How Should You Talk to Your Children About Same-Sex Marriage?

How Should You Talk to Your Children About Same-Sex Marriage? – This is one of several good articles from Russell Moore on these things.

15 Prayers from the Bible

15 Prayers from the Bible - Here are 15 prayers drawn from specific passages of the Bible. It is good to pray God’s Word back to God!

Gospel Light Is Brightest When It Gets Darker Outside

Gospel Light Is Brightest When It Gets Darker Outside – “One thing that is true of the true church is that we never lose hope.”

Where You Start Determines Where You End

Where You Start Determines Where You End - “This is an exciting, important time to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Our lost culture needs us now more than ever. We don’t have to be spectacular to stand out.”

Teach Your Child to Have Devotions

Teach Your Child to Have Devotions – As the writer says, “there is no magic formula” but the investment is worth the effort.

Everything Has Changed and Nothing Has Changed

Everything Has Changed and Nothing Has Changed – Al Mohler weighs in on the Supreme Court Ruling.

Same-Sex Marriage Ruling: What Now?

Same-Sex Marriage Ruling: What Now? - Jim Denison provides a "next steps" discussion.

4 Justice Issues Voters Should Consider

4 Justice Issues Voters Should Consider - Here’s a look at key topics to keep in mind this presidential election season

Sharing the Gospel During Ramadan

Sharing the Gospel During Ramadan – As Ramadan begins, here is some basic information and suggestions for entering into spiritual conversations with your Muslim neighbors.

There are Now More Than 50 Million Refugees Around the World

There are Now More Than 50 Million Refugees Around the World - More than 50 million people have been forced from their
homes as refugees and internally displaced people.

Am I My City’s Keeper?

Am I My City’s Keeper? – “Jesus served people He came to save. We should join Him in that mission.”

Our Odyssey Against Sexual Temptation

Our Odyssey Against Sexual Temptation – “There are two ways to say no to sin: compulsion and repulsion.”

Binge-Eating, But Starving

Binge-Eating, But Starving – “Much of the world is dying of starvation, and they have all the food they could ever dream of eating. Full, but empty. Clothed, but naked. Rich, but unbelievably poor.”

Is Suicide the Unpardonable Sin?

Is Suicide the Unpardonable Sin? – The quick answer is “no”. Here’s the explanation.

You Can’t Serve God and Entertainment

You Can’t Serve God and Entertainment – “Entertainment is your means of escape from the inconveniences of life into a comfortable world of fantasy. And your means of escape has made you a slave.”

A Self-Pity Refresher

A Self-Pity Refresher - “Self-pity: a self-absorbed, feeling sorry for oneself fueled by a high view of self, a low view of God, and an attitude of entitlement.”

Forgiveness and the Christian's Piety

Forgiveness and the Christian's Piety - We are usually willing to say, “I’m sorry,” but seldom will
we ask one another, “Will you forgive me?”

4 Ways to Reach a Child’s Heart

4 Ways to Reach a Child’s Heart - “Not just any fatherly involvement can reach the hearts of our children.” Rick Phillips describes the kind that can.

9 Things You Should Know About Elisabeth Elliot

9 Things You Should Know About Elisabeth Elliot - Elisabeth Elliot, who has been described as one of the most influential Christian women of the 20th century, died this week at the age of 88. Here are nine things you should know about this important missionary, author, and speaker.

3 Reasons to Call on the Lord

3 Reasons to Call on the Lord - Psalm 116 reminds us of our need for the Lord’s help and gives us three reasons to call on the Lord in prayer.

Finding Joy Amid Cancer

Finding Joy Amid Cancer - In her new book, Margaret Feinberg explores joy from the context of suffering

The Definitive Ranking of Christian Bumper Stickers

The Definitive Ranking of Christian Bumper Stickers - They will know us by our love—and witty sayings stuck to the bumpers of our cars...or something like that.

We Believe

How to Get the Most Out of Your Life

How to Get the Most Out of Your Life – Six keys to being more productive in life and ministry.

Let’s Be Honest: Reasons Why We Don’t Read our Bibles

Let’s Be Honest: Reasons Why We Don’t Read our Bibles – “Most people when asked about their Bible reading say: I have been really busy. This may be the truth; people are very busy. However, it is not the reason.”

No, Everything Does Not Happen for a Reason

No, Everything Does Not Happen for a Reason - We don't have to figure out the purpose for our pain, but we do follow a God who meets us in it.

What’s Up with the Witch of Endor?

What’s Up with the Witch of Endor? – The article provides interesting discussion of an unusual Bible story.

A Prayer for Those Days and Seasons When We Feel Outnumbered

A Prayer for Those Days and Seasons When We Feel Outnumbered – This prayer might be helpful to many on a Monday morning.

Don’t Return To Your Vomit

Don’t Return To Your Vomit – This illustration from Jesus is harsh and strong in applications.

How Should Christians Fast?

How Should Christians Fast? – Fasting is “a religious abstaining from food or any other legitimate provision of God for a set period of time.” Here are six guidelines for biblical fasting.

How to Recognize Idols in Your Life

How to Recognize Idols in Your Life - 3 ways we hide idolatry behind the guise of religion.

We Long to Belong

We Long to Belong – “The gospel shows us not only the root of our dissatisfaction with our place in the world — the sin that separates us from our Father (Isaiah 59:2) — but also the cure for that bitter root (1 Corinthians 15:57).”

Serving Your Spouse During Their Dark Seasons

Serving Your Spouse During Their Dark Seasons – How do you love your spouse and minister to them in the hard times?

Christlike versus Like Christ

Christlike versus Like Christ – This is a good word. “Preach so as to present Christ. Offer the person of Christ rather than a programme for self-improvement.”

Are All Sins Really the Same?

Are All Sins Really the Same? - Why we need to see sin as part of God's bigger story.

The Secret Key

The Secret Key - You’ve heard it all before: “Typically, as the story goes, the author/preacher struggled for years in living for Christ. He or she was an earnest, devoted follower of Jesus, but never seemed to make much progress in Christlikeness.” But then he/she found the secret key…

Sources for Caesar and Jesus Compared

Sources for Caesar and Jesus Compared - How do the roots of the Gospels compare to those of classical works? Is the historical evidence for Jesus Christ as good as that of Julius Caesar? People often raise such historical questions critically, claiming the evidence for Caesar’s life is better attested than for Jesus’s. But is this really so?

3 Misconceptions about Human Trafficking We Need to Change

3 Misconceptions about Human Trafficking We Need to Change - The first step toward ending human trafficking is a better understanding of it.

Saint Samson

Saint Samson – Here’s a good overview of Samson and maybe a more positive view than we usually think of. 

Eight Keys to Personal Prayer

Eight Keys to Personal Prayer – “We look upon prayer as a means of getting things for ourselves; the Bible's idea of prayer is that we may get to know God himself.” -Oswald Chambers

McKinney and Me

McKinney and Me – “McKinney was not just about the two figures on my screen, but also about my heart’s focus when it comes to hearing, understanding, and loving others. McKinney has more to do with me than I realized.”

There’s No Excuse to Be Silent about Racial Injustice

There’s No Excuse to Be Silent about Racial Injustice - No matter our background or personal experience, we're all called to speak out against racism. To the article, I would add, "...and always pray."

When in Need of a Little Encouragement and Strength

When in Need of a Little Encouragement and Strength: Praying through 2 Thess. 2:16-17 – This may come in handy in your prayer time today.

Which Way, Evangelicals? There is Nowhere to Hide

Which Way, Evangelicals? There is Nowhere to Hide – “The present moment us very demanding. The issues before us are compelling and urgent. The Bible is clear. Are you ready to give an answer?”

What It Really Means to Be a Disciple

What It Really Means to Be a Disciple - Discipleship isn’t about service. It’s about relationship.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall – “Selfies have not made us a more narcissistic people. They have simply brought into focus the depths of our narcissism.”

Are Christians Really the Arrogant Ones?

Are Christians Really the Arrogant Ones? – The article has a good illustration of the principles. “Any claim to actually know one’s religious beliefs are true is regarded as a violation of the rules of intellectual inquiry.”

How Should Christians View World History?

How Should Christians View World History? – “It’s because God is the Lord of history that right now counts forever.”

Eternity Set in Our Hearts

Eternity Set in Our Hearts – “The world tells them they’re just molecules and DNA, time plus chance. But their hearts cry out for eternal realities, for what will last, what really matters.”

Gay Marriage Is Not About Gay Marriage

Gay Marriage Is Not About Gay Marriage – David Murray offers an insightful commentary.

Three Neglected Aspects of Bible Study

Three Neglected Aspects of Bible Study – “The more we can recapture urgency, hard work, and imagination, the more vital our pursuit of God will be.”

Every Test and Every Temptation

Every Test and Every Temptation – “Life is full of difficult circumstances. Life inevitably involves circumstances that we would never have chosen on our own. Yet, the Bible assures, God does not work his grace in his people despite circumstances, but right through the middle of them.”

8 Prayers You Can Pray for Your Mission Teams

8 Prayers You Can Pray for Your Mission Teams - Here are some good prompts for prayer.

Praying for our Friends

I picked this up from Scotty Smith some years ago. As I prayed through it this morning, I thought it might be a prayer encouragement to others as well.

PRAYING FOR OUR FRIENDS

 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and right way. Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. 1 Sam. 12:23-24

    

Dear Lord Jesus, Samuel’s words remind me there’s a lot more to a good friendship than prayer, but bringing our friends to the throne of grace it one clearest expressions of our love for them, and our love for you.

     

The fact that you call us your friends is humbling; and knowing that you’re always praying for us is all the motivation we need to repent of our prayerlessness.

     

For friends with wounded and broken hearts, grant them the gift of your compassionate heart, comforting mercies, and tear-wiping hand. Protect them from people who would “heal their wounds lightly” (Jer. 6:14)—not taking their pain seriously.

     

For friends with vexed and angry hearts, thanks for your willingness to enter their fury in the same way you engaged with Jonah’s (Jonah 4). Help them discern the real issues driving their conflicted-ness—whether it’s betrayal or loss, pride or self-righteousness. Help them see the sadness behind their mad-ness, and the ways they are mishandling real hurt in ways that only generate more hurt.

     

For friends with anxious and fearful hearts, grant them an experience of your centering and calming presence. To be fearful is one thing, but to be fearful and alone is almost unbearable. In the chambers of their heart, let them hear you say, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One” (Rev. 1:17-18).

For friends with foolish and deceived hearts, we’re prone to wander, but you’re even more prone to come after us. For friends making destructive choices, those obsessed with medicating their pain, and for others who are simply selfish and stubborn—Jesus, rescue them before they bring any more harm to themselves and others, I pray.

     

For friends with guilt and shame-stricken hearts, may they know your welcoming heart, finished work, and all-sufficient grace for them. No one loves sinners better than you, Jesus. Help all of remember what great things you have done for us in the gospel—for this is the real life-game changer. So very Amen I pray in your grace-full and faithful name.

5 Spiritual Dangers of Skipping Church

5 Spiritual Dangers of Skipping Church - I'll see you Sunday!

Lessons for Young Men

Lessons for Young Men – These are good lessons for men of any age.

Smartphones, Tablets, and Christian Parenting

Smartphones, Tablets, and Christian Parenting - Russell Moore talks about parenting young children in an electronic age.

The Bible and Same-Sex Relationships

The Bible and Same-Sex Relationships – Tim Keller has written a long article that reviews a couple of the most prominent books insisting the Bible allows for same-sex relationships and marriage.

5 Things to Do While You Wait on God

5 Things to Do While You Wait on God - Your life may not yet look like you'd hoped, but that doesn’t mean God isn’t still at work.

It’s Never Too Late to Parent

It’s Never Too Late to Parent – Parenting is hard, even if you have great kids like I do. What do you do? 

No, I Won’t Bless the Food

No, I Won’t Bless the Food – Have you ever been taught the biblical reasons for the Christian tradition of praying before a meal?

5 Errors of the Prosperity Gospel

5 Errors of the Prosperity Gospel – This is a good beginning to a long list.

Bruce or Caitlyn?

Bruce or Caitlyn? – He or she? Should Christians accommodate transgender naming?

On the Call to Public Witness on Marriage

On the Call to Public Witness on Marriage – This resolution will be presented at this month’s Southern Baptist Convention gathering.

How Far Can I Go Sexually And It Not Be A Sin?

How Far Can I Go Sexually And It Not Be A Sin? – If you ask the wrong question, you’ll get the wrong answer.

How Should We Respond to Caitlyn Jenner?

How Should We Respond to Caitlyn Jenner? – Jon Bloom speaks into the hot topic of the day.

Stage Two Exile

Stage Two Exile - This is a long but helpful article. “The Western church is about to enter stage two of its exile from the mainstream culture and the public square. And it will not be an easy time.”

The Duggars and the Evil Outside

The Duggars and the Evil Outside – Trevin Wax writes, not so much about the Duggars, but about the nature of sin and where it comes from. 

Caitlyn Jenner and Love in the Future Tense

Caitlyn Jenner and Love in the Future Tense – It’s a hot topic and here is some advice on dealing with the conversations from 1 Peter 3:15–16.

8 Lessons from 20 Years of Marriage

8 Lessons from 20 Years of Marriage – There have been several of these articles in recent months. There are some good things to learn from this one.

The Problem with Church-Hopping

The Problem with Church-Hopping - 4 issues with always looking for a church.

Win the World with Hope

Win the World with Hope – “Biblical eyeglasses require that Christians be hopeful people.”

Freedom is…a Sexual Ponzi Scheme

Freedom is…a Sexual Ponzi Scheme – “A vision of personhood and freedom reduced to a series of sexual encounters designed to stave off boredom represents a somewhat childish and vacuous philosophy of life.”

The Fields Are White

The Fields Are White - Donald Whitney offers some encouragement in sharing the gospel. “When you see few, if any, conversions in your place of ministry, it can be hard to believe that what Jesus said in John 4:35 is true.”

America 20 Years Ago

America 20 Years Ago – And America Today

The Accidental Feminist

The Accidental Feminist – There will probably be several more articles as folks weigh in on the story of Caitlyn Jenner. Here is Russell Moore’s take.

Supreme Court Protects Religious Freedom in Abercrombie Hijab Case

Supreme Court Protects Religious Freedom in Abercrombie Hijab Case – This was a positive step yesterday for the Supreme Court. Religious freedom doesn't have to be confined to the place of worship.

8 Ways to Honor Marriage

8 Ways to Honor Marriage - David Murray shares some great applications on honoring marriage.

How the State Serves Salvation

How the State Serves Salvation – “Don’t put too much hope in government. But don’t give up on it either. Churches need good governments.”

Guidance on How to Be a Man

Guidance on How to Be a Man - Here’s some simple but sound guidance on the challenge of being a man.

Dear Graduate

Dear Graduate – “You’re probably receiving a lot of advice. But before you set off down the winding road before you, here are a few travel notes from my own journey. They may help you navigate what lies ahead.”

Five Of The Most Difficult Areas To Trust God With!

Five Of The Most Difficult Areas To Trust God With! – It’s a pretty accurate list for most of us.

God Never Grows Tired of Doing Us Good

God Never Grows Tired of Doing Us Good – Here is a good reminder on tough days.

Without Love… Zero, Zilch, Nada, Nothing

Without Love… Zero, Zilch, Nada, Nothing – Scotty Smith provides a great prayer prompt for praying through 1 Corinthians 13.

Five Things Every Christian Should be Doing with God’s Word

Five Things Every Christian Should be Doing with God’s Word – Here are some good reminders and encouragements.

We Talk About What We Love

We Talk About What We Love – “When we keep our mouths shut about the gospel, it shows there is something wrong in our hearts.”

Jesus Isn’t Looking for Flashy

Jesus Isn’t Looking for Flashy – “He’s looking for faithful.”