Americans think about the Christian part of the Christmas season?

The Church and Racial Reconciliation

This video is from Southeastern Seminary’s chapel service just after the Eric Garner decision.

The Church and Racial Reconciliation from Southeastern Seminary on Vimeo.

The Role of Singing in the Life of the Church

The Role of Singing in the Life of the Church – Christianity is a singing faith. Why do we sing?

10 Historical Myths About World Christianity

10 Historical Myths About World Christianity - As followers of Christ and adherents of the Bible, Christians are called to be a people of the truth. Thus, it is crucial that we seek to understand our tradition as accurately as possible. 

Did Early Christians Disagree Widely on Which Books Made it into the Canon?

Did Early Christians Disagree Widely on Which Books Made it
into the Canon? - Contrary to the pop history/theology
we often hear today.

Four Ways Generosity Benefits Us

Four Ways Generosity Benefits Us – God has great room to work in a generous heart.

4 Seasons When You Will Face Temptation

4 Seasons When You Will Face Temptation – When are we more likely to be tempted?

Nelson Mandela Quotes Every Justice Advocate Should Read

Nelson Mandela Quotes Every Justice Advocate Should Read – On the anniversary of his death, some of the influential leader's most insightful quotes.

Speaking the Story at Christmas

Speaking the Story at Christmas – This Christmas season, don't pass up the opportunity to share the gospel with others.

When You Are In Between Jobs

When You Are In Between Jobs - Luke Murry offers wisdom on those times you are between jobs.

Is Jesus a Christmas Idol?

Is Jesus a Christmas Idol? - “When asked if Christmas is primarily a religious holiday,
only 39 percent of young adults in America agree.  When asked what they're
looking forward to during the holidays, 69 percent of us point to time with
family and friends; only 11 percent cite religious reflection and services.”

Martin Luther King’s Response to “You Can’t Change the Heart Through Legislation”

Martin Luther King’s Response to “You Can’t Change the Heart Through Legislation” – “It may be true that the law cannot change the heart but it can restrain the heartless.”

Make This Christmas Unforgettable for Your Children

Make This Christmas Unforgettable for Your Children (One Simple Tip) - Kids learn to love what brings their parents delight.

Persecution Update: Somalia

Persecution Update: Somalia – Somalia is not only one of the most corrupt countries on the planet, but it is also ranked as one of the worst persecutors of Christians—second only to North Korea. 

Evil Spirits and Electricity Problems

Evil Spirits and Electricity Problems – I found this to be an interesting article and perspective.

10 Things Every Newlywed Should Know

10 Things Every Newlywed Should Know - A few notes for those just starting out that might be useful to everyone else too.

The Divorce Surge Is Over

The Divorce Surge Is Over - “Despite hand-wringing about the institution of marriage, marriages in this country are stronger today than they have been in a long time. The divorce rate peaked in the 1970s and early 1980s and has been declining for the three decades since.”

Are Family Traditions Important for Kids?

Are Family Traditions Important for Kids? - Children (and the rest of us too) love traditions.

40 Ways to Develop Kids Into “Doers”

40 Ways to Develop Kids Into “Doers” - Helpful, practical activities to develop young disciples.

Nine Ways to Pray for Church Leaders

Nine Ways to Pray for Church Leaders - Thank you always for your prayers for me and others in church leadership. Here are nine helpful prayer prompts.

6 Ways We Experience the Holy Spirit

6 Ways We Experience the Holy Spirit - How do we experience his presence? We certainly have seen this question greatly abused. Here are some good, biblical examples.

The Real Reasons Young Adults Drop Out of Church

The Real Reasons Young Adults Drop Out of Church – Young adults drop out of church because their faith isn't their own.

Joy to the World

Joy to the World – Joy is one of the great themes of our Christmas season and the Christian life.

NFL Player's Amazing Response to Ferguson

NFL Player's Amazing Response to Ferguson - If you haven't seen it, you should, along with Jim Denison's commentary on it.

A Prayer for Orienting Our Hearts During Advent

A Prayer for Orienting Our Hearts During Advent – There will be plenty of tugs away from Christ this season. How can we focus our hearts on Him?

Have You Heard the Church’s Story?

Have You Heard the Church’s Story? – Included in this article is this great definition of the local church, “The local church is a community of Christians who live as the on-the-ground expression of the supremacy of Jesus by advancing his gospel in distance and depth.”

Be an Advent Gift of Encouragement

Be an Advent Gift of Encouragement – It is always appropriate and needed.