VIDEO: Review of ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told: An Eyewitness Account,’ by Bear Grylls
Using the Gospel of John as the backbone, The Greatest Story Ever Told by Bear Grylls is a harmony of the Gospels retold from the perspective of various characters who […]
What Did Jesus Look Like?
Legend says that when Leonardo da Vinci painted The Last Supper he used a young man’s face as a model for Jesus’s that radiated the Christ’s nobility, wisdom, and gentleness. […]
Review of ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told: An Eyewitness Account,’ by Bear Grylls
There’s a good chance when you hear the name Bear Grylls, the first thing that comes to mind is outdoor adventurist and survival expert, not “author of a book about […]
Failing VS Falling Away
“But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32, NIV) Today, when we’re on the […]
Take My Yoke Upon You
Living in the world is tiring. From work, to school, to familial duties, to just living life, it can all be so much. The good news is that our God […]
The Woman Caught in Adultery: Villain or Victim?
The classic story of the three little pigs was always so clear to me. The wolf was the bad guy, as the aggressor, and the pigs were the good guys, […]
Who Was Judas Iscariot in the Bible?
Who was Judas Iscariot in the Bible? Judas Iscariot is a name that many people know, even if they have never opened a Bible. The betrayal he represents is akin […]
‘Why the Gospel’ by Matthew Bates Book Review
As disciples of Jesus, we believe, obey, and share the gospel. But what is the point of the gospel? Author, theologian, and educator Matthew Bates’s newest book is Why the […]
Born of Water and Spirit?
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV) Let’s […]
Which Is Our G.O.A.T? Reflection on the Greatest Commands and Great Commission
As an avid sports fan, I’m not one to object when pulled into a friendly debate discussing the merits of this or that player of this or that professional sport. […]
Where Was Jesus Born? Exploring 10 Historical Truths
Where was Jesus born? Let’s journey back over 2,000 years to explore the place where Jesus the Messiah was born. Jesus’ birth is literally the basis of the modern calendar […]
Servant Leaders: 7 Leadership Insights from the Gospel of Mark
In my graduate studies, a few classmates and I were assigned to dig into the Gospel of Mark and identify seven leadership principles from Jesus. What surprised me was just […]
Church Hurt: 4 Reasons from Jesus Why Churches Can Disappoint
Church hurt. Do you know what it’s like to be disappointed by church? In 1994, in the African country of Rwanda, one African people group named the Hutus tried to […]
Jesus: Our Guide for Affirming Both Testaments
The Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, holds a central place in the lives of Christians. It serves as a guide and a source of spiritual nourishment. However, one […]
Jesus Washing Feet: Why Humble Service Makes a Lot of Sense
What are we to make of the story of Jesus washing feet? This act was meant to give Jesus’ disciples a dramatic example of love to follow so that they […]
Who Was Peter in the Bible? A Summary of Simon Peter’s Life
Who was Peter in the Bible? The way you understand the Apostle Peter may have been shaped by the church you attended. If you didn’t attend church at all, you […]
“Jesus is Lord”: A Revolutionary Echo from the Greco-Roman World
In the modern church, “Jesus is Lord” rolls easily off the tongue in sermon and song. It has invaded our vocabulary and become standard in our liturgy. As an ancient […]
What Happened on Good Friday?
What happened on Good Friday? It was the day Jesus was crucified by Roman soldiers on charges of blasphemy from the religious leaders. According to the biblical record, his death […]
The Greatest Thing You Can Do In 2023
Paul knew Jesus. He experienced him personally on the road to Damascus. Paul was inspired. Paul had the Spirit. Paul had visions. Paul knew Jesus but there was still much […]
5 Reasons for Joy at Christmas
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the […]
Op-Ed by Herod the Great
Herod the Great, the villain of the Christmas story, was a master of political survival. His long reign under the Caesars came at the cost of constant paranoia, even having […]
What I Learned from Walking in Jesus’ Footsteps
“Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” (1 John 2:6, ESV) Last May, I carved out nine days for an […]
Did Jesus really exist? Don’t we have just untrustworthy copies of copies of copies of the Gospels?
Did Jesus really exist? Although some scholars have questioned Jesus’ existence, we actually have remarkable evidence for the historicity of Jesus. In addition, there is remarkable evidence that what we […]
Who Are the Pharisees Today? Christ’s Invitation to Modern-Day Pharisees.
Who are the Pharisees today? The Pharisees emerged after the Maccabee revolt as a group dedicated to restoring the Jewish people’s dedication to the law. Although the Pharisees began with […]
What Are the Gospels in the Bible? A Summary of Each Gospel
Have you ever wondered what is unique about each of the Gospels in the New Testament? The four Gospels in the Bible are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The Gospels […]
10 Ways the Holy Family Experienced the Stress of Christmas
Although most paintings don’t give any hints, Mary and Joseph experienced the stress of Christmas in ten major ways. Traditional Christmas cards often feature a painting of the Holy Family: […]
Did Jesus Have Siblings?
Did Jesus have siblings? How many kids did Mary and Joseph have? At first glance, this seems like a rather easy question with a straightforward answer. The Gospels mention four […]
Truth About God in Special Revelation
Special Revelation: How God Reveals Himself in History Knopp highlights that God’s miracles in real moments—like the Exodus, Mount Carmel, and Jesus’ works—aim to reveal the Lord’s unique identity. Scripture’s […]
Answering Questions with Stories
Answering Questions with Stories: Powerful Truth Jesus often taught through stories, answering questions in ways that shape what we believe and how we live. Family narratives form identity, and Scripture […]
What’s the Point of Teaching the Bible?
Obedience-Based Discipleship: Unshakable Hope Teaching the Bible must lead to obedience, because the Great Commission calls us to teach disciples to obey everything Jesus commanded. Part-time learning can become on-the-job […]
How Does Jesus Call Us to Both Salvation and Discipleship?
Salvation and Discipleship: The Lifelong Invitation of Jesus Jesus defines salvation as a lifelong relationship, not merely a one-time event like baptism or forgiveness. Through healing and restoration, Christ reunites […]
Why Is Faith a Necessary Response to Grace?
Grace and Faith: The Response That Honors the Giver Faith answers grace with gratitude, because allegiance and faithfulness are the proper human response to God’s gift in Christ. John’s signs […]
The Gospel Precisely Author Q&A – Matthew Bates with Bobby Harrington
Definition of the Gospel: Clear & Urgent Q&A Definition of the Gospel is clarified as the story of Jesus the saving King—sent by the Father, incarnate in David’s line, crucified, […]
It’s Easy to Fall Short of Faith
Faithful Faith: Why Admiring Jesus Isn’t Saving Faith Nicodemus knew the Bible and admired Jesus, yet his faith stayed at the level of affinity instead of full trust. Jesus pressed […]
What Does It Mean to Place One’s Faith in Jesus?
Faith in Jesus: What It Means to Truly Believe and Follow In John’s Gospel, belief is an action word, showing that real faith includes an outward response. Trusting Jesus means […]
What Are the Essentials of Biblical Christianity?
Essentials Of Biblical Christianity and Bullseye Beliefs For Salvation Identify the essential beliefs for salvation, such as God exists, Jesus is Lord, and Jesus is risen from the dead. Understand […]
What Is the Difference between Essential, Important, and Personal Elements?
Essential Vs Important and the Target Illustration for Faith Define how essential beliefs relate to salvation, important beliefs support orthodoxy, and personal convictions shape preferences. Use the target exercise to […]
The Best Thing about Essential Beliefs
Essential Beliefs and the Truths You Can Count On Picture how life’s storms can crush what you rely on, leaving you searching for something steady and true. Remember that core […]
Does It Really Matter What You Believe?
Christian Convictions and Why Beliefs About God Matter Challenge the cultural assumption that faith is mere preference by showing belief in God is personal and relational. Recognize why the “many […]
Is Faith Mainly about Feelings?
Is Faith Mainly about Feelings? Faith as Trust, Truth, and Loyalty Scripture shows that faith is directed toward Jesus as a person, grounded in believing who he is—not simply how […]
What Does It Mean for the Holy Spirit to Live within Us?
Holy Spirit Empowered Living Through God’s Immersion Baptism brings believers into relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, opening a Spirit-filled way of life beyond the flesh. Participation in […]
3 Steps to Passing Along the Faith: Repeat (Part 3)
Shema and Forming the Next Generation in Faith Shema highlights a timeless pattern of hearing, obeying, and repeating, showing parents and leaders how continual remembrance shapes a child’s view of […]
Why Did Jesus Pick Fishermen? Answer: The Gospel.
Gospel for Fishermen: Why Jesus Started with Ordinary People Mark 1 shows the gospel for fishermen calls anyone to repent and believe as God’s kingdom draws near. Instead of choosing […]
Exposing Our Self-Deceptions: Review of Daniel McCoy’s Mirage: 5 Things People Want from God That Don’t Exist
5 Things People Want from God That Don’t Exist: Exposing Self Deceptions 5 Things People Want from God That Don’t Exist reveals how spiritual “mirages” distort what we expect from […]
Gardening and Spiritual Growth
Spiritual Growth: Cultivating Faith Through Gardening Lessons Spiritual Growth may start small like a seed, but God can multiply simple obedience into lasting impact. Gardening shows that what we sow […]
What Is a Disciple of Jesus?
Disciple of Jesus Foundations for True Discipleship This teaching unpacks Mark 1:17 to show that a Disciple of Jesus is someone who follows him, is transformed by him, and learns […]
Why Are the Teachings and Life of Jesus Important for Disciple Making?
Teachings and Life of Jesus in Disciple Making Teachings and Life of Jesus anchor the Great Commission, where making disciples means teaching people to obey everything he commanded, not just […]
On What Basis Will God Evaluate Our Lives?
God Evaluate Our Lives and the Teachings of Jesus Jesus’ words in John 8, John 12, and Matthew 7 reveal that God Evaluate Our Lives based on whether we build […]
Preparing for Something Far Better than the New Normal
New Normal in Light of Christian Discipleship Jeff Robertson contrasts the culture’s New Normal with the biblical call to fix our minds on unseen, eternal realities rather than temporary comforts. […]
Sermon on the Mount: 7 Questions to Ask of Each Beatitude
Beatitudes Part 13 Pathway into Kingdom Living Beatitudes Part 13 unpacks seven probing questions that help you draw out the virtues, paradoxes, and promises woven into each Beatitude. Seeing Beatitudes […]
The Secret to Telling the World a Better Story
Telling the World with Better Stories Telling the world a better story begins by recognizing that God has already given the church the richest stories in Scripture. By using a […]
Worry: The Acceptable Sin?
Acceptable Sin in the Form of Worry Jesus exposes worry as more than an acceptable habit, calling disciples to trust the Father’s care instead of living like fearful slaves. Anchoring […]
The Deconstruction Story That Makes the Most Sense
Deconstruction as the Work of Jesus in Our Lives Christ-centered deconstruction exposes false views of God and self, as Jesus analyzes human beliefs, judges them by God’s standard, and replaces […]
Can Masculinity Be Non-Toxic?
Masculinity in God’s Good Design for Men Scripture presents masculinity as part of God’s creation of male and female, giving men a unique calling to reflect His character in strength, […]
A Brief History of the Bible: From Creation to Now
History of the Bible as God’s Living Word History of the Bible shows that God’s word begins with creation itself, where God speaks the universe into existence and continually sustains […]
There Are Two Crosses in the Life of a Christian
Life of a Christian – Walking the Path of Two Crosses Carrying the two crosses reveals true discipleship. Christ’s cross brings salvation, while our cross calls us to die to […]
What Sets Jesus Apart?
What Sets Jesus Apart – The Hope of His Resurrection Resurrection makes Jesus utterly unique. Unlike any other religious figure, He passes through death into a new kind of life, […]
Good Friday: Buffet or Cafeteria?
Good Friday Reflections on Christ’s Sacrifice Jesus’ suffering reveals how every individual sin carried real weight as he bore griefs, sorrows, and transgressions on the cross. Isaiah 53 and Luke […]
The Historical Evidence for the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus – Evidence for Easter (Part 3)
Historical Evidence for Easter—Death, Burial, Resurrection Scholars from skeptical to believing affirm Jesus’ crucifixion, with ancient sources and archaeology detailing the practice and its brutality. In Jerusalem, the empty-tomb claim […]
An Invitation to Come in Out of the Dark
Dark — Pathways into God’s Light From Genesis to John, Scripture shows God’s presence bringing light that exposes deception and brings order to chaos. Turning to Jesus, the Light of […]
When You Worry, Remember God Is at Work
Worry — Trusting God’s Work Today Remember Jesus’ call in Matthew 6 to release anxiety and fix your heart on the Father who provides. From wilderness sandals that never wore […]
The Stages of Disciple Making: Go and Make Disciples (Part 5)
Disciple Making — Replication in the Great Commission Rooted in Matthew 28:19–20 and John 20:21, Jesus sends trained disciples to go, baptize, teach obedience, and remember His presence. Beyond conversion, […]
Shepherd
Shepherd — Disgrace Reversed in Christ Rabbinic tradition branded shepherds as dishonest outcasts barred from legal testimony and public respect. Yet Jesus embraced them—announcing His birth to shepherds and declaring […]
Something to Behold
Behold — Restored Sight in Dark Times On the 2020 winter solstice, the “Christmas Star” pulled attention from fatigue and fear toward wonder and worship. In Mark 8:23–25, Jesus touches […]
How I Learned to Look for “God Signs”
God Signs — Everyday Reminders of God’s Nearness A skeptic turns joyful after a “praying mantis” moment on her windshield, recognizing a personal nudge following talk of sparrows as signs […]
What Does God Think about My Mental Disorder?
Mental Disorder and God’s Redemptive Purpose John 9:1–3 reveals suffering can display God’s works, reframing mental disorder from punishment to a place for His glory. Rather than hiding in stigma, […]
What a Ghost Hunter Taught Me about Trust in God
Ghost Hunter – Faith, Scripture, and Inquiry A scientist-believer’s witness shows how investigation of the unseen can coexist with Scripture-shaped thinking and humble limits. Unanswered questions become invitations to trust […]
Sermon on the Mount: the Pursuit of Happiness
Pursuit of Happiness — Kingdom Portrait Amid shallow buzzes and self-made idols, Jesus sketches a citizen of the Kingdom whose blessing comes first, not after rule-keeping. Drawing contrasts with Deuteronomy […]
The Inspiration of the New Testament
The Inspiration of the New Testament — Why It Matters Jesus claims the Father’s authority, commissions apostles to teach everything He commanded, and promises the Spirit to help them recall […]
Sermon on the Mount: The Sermon’s Most Important Word
Sermon’s Most Important Word — Heaven’s Nearness and Fulfillment Tracing “heaven” across Scripture, the article presents it as the spiritual realm where God rules—more solid and enduring than this passing […]
Sermon on the Mount: Crowds or Disciples?
Crowds or Disciples: The Sermon on the Mount Call In Crowds or Disciples, the audience is split. Jesus addresses committed followers while seekers listen, pushing fence-sitters to step into genuine […]
In Defense of Christian Missions
Christian Missions – Humility Across Cultures Scripture condemns twisting the gospel and calls missionaries to serve without imposing culture (Romans 16:17–20; 2 Peter 3:16; Matthew 23). Across the New Testament, […]
Shane Wood – Enneagram Micro Course – Introduction
Shane Wood – Enneagram Insights Shane Wood explains the Enneagram through Genesis and theology, showing how it connects with creation, brokenness, and God’s pursuit. He highlights how self-awareness and loving […]
The Inspiration of the Old Testament
The Inspiration of the Old Testament – Core Teachings The Inspiration of the Old Testament is shown in how Moses recorded God’s commands, passing them to Israel as a lasting […]
Is a Late Canon Bad News for Bible-Believers?
Is a Late Canon Bad News for Bible-Believers – Historical Confidence Athanasius’s AD 367 list and the Councils of Carthage (397, 419) reflect recognition of all 27 books rather than […]
Sermon on the Mount: Who Does Jesus Think He Is?
Who Does Jesus Think He Is – Portrait in Matthew Matthew presents Jesus as Israel’s true representative, retracing Israel’s story and succeeding where it failed before teaching from the mountain. […]
Making Sense of the Gap between the Writing of the NT and Its Compilation
NT and Its Compilation — Early Authority Explained Early churches received authoritative apostolic teaching orally long before a bound New Testament existed. Writers within the NT acknowledge each other as […]
Fishing & Faith
Fishing & Faith — Lessons from John 21 From the Sea of Galilee setting, the narrative shows that faith is enacted through obedient action, not merely held as belief. Peter’s […]
Intersectionality, Christianity, & Why Reconciliation > Reversal
Reconciliation in a Divided Age Jesus reframes suffering by confronting it with compassion, turning “just the way things are” into restored life and calling disciples to serve the least of […]
Persistence: Easy to Neglect, Impossible to Ignore
Persistence in Prayer, Justice, and Discipleship From the persistent widow to modern civil rights stories, steady pursuit shows that justice isn’t untouchable and change can come. Anchored in Luke 18, […]
Rethinking What Bible Character You Are
Bible Character in Self-Examination Looking closely at Gospel details challenges default identification with the “good guy” and exposes Pharisee-like habits. Considering Malchus’s healing reframes the scene: we were among those […]
Break for…Homecoming
Homecoming — Practicing Abiding Returning to God’s quiet presence centers the heart on Jesus’ promise (John 14:23) and steadies the mind in prayer. When distractions or sin pull you away, […]
Corrupted or Co-opted: 2 Non-Options as Christians Fight Racism
Christians Fight Racism — Gospel-Driven Pathways Grounded in Jesus’ model, believers practice honest conversation, compassion, lament, repentance, justice, and reconciling love. Rather than the corrupting comfort of apathy, the church […]
Pigs and Dogs: What is Jesus Talking About?
Pigs and Dogs in Jesus’ Teaching on Judgment Pigs and Dogs illustrate unreceptive hearts. Jesus warns that offering correction to those unwilling to receive it often leads to frustration and […]
Q: Fearless or Fearful? Jesus’ Answer Is Confusing.
Fearless or Fearful and the Challenge of Trust Fearless or Fearful highlights how Jesus contrasts fear of people with fear of God, urging disciples to remain faithful under pressure. The […]
Satanic Imagery in the Bible
Satanic Imagery in Scripture’s Story Satanic Imagery spans apocryphal voices and the Dead Sea Scrolls, where names like Mastema and Azazel shaped Jewish views of evil opposing God. Old Testament […]
Did Jesus Really Mean “Judge Not”?!
Judge Not: Living Jesus’ Teaching Jesus frames “judging” as a condemning attitude that spots a brother’s speck while ignoring our own plank, not wise evaluation of fruit. Matthew 7 with […]
Do Prayers Work in a Pandemic?
Do Prayers Work in a Pandemic: Faith Over Outcomes When God seems silent, prayer rests in who He is—present, wise, and sovereign—more than in immediate results. Rather than demanding answers, […]
How Confident Can We Be of Jesus’ Resurrection?
Jesus Resurrection and Historical Confidence Historical evidence shows Jesus was crucified, buried, and seen alive again, affirming the resurrection as the best explanation. Alternative theories like hallucinations, stolen body, or […]
Hope in Bleak Midwinter
Hope in Bleak Midwinter – Practices for Weary Hearts A quick guide drawn from the article to help you orient your mind and habits toward Christ when the news feels […]
Your Invitation to Holy Places
Holy Places: How Sacred Encounters Strengthen Our Faith Personal and biblical locations, like a hospital room or Jerusalem’s temple steps, become holy places when marked by life-changing encounters with God. […]
Being Discipled in Discernment
Discipled in Discernment: Jesus Models Mercy Over Tradition Discipled hearts are shaped when we learn from Jesus how to apply God’s commands with compassion, even when others cling to rigid […]
The Mission of God: the Long and Short of It
The Mission of God and His Relentless Heart The Mission of God reflects the Triune pursuit of the lost through the stories of the Good Shepherd, the searching woman, and […]
Rabbis and Their Disciples between the 1st Century B.C. and the 2nd Century A.D.
Rabbis and Their Disciples: Ancient Practices That Still Shape Christian Discipleship Today Rabbis and their disciples shaped Jewish life through teaching, imitation, and service. These traditions were essential to preserving […]
New Testament Creeds: A Strong Case for the Gospels
New Testament Creeds Reveal the Foundation of Christian Belief New Testament creeds reflect firsthand tradition. These statements predate the written Gospels and preserve the earliest teachings of the church. They […]
Triumph.
Triumph Proclaims Christ’s Unmatched Victory Triumph explores Paul’s portrayal of Jesus publicly defeating and disarming the powers of darkness at Calvary. The narrative compares Rome’s majestic triumph parades to the […]
Thoughts about Hell from Jesus Himself
Thoughts About Hell: What Jesus Actually Taught Thoughts about Hell rooted in Scripture: Jesus speaks more about Hell than any other New Testament figure, using vivid metaphors to awaken spiritual […]
Meals of Jesus
Meals of Jesus Reveals God’s Kingdom Through Table Fellowship Meals of Jesus highlights how Christ used shared meals to connect with outcasts, offering grace and belonging. Transformations unfolded as people […]