How the Trinity Helps Us in Discipleship
“On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” (John 14:20, NIV) In reading for biblical literacy, […]
What Does “Set Apart” Look Like in a Regular 9 to 5?
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To those chosen, living as exilesdispersed abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of […]
Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is Near…and It’s Here
Have you ever looked for something all over your desk, kitchen counter, or workbench with no success only to see it magically appear right where you were looking one minute […]
Seven Churches of Revelation: The Church in Pergamum
Going on the road north from Smyrna you would travel along the coast for 40 miles, then you’d go northeast up the valley. Ten miles east from the shore was […]
It’s Okay to Grieve More Than One Thing
January 28, 2026 I have an engineer friend whose art teacher noticed something peculiar about him in elementary school. When asked to draw a picture of their house, every student […]
Sermon on the Mount: Building Your House
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the […]
The Last Will Be First, and the First Will Be Last
The week of Jesus’ crucifixion, beginning with his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, his parables and teaching grew increasingly sharp in his condemnation of the religious leaders. He also continued to […]
Why Did God Hate Esau?
Imagine to your delight that your teenage son begins to read the Bible regularly. You are thrilled. You have patiently and prayerfully sought to pass on the way of Jesus […]
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Churches
All of us have habits. Some good; some bad. In The Patient Ferment of the Early Church, Alan Kreider calls habits our embodied behaviors—our reflexes. Habits are not strategies; they are […]
A Merry Christmas in a Divided World
Kids start learning long division in 4th-5th grade. This is also around the same time many of them will learn about even longer divisions that apply to our world. Maybe […]
King Herod and King Jesus
Herod and Jesus: They were both kings. They both died excruciatingly painful deaths. They both built kingdoms. They both had powerful, formidable enemies. Both significantly affected history. They both lived […]
What Was Mary’s Song?
When faced with an unbelievable situation, we often fall back on our upbringing, education, or experience to deal with it. Mary’s reaction to the announcement from the angel in Luke […]
Christmas & Faith for the Long Game
It’s not a regular feature in your average Christmas play narrative, but it should be. His name was Simeon, and we can only find him in Luke’s gospel, chapter 2. History […]
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 […]
Seven Churches of Revelation: The Church in Smyrna
The city of Smyrna is actually the only one of the cities of the Seven Churches of Revelation still around. It is modern-day Izmir, Turkey. Traveling from Ephesus, the first […]
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. […]
What is Spiritual Success?
While most people are chasing the idea of being “successful,” what if we got the definition of success wrong? What if we don’t even know what success really is? Which […]
Is Smoking a Sin?
It’s a question I’ve been asked more than once—especially since God moved our congregation into the heart of our city and we began walking closely with people experiencing homelessness, addiction, […]
Meekness: Strength Under Control?
December 6, 2025 Once upon a time, so the legend goes, there was a man named Xenophon who loved horses. He loved horses so much that he wrote an entire […]
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 […]
Why Isn’t the Book of Enoch in the Bible?
What do we know about 1 Enoch and the Bible? The first thing to say is that 1 Enoch is pseudepigraphal, that is, it was not written by Enoch. The […]
Seven Churches in Revelation: The Church in Ephesus
The book of Revelation is addressed to seven churches in Asia Minor, the first of which is the church in Ephesus. In this article, we’re going to take a look […]
Summary of the Book of Enoch: Background and Purpose
A recent ad on X (formerly Twitter) promoted a tweet by the “Apostle John Welty” (if you doubt his apostleship, know his account is verified with a blue check). He […]
Young Jesus in the Temple: The Return Home (Part 3)
For Part 1 of this three-part imaginative recounting of young Jesus in the Temple (“An Insuperable Assignment”), click HERE, and for Part 2 (“The Search”), click HERE. How little Joseph and […]
Mark, Me, and the Making of Second Chances
The second book in the New Testament bears his name. However, he’s not the actual source of the original content for the narrative and teaching of Jesus. Most biblical historians […]
Barriers to Spiritual Growth in the Book of Acts
Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey that is often shaped as much by resistance as by resolve. The Book of Acts offers more than a historical account of the early […]
Will the Real Saul of Tarsus Please Stand Up?
Updated October 24, 2025. One of the most important figures in the New Testament is the apostle Paul. Once a zealous persecutor of Christians, Jesus came to him in a […]
Young Jesus in the Temple: the Search (Part 2)
For Part 1 of this imaginative recounting of young Jesus in the Temple (“An Insuperable Assignment”), click HERE. The parents spent the Feast visiting friends and family and touring the […]
Bigger Than You Thought: How Colossians 1 Expands Our View of Jesus
Your view of Jesus is probably too small. Throughout Jesus’ life, we see people divided over Jesus. Some hated him, some loved him for the miracles he did, almost everybody […]
Devoted Thomas
Thomas gets a bad rap. History has labeled him “Doubting Thomas” for one moment when he had the bad fortune of not being present when the resurrected Jesus appeared. When […]
Young Jesus in the Temple: an Insuperable Assignment (Part 1)
From the first words Jesus bar Joseph spoke, he forecast the genius the villagers had heard only prodigies possessed. As he matured, an unbroken spiritual intuition distinguished his speech. Each […]
Hollow and Deceptive Philosophies: A Meditation on the Difficulty of Colossians 2:8
What I am going to try to articulate here is something that has been on my mind for some time. The seeds of these thoughts were not planted by the […]
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 […]
Spiritual Blessings: Seeing the Gifts We’ve Already Received
From AD 54-68, the Roman emperor was Nero. Here are some of the hallmarks of his reign: He married five people (three women and two men), having one of his […]
Summary of Revelation: Understanding the Basics of Revelation in the Bible
Here is a short summary of Revelation: Revelation is a letter written to the seven churches of Asia as a prophecy in the form of apocalyptic literature. It uses drama […]
Paul the Missionary: How Suffering Propelled His Mission
*Author’s Note: Paul’s encounter with Christ led him to a greater understanding of the faith, and from that encounter, Paul developed a theology of mission that affected everything about him, […]
Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two: 7 Reflections on How Disciples Go
He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Luke 10:2, NIV) […]
Jesus Told Us to Go Bird Watching?
If I’m honest, I sometimes feel a little embarrassed going on walks with my parents. Why? Well…my mom and dad…are bird watchers. Mom, Dad, I know that you’re probably reading […]
Just Over the Horizon
When the apostle John was just a small child, he likely made his first pilgrimage to the holy city of Jerusalem with his family. His father Zebedee, his mother Salome, […]
Who Is the Beast in Revelation?
Editor’s Note: There seem to be as many interpretations of the book of Revelation as there are readers. It’s true that we find core Christian truths in Revelation— truths which […]
Paul the Missionary: How Paul’s Conversion Activated His Mission
Two thousand years ago, one single individual dedicated his life to traveling around the Roman Empire, making disciples, planting churches, appointing leaders, writing letters. He established doctrine and theology for […]
Code-Switching Judas
Something strange is going on in Matthew 26. It is the last supper. Jesus has the disciples gathered and is telling them someone will betray him. “They were very sad […]
Worship That Walks: a Restoration Reading of Acts 3
It’s a small detail, easily missed, but it shows the power of worship to energize discipleship. Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, […]
Fasting in the Old & New Testaments
Fasting in the Bible is a setting aside of time to abstain from food to repent from sin and seek God. We see this practice span both Old and New […]
Citizen of Heaven?
Where you from? A big city lawyer is duck hunting in rural Arizona. He shoots a bird which falls over the fence into a field. As he’s climbing the fence, […]
Jesus Elevates Your Dignity
In the United States in the 1920s and 30s, life was very difficult for racially mixed children. This was especially true for a particular child, “Joseph,” born in 1928 to […]
Looking for a Discipleship Pathway? Check Out John 1.
Have you ever pondered the thought, “If Jesus started a discipleship plan, what would it look like?” Now, if you have been in ministry long enough, I am sure that […]
Who Was Barnabas in the Bible? Reflections on Being a Man of Encouragement
“A personal relationship with Jesus Christ” has been a popular catchphrase in Western Christian circles for over a century. Theologically, there is merit in the phrase as we all must […]
The Book of Revelation Explained Simply
Do you ever like to experience the thrill of a good scare? For some of us growing up, that was what the book of Revelation was for. Perhaps as a […]
Sermon on the Mount: What Is Love in Christianity?
What is love in Christianity? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us about the love God has for us and we are called to have for each other. […]
Good News for the City
We know that gospel means good news, but what does that mean? The gospel has too often been reduced, personalized, and spiritualized so that it’s merely about acknowledging sin, accepting Christ, and […]
Powerless Authority: A Retelling of the Jesus-Pilate Dialogues
Drugged with sleep, Pontius didn’t stir at his servant’s words: “Sir, Caiaphas and his priests are here to see you.” “I don’t care,” he snarled from the corner of his […]
Discipling Lost People into Salvation
“Metanoesein kai pistos emoi genesesthai!” These were the words of Flavius Josephus to a group of Jewish rebels in 66 A.D., commanding them to abandon their current course of action and […]
Four Rules for Christian Friendship
We know integrity when we’re around it, but what does the word “integrity” actually mean? It’s got the same root word as the one found in “integrate,” “integrated,” and “integral.” […]
7 Ways Luke’s Introduction Shows the Truthfulness of His Gospel
Luke begins his Gospel with an introduction that gives us multiple reasons to trust his Gospel as a whole. Here’s Luke’s introduction in the first four verses: “Many have undertaken […]
Jesus’ Genealogy and You
“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham.” (Matthew 1:1, NIV) Prior to telling us about Jesus’ birth, Matthew gives us an […]
The Christmas Shepherds: Why God Picked Them and What They Teach Us
You ever feel like you’ve missed Christmas? Where it came, went, you did a bunch of activities—but you kind of missed it? Most people did. Most everybody in Israel and […]
Summary of Hebrews: Understanding the Basics of Hebrews in the Bible
The book of Hebrews is a message written to a group of Jewish Christians who were on the brink of giving up their faith in Jesus and reverting to Judaism. […]
Carry Each Other’s Burdens
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NIV) We are living in the most connected age in history. The lightning-quick […]
The Surprising Power of Praying “Thank You”
The 2011 movie The Adventures of Tintin, directed by Steven Spielberg, was based on the popular European cartoon by Georges Remi (Hergé). Early in the movie, we are introduced to […]
What Does the Bible Say About Hell?
We live in a time when few people have difficulty believing in a God of love. Some central texts in Scripture emphasize this point. Here are a couple key passages […]
Is Jesus the Only Way?
A few years ago, a really big question on the minds of a lot of people, especially around 9/11 (September 11, 2001), was about Islam: Is Islam a religion of […]
Sermon on the Mount: Salt and Light
“You are the salt of the earth. . . You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13-14, NIV) When Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth/light of […]
Summary of 2 Timothy: Understanding the Basics of 2 Timothy in the Bible
Here is a short summary of 2 Timothy: 2 Timothy is a personal letter from the apostle Paul to his friend and colleague-in-ministry Timothy, and it’s the last letter from […]
God’s Will…Period.
I’m sure you’re familiar with the Lord’s Prayer. I wonder if we get too familiar with the Lord’s Prayer. We know the words. We know them so well that if someone started […]
Joy in Tough Times? 3 Reasons to Choose Joy from James 1:1-8
We all want what the Bible calls “joy.” We want that gladness that keeps going no matter what life throws our way. But in order to have joy in your […]
How Does Holiness Relate to Love?
How important is holiness? Isn’t it good enough just to be a loving person? And what does it even mean to be holy? The word itself means “set apart.” So, […]
What Is Unity in the Bible? (It’s Far More Important Than I Thought.)
And the first prize for most unifying religion goes to… Easy answer, right? Obviously, the answer is supposed to be Christianity, isn’t it? And yet the church isn’t always very […]
Summary of Titus: Understanding the Basics of Titus in the Bible
Here is a short summary of the book of Titus: Titus is a personal letter from Paul to Titus, a long-time partner in ministry. Paul and Titus had begun making […]
Beatitudes: The Path of the Kingdom
Jesus’ original audience often misunderstood him because they filtered his teachings through their preconceived worldview and the skewed questions that flowed from it. We have a different worldview with different […]
Singing the Song of the Lamb: A Review of Jonathan Young’s Commentary on Revelation
Sitting on the back deck of my home one afternoon, my young teenage son, Jonathan, told me that he no longer believed in God. I cannot say I was surprised. […]
God Can Do Anything? What God Can’t Do & Why It’s Good News
Tennis can be fun unless you’re playing against someone way better than you are. When you’re playing against someone quite a bit better, they can hit the ball in ways […]
10 Biblical Truths About God, Life, and You
In times of chaos and confusion, it’s wise to look for biblical truths to hang onto. Maybe, for you, life is just really, really busy and you feel like you’re […]
What Is the Kingdom of Heaven?
We see throughout the Gospel of Matthew that the kingdom of God is a major theme in Jesus’ message. Kingdom can be thought of as a word made up of […]
Review of Sandra L. Glahn’s ‘Nobody’s Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament’
*Editor’s Note: Rick Oster (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary), Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Harding School of Theology, spent a year doing postdoctoral research on ancient Ephesus and the Artemis […]
What Are the New Heavens and New Earth?
How do you keep going when “it” happens? Your “it” might be an unthinkable loss. Perhaps a devastating disappointment. Being attacked or abandoned by those you trusted. Or maybe it’s […]
Summary of 1 Timothy: Understanding the Basics of 1 Timothy in the Bible
Here is a short summary of 1 Timothy: First Timothy is a personal letter from the apostle Paul to his friend and colleague in ministry, Timothy. Paul had traveled to […]
Women as Lead Preachers and the Meaning of ‘Authentein’ in 1 Timothy 2:12
Recently Mike Winger, a pastor and featured teacher on Biblical Thinker online, posted a very long series of videos exploring the subject of women in Christian ministry.[1] In part twelve […]
What the Bible Says About the End Times: 5 Essentials
We at RENEW.org suggest a common approach for difficult theological questions like the ones we encounter when thinking about the end times. You might call the approach “bullseye theology.” We […]
When Was the New Testament Written?
When was the New Testament written? One way to answer this is to list the New Testament books and give their approximate date of composition. If you’re looking more for […]
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 […]
Summary of 1-2 Thessalonians: Understanding the Basics of 1-2 Thessalonians in the Bible
Here is a short summary of 1-2 Thessalonians: Paul wrote these two letters to a brand new church in the city of Thessalonica, the largest city in Macedonia. After starting […]
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. […]
Summary of Philemon: Understanding the Basics of Philemon in the Bible
Here is a short summary of Philemon: Paul wrote the letter of Philemon during his first Roman imprisonment to a man named Philemon in whose house the church at Colossae […]
Following Paul’s Example as He Follows the Example of Christ
In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul told the Christians in Corinth, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (NIV). So, as people who want to be better disciples […]
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 […]
Summary of Romans: Understanding the Basics of Romans in the Bible
Here is a short summary of Romans: Paul wrote Romans at the end of his third missionary journey to establish the church in Rome in apostolic teaching so they could […]
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 […]
The Interconnectedness of Old and New Testaments
The Bible, the sacred text revered by millions around the world, is a compilation of ancient writings that span thousands of years. In understanding how we got the Bible, it […]
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 […]
6 Lessons from the Book of Revelation
Like many, my relationship with the Book of Revelation is one that had a difficult and confusing start. Although it is a beautiful and encouraging book for believers, it is […]
The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock: 3 Questions to Ask About the Way We Build
“The wise man built his house upon the rock.” By “rock,” Jesus meant his teachings. Unfortunately, it is very possible to hear the teachings of Jesus but not to put […]
10 Secrets in the Bible: The Allure of Mysterious, Misleading Knowledge
Before we start listing secrets in the Bible, let’s consider what a secret is. A secret is knowledge concealed to many, revealed to some. Its allure lies in promising knowledge […]
Summary of 2 Corinthians: Understanding the Basics of 2 Corinthians in the Bible
Here is a short summary of 2 Corinthians: 2 Corinthians is actually the fourth letter from Paul to the church in Corinth. There had been a serious breakdown in the […]
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 John the Baptist in the Bible? Meet the Prophetic Preacher who Prepared People for the Messiah
Who was John the Baptist in the Bible? John the Baptist, who lived in the wilderness of Judea, was a prophet and a preacher who prepared people for Jesus, the […]
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 […]
Summary of 1 Corinthians: Understanding the Basics of 1 Corinthians in the Bible
Here is a short summary of 1 Corinthians: 1 Corinthians was written to a young and struggling church in the city of Corinth. Paul had heard reports of divisions in […]
The Light Shines in the Darkness: 4 Effects of Seeing Jesus’ Light
The apostle John explains at the beginning of his Gospel, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it” (John 1:5). By “the light,” John is […]
Can Women Serve as Elders in the Church? 5 Questions for Egalitarians
Updated January 26, 2026 Disciples of Jesus face intense cultural challenges today, including frequent accusations of misogyny and patriarchy leveled against the local church. Under this pressure, it is tempting […]
The Breastplate of Righteousness: 3 Ways Righteousness Guards Our Hearts
In describing spiritual “armor” which protect followers of Jesus, the apostle Paul includes the “breastplate of righteousness.” But what is it about righteousness that protects us? How does righteousness, as […]
What Is the Purpose of Baptism?
What is the purpose of baptism? Baptism expresses faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Baptism is like the disciple’s wedding ceremony. As wedding ceremonies make marriage concrete, […]
Reflecting on the Word ‘Revival’
At the outset, let me make this point clear: I don’t ever want to undermine what the Holy Spirit is up to. But language is important, and I do want […]
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 […]
God Renews Youth, Covenants, and Things
God is a God who loves to renew things. Like what? Here are three. God renews forgotten youth. I’m not sure if you look back at your younger years with […]
If we have not love…
I was deeply moved by this man. A renowned thinker, he wrote a profoundly insightful book on happiness. I have listened to his soothingly deep voice make deep mysteries both […]
When the Devil Gains a Foothold in a Nation
“And do not give the devil a foothold.” (Eph. 4:27, NIV) Be forewarned. This article is going to ask all of us to do something that sounds impossible. Especially something […]
Sermon on the Mount: “Lord, Lord”
For most of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has been happy to dance in the fuzzy intersection between the “now” and the “not yet”—between the old age that is […]
Summary of Galatians: Understanding the Basics of Galatians in the Bible
Here is a short summary of Galatians: Galatians was written by the apostle Paul to a handful of churches in the region of Galatia who were being led astray from […]
The Kingdom of God in the New Testament
What is the kingdom of God in the New Testament? If we see the concept of the kingdom of God introduced in the Old Testament Scriptures through the story of […]
Developing and Cultivating Patience
“Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.” (1 […]
What Is the Glory of God in the Bible? A Q&A with Donnie Berry, PhD
Editor’s Note: What is the glory of God in the Bible, and why does it matter to learn about? Far from being a peripheral concept, God’s glory is actually central […]
Sermon on the Mount: False Prophets
One thing that makes walking the narrow path difficult (Matt. 7:13-14) is that the wide path has a lot of hype men. They’re not hard to find. Thomas Keating recounts […]
Summary of Ephesians: Understanding the Basics of Ephesians in the Bible
Here’s a short summary of Ephesians: Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus and the churches in the neighboring cities to help them see all […]
Some Reflections on Foreign Accents
Isn’t it interesting that you don’t have an accent? Doesn’t it feel like you talk normal, while other people from other places are the ones who have accents? One of the unfortunate […]
Sermon on the Mount: Narrow Gate
In Luke, someone straight-up asks Jesus, “Are only a few people going to be saved?” (Luke 13:23). In his answer, echoed in Matthew, Jesus clearly says, “Yes”: “Enter through the […]
Jesus Turns Water into Wine…And Turns Worry to Faith
The Gospel of John narrates how, to save a wedding feast which has run out of wine, Jesus turns water into wine. As Jesus’ first public miracle, the Gospel of […]
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 […]
How to Avoid Dancing Off a Cliff
God redeems the seemingly unredeemable. Taking that hope as my cue, I’m going to try to redeem some time I accidentally spent absorbed in a Paw Patrol episode my kids were watching. […]
Sermon on the Mount: Do Unto Others
Do unto others what you would have them do unto you… So that’s the Sermon on the Mount. At least the meat of it, anyway. Matthew 7:12 is the second […]
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 […]
Give and It Will Be Given to You?
Jesus once told his disciples, “Give and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38, NIV). Really? I struggle to see how that works at times. Logically, if I give […]
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 […]
God Is No Respecter of Persons? Dispelling the Myth That God Has Favorites
“God is no respecter of persons.” This is what the apostle Peter concluded when God led him to baptize a Gentile (a non-Jew). Samaritans (Jewish relatives) had been baptized before […]
Faith without Works Is Dead?
What does it mean that faith without works is dead? Having faith in Jesus means that we believe what he says, trust in him to save us, and follow him […]
Sermon on the Mount: Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged?
Judge not lest ye be judged. In the larger flow of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ command to “Judge not” (Matt. 7:1-6) seems to come out of nowhere. Here […]
Singleness in the Bible: A Q&A with Pieter Valk Exploring the Gift of Singleness
Is the theme of singleness in the Bible? While we find romance and marriage celebrated in the Bible (e.g., Song of Solomon), we also find lifelong singleness described as a […]
Sermon on the Mount: Don’t Worry
Storing up treasures in heaven makes sense. Serving God and not Mammon is obviously the right choice. But if you follow this train of thought all the way, it brings […]
Infant Baptism: Does the New Testament Teach Paedobaptism?
Does the Bible teach infant baptism (also called paedobaptism)? Many denominations of Christianity practice infant baptism, but an exploration of the Scriptures describing baptism and its purpose challenges the practice. […]
Summary of Philippians: Understanding the Basics of Philippians in the Bible
Here is a short summary of Philippians: Philippians was written by the apostle Paul to thank the Philippians for the special offering they had sent him while he is under […]
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 […]
Sermon on the Mount: Mammon
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot […]
Who Was Mark in the Bible? A Quitter Who Finished Well.
Who was Mark in the Bible? He’s an early Christian and Gospel writer who was friends with Peter, Paul, and Barnabas. He was called Mark (Acts 15:39) and John (Acts […]
Sermon on the Mount: The Eye Is the Lamp of the Body
Where is your focus? I think that’s the question Jesus poses in Matt. 6:22-23: “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body […]
Better to Be a Good Samaritan Than a Good Priest
“Good Samaritan” has entered our English vocabulary to mean someone who helps a person in a tough spot. The phrase comes from a story Jesus told of an unlikely hero […]
Summary of 1 Peter: Understanding the Basics of 1 Peter in the Bible
Here’s a short summary of 1 Peter: 1 Peter was written by the apostle Peter, one of Jesus’ original 12 disciples, to the Christians scattered all throughout Asia Minor (modern-day […]
Who Was Nicodemus in the Bible? An Introduction to the Gospels’ Longest Fence-Sitter
Who was Nicodemus in the Bible? Nicodemus was an esteemed rabbi who had a favorable view of Jesus, but who kept his admiration of Jesus a secret. We meet him […]
Discipling the Next Generation by Inviting Them into God’s Mission
Discipling the next generation may seem daunting. But it’s in the church’s DNA. We see Jesus disciple and launch young men who changed the world with his gospel. We see […]
7 Lessons from Acts for the Church Today
In the face of unique challenges, it’s encouraging to return to timeless lessons from Acts which teach us our DNA as Christians. In this article, Tina Wilson, pastor’s wife and […]
Summary of Colossians: Understanding the Basics of Colossians in the Bible
Here’s a short summary of Colossians: Colossians was written by the apostle Paul to teach the Colossian church that Jesus is all they need to experience the fullness of God. […]
Sermon on the Mount: Treasure in Heaven
In English, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21), almost sounds redundant. We use the word “treasure” to mean something we care about (e.g., “Those […]
Story of the Bible: Scripture’s Storyline in 7 Steps
What is the story of the Bible, and why is it important? The story of the Bible starts with God creating the world and ends with God recreating it after […]
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 […]
Lord’s Prayer: Deliver Us From Evil
Seriously? The last word in the Lord’s Prayer is “evil”? That’s a terrible ending (Matt. 6:13). An early Christian community couldn’t handle it, so they decided to come up with […]
Belonging to the Way: Exploring an Ancient Name for the Church
*Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from Paul’s new book, The Way Back: Repentance, the Presence of God, and the Revival the Church So Desperately Needs (Westbrow Press, 2022). […]
Why People Leave the Church: 3 Reasons from the Book of Revelation
Why do people leave the church? The Bible gives 3 basic reasons: People leave the church because they want to, or they feel they have to, or they have been […]
Lord’s Prayer: As We Forgive Our Debtors
We live in between the old and the new. The Kingdom is “now,” but it is also “not yet.” So if forgiveness is the bridge between the two, and we […]
Loving Your Actual Neighbor: Starting Where You Live (Part 1)
In 2017 on a return flight from Orlando back to Ohio, I sat quietly contemplating one main question posed at the Exponential conference I had just attended. And that question […]
Lord’s Prayer: Forgive Us Our Debts
The Lord’s Prayer is short. That’s kind of the point (Matt. 6:7-8). If you’re going to whittle things down and say no more than what absolutely needs to be said, […]
The Devil Comes to Steal, Kill, and Destroy—and What This Says about False Teaching
One of the clues that something is evil is that it’s not very creative. Instead, it takes what’s been created and seeks to destroy it. The Bible teaches that the […]
Sword of the Spirit: How the Word of God Puts Satan on Defense
In Ephesians 6:17, the apostle Paul talks about the importance of wielding the “sword of the Spirit.” What is he talking about? The sword of the Spirit is how Paul […]
Lord’s Prayer: How Can We Pray for Our Daily Bread?
If you’re looking for general advice on prayer, the first thing the Lord’s Prayer says is to center yourself on eternity. Paradoxically, the second thing it says is that the […]
Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity: The Fleeting Fulfillment of a Feelings-Based Faith (Part 6)
Progressive Christianity Part 1: Insights from Deconstruction Stovall recounts a season of doubt, questioning a culture built on the sinner’s prayer and feelings-based assurance. The narrative challenges easy-belief formulas, contrasting […]
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 […]
Is the New Testament Reliable? An Answer in 11 Numbers.
Is the New Testament reliable? Can we know what the original documents said, and can we trust that the authors were telling the truth? Here are 11 numbers which help […]
What Young Leaders Want from Older Leaders
What do young leaders want from older leaders? Here is a list of eight visions that young leaders need older leaders to be able to see. When the leaders we’re […]
Are We There Yet? Here’s an Invitation to Join a Groaning Creation.
Just as we are invited to join all creation in glorifying God, we are also invited to join a groaning creation in crying out to him. Hearing “Are we there […]
Zacchaeus of the Bible & the Cure for Little Man Syndrome
Who was the Zacchaeus of the Bible? Zacchaeus was a little guy with a massive salary. Although a Jew, he collected taxes from the Jews for the Romans and climbed […]
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 […]
Sermon on the Mount: An Eye for an Eye, Tooth for a Tooth
What are we to make of Jesus’ take on “An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth”? Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount explains that there’s a better […]
How Many New Testament Books and What Do They Teach?
How many New Testament books are there? There are 27 books of the New Testament arranged into five categories: Gospels, Acts, Paul’s letters, general letters, and Revelation. In this article, […]
What Is a Disciple?
What is a disciple? A disciple is someone who is following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and is committed to the mission of Jesus. The football coach Vince Lombardi (whose […]
Sermon on the Mount: Manipulator Defined
“But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all…” (Matt. 5:34) In the second half of Matthew 5, Jesus repeatedly says, “You have heard it said . . […]
Sermon on the Mount: How to Cut Off Your Hand
The problem with most Christian discussions of sexual ethics is that they’re usually heavy on the “why” and light on the “how to.” But in Matthew 5:29-30, Jesus is pretty […]
What Is the Promise of the New Heaven and New Earth?
This is Question #4 in Gary Johnson’s The End: The Return of King Jesus and the Renewal of All Things.
Persecuted Christians Are Lights in the Darkness
Abdul Baith has lived in Pakistan most of his life and is a Christian of immense courage. He is not ashamed of the gospel, nor is he afraid of saying […]
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 […]
Why Is the Second Coming of Jesus So Important?
Second Coming: Why Jesus’ Return Is So Important Johnson explains that Jesus promised to come again, and when He appears for all to see, it will be too late to […]
Introduction to The End: The Return of King Jesus and the Renewal of All Things
The End of Time: Return of King Jesus & New Creation Gary Johnson explains why Jesus’ return matters: it ends the war with evil and brings resurrection and eternal life. […]
The End Author Q&A – Gary Johnson with Bobby Harrington
Eschatology Q&A: Must-Know Truths on Jesus’ Return Bobby Harrington and Gary Johnson frame the Bible as a “travel brochure” that helps believers understand what Scripture teaches about the end. Through […]
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 […]
What Is the New Testament?
This is Question #2 in Orpheus J. Heyward’s God’s Word: The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture.
How Does the Church Express Love to the World?
Churches Express Love to the World by Living Out God’s Reign Love grows visible when believers practice holiness and reflect God’s character through their daily actions. Serving others becomes a […]
God’s Word Author Q&A – Orpheus J. Heyward with Bobby Harrington
God’s Word and the Inspiration and Authority of Scripture Bobby Harrington interviews Orpheus J. Heyward to highlight why Scripture is essential for faith, growth, and hearing from God. Manuscript attestation […]
What Is Love and Why Is It Important?
What Is Love and Why Is It Important? A Cross-Shaped Way of Life Disciples of Jesus show love through actions that glorify God and genuinely benefit others. Jesus defines love […]
How to Tell the Story of the Bible in 7 Kingdoms
7 Kingdoms in the Bible That Reveal the Kingdom We’ve Longed For Biblical history moves through Egypt, Israel, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome, showing how human kingdoms repeatedly bring tragedy […]
What Is Holiness and Why Is It Important?
What Is Holiness and Why It Matters for Kingdom Living Holiness is a lifestyle of separation from self-rule to God’s kingdom rule, marking what it means to live under God’s […]
Is Your Church Healthy? Let’s Be Careful…
Church Health and Returning to Your First Love Jesus’ evaluation in Revelation warns that a church can look strong in service and doctrine while still abandoning its first love. Even […]
What Does the Kingdom of God Look Like Through the Church?
Church and Kingdom Through the Authority of the Ekklesia Jesus builds his church as an assembly of kingdom people who display what God’s reign looks like under King Jesus. *Through […]
What Is the Kingdom of God?
Kingdom of God and the Reign of King Jesus The Kingdom of God is the realm where God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven through the […]
How Does Faith Respond to the Enthronement of King Jesus?
King Jesus and Faithful Responses to His Enthronement Faith responds to the enthroned King Jesus by living faithfully and pursuing the Great Commission with compassion, hope, and worship despite hardship. […]
What Is Faith Without Works?
Faith Without Works and the Loyalty That Makes Faith Alive James declares that faith without works is dead because true belief must move into action. Rather than earning salvation, works […]
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 […]
What Is Faith?
What Is Faith: The Biblical Meaning Behind True Belief Faith is not a feeling, because it stands on the historic truth of the Bible and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. […]
Learning to Pray: Rejoice (Part 2 of P.R.A.Y.)
Rejoice Always: Learning to Pray with Praise and Thanks Thanksgiving and praise belong at the heart of prayer, because rejoicing honors God for what He has done and who He […]
5 Bible Verses on My Mind as I Watch Afghanistan Crumble
Afghanistan Christian: Bible Verses for Hope in Upheaval Scripture speaks to collapse and fear, echoing Jerusalem’s devastation and validating lament without denying God’s reign. Job exposes fragile trust, urging sober […]
Sermon on the Mount: Contempt
Contempt: Jesus’ Heart-Level Call to Reconciliation Jesus links contempt to the whole spectrum, from anger and “Raca/Fool” name-calling all the way to murder as its ultimate expression. Rather than policing […]
This Person Has Enormous Power Over You
Not Ashamed and the King Who Rules Your Life Recognize that shame reveals your ruler—whoever can make you most ashamed when you disobey them has enormous power over you. See […]
How Is Jesus’ Kingship Beneficial?
Jesus’ Kingship and the Benefits Scripture Describes Clarify what kind of King Jesus is—crowned with thorns, born in a manger, and riding on a donkey—so his kingship isn’t left ambiguous. […]
What is the Gospel?
The Gospel: What It Is and Why It Truly Matters The Gospel announces Jesus as the saving King—promised, incarnate, crucified for sins, buried, resurrected, enthroned, and returning to rule. Counterfeit […]
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, […]
What Does It Mean to Be Baptized for the Forgiveness of Our Sins?
What Does It Mean to Be Baptized? Clear Forgiveness What does it mean to be baptized? Bapism is described as the normative point where faith connects with God’s grace and […]
Your Reconstruction Story as Told by Jesus
Faith Reconstruction and Jesus Repairing the Foundation Faith Reconstruction highlights how Jesus deconstructs what cannot remain, leaving only what God intends to be truly foundational. John’s “I am” statements show […]
A Weird Way We Win
Meek: The Weird Way Christians Win Battles Instead of mirroring the world’s aggression, meekness wins by keeping strength under control and responding with humility. Scripture shows Jesus conquering through gentleness—riding […]
What Does It Mean to Confess Jesus as Lord?
Confess Jesus: What It Means to Boldly Declare Him as Lord Declaring Jesus as Lord means pledging loyalty to Him as King and rejecting every rival claim to rule your […]
Habitual Sin: Do We Want to Get Well?
Habitual Sin: Do We Truly Want to Get Well? Jesus’ question in John 5 exposes whether we truly want healing or keep waiting in patterns that never change. Habitual sin […]
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 […]
How People Make the Commitment to Jesus in Baptism
Baptism Commitment and the Covenant Promise to Follow Jesus Baptism commitment is the formal covenant pledge where a believer repents, trusts in Jesus, and receives God’s promises of forgiveness and […]
How to Botch a Baptism
Baptism Fail and the Discipleship That Must Follow Baptism fail occurs when churches baptize someone and then abandon them without the training and relationships needed to grow as a disciple. […]
Why Is a New Birth Necessary?
New Birth and the Restoration of Our Relationship With God New Birth is necessary because sin disrupted humanity’s relationship with God, beginning with Adam and Eve’s choice to do life […]
Introduction to New Birth: Conversion and Baptism
Conversion and Baptism and the New Birth Into a Living Hope Conversion and Baptism explains why being “born again” is about starting new life through Jesus, rooted in 1 Peter […]
Learning to Pray: Pause (Part 1 of P.R.A.Y.)
Pause in Prayer: The First Step Toward Deeper Connection Discover how slowing down before you speak helps you center your heart on God and approach prayer with reverence. Learn why […]
Theological Differences, Respectful Debate: A Concluding Conversation with John Mark Hicks on Gender and the Bible
Gender and the Bible Debate: A Model for Respectful Theological Disagreement Explore where Renew.org and John Mark Hicks agree and differ on women’s participation, teaching, and authority in the gathered […]
How Should We Treat Elements of Our Faith That Are Not Essential?
Essential Elements And Important Faith Truths Recognize that beliefs not classified as essential are still important and deserve study, time, and devotion. Learn from Jesus, Apollos, and humble instruction how […]
Permission to Say No to a Fight
Say No To A Fight And Pick Battles Like Jesus Notice how Jesus repeatedly refused to be pulled into distractions and redirected people toward God’s deeper priorities. Discern which conflicts […]
When You Face Criticism in Ministry
Criticism In Ministry and Wise Leadership Responses Identify the difference between helpful critique and a critical attitude using Jethro’s counsel and the spies’ negativity. Evaluate negative feedback through biblical wisdom […]
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 […]
Does Hebrews Teach We Can Lose Our Salvation? (Part 3)
Eternal Security and the Teaching of Hebrews on Falling Away Explore Hebrews 6 and 10, which describe believers who fall away and face severe judgment. Understand the “by grace through […]
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 […]
Sermon on the Mount: Fulfilling the Law
Fulfilling the Law Through Jesus’ Completion and Covenant Shift Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount that He did not abolish the Law and the Prophets but brought them […]
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 […]
A Simple Definition of Grace? Yeah, About That…
Definition of Grace Through Charis and God’s Transforming Favor Charis reveals grace as God’s favor and gifts, shaped by patron-client culture and echoed in Paul’s greetings. Instead of one meaning, […]
3 Stages in Our Fight against Sin (and How the Holy Spirit Wins It for Us)
Fight Against Sin Through the Holy Spirit’s Victory Lust describes the stage where sin feels exciting and rebellion against God’s law seems enjoyable. Disgust begins when you meet Jesus and […]
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 […]
Introduction to Holy Spirit: Filled, Empowered, and Led
Introduction to Holy Spirit: Entering a Spirit Filled Life This introduction to Holy Spirit invites believers beyond theology and into an immersive relationship where the Spirit fills, empowers, and personally […]
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 […]
On Gender and the Bible: A Summary (Part 12)
On Gender and the Bible Part 12: Seven Scripture-Based Points On Gender and the Bible Part 12 outlines seven biblical convictions about gender roles in marriage and church leadership rooted […]
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 […]
What Is the Result of Disciple Making?
What Is the Result of Disciple Making: Fruitful Growth and Generous Love What Is the Result of Disciple Making is a church that grows fruitfully as God brings the increase […]
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 […]
Why Is Disciple Making the Core Mission of the Church?
Disciple Making the Core Mission of the Church: Inspiring Purpose Disciple Making the Core Mission of the Church brings people to Jesus and helps them become fully mature in Christ. […]
A Spiritual Slaughter We Aren’t Talking About
Spiritual Slaughter and the Hidden War for Souls Spiritual Slaughter reveals how Satan’s most devastating persecution is often subtle, targeting souls through deception rather than physical suffering. Churches in the […]
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 […]
My Favorite Paragraph of Disciple Making: The Core Mission of the Church
Mission of the Church: Intentional Relational Transformation Mission of the Church is portrayed as helping people toward the next life through intentional, relationship-based disciple making that treats people as true […]
Can a Christian Lose Salvation? (Part 2)
Christian Lose Salvation Perspectives on Eternal Security The article confronts casual “once saved, always saved” attitudes, arguing that Scripture’s warning passages call believers to ongoing faithfulness. By summarizing the 1610 […]
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 […]
The People of God Refuel in the Desert
People of God Strength in Desolate Places Desert encounters with God show that the People of God can become strongest against temptation when they withdraw like Jesus to lonely places […]
Moving Mountains in Myanmar: A Guide to Prayer and Action for Myanmar
Pray for Myanmar Faith That Moves Mountains Amid violent crackdowns and fear, Pray for Myanmar reminds believers that the true enemy is the unseen powers of darkness, not the people […]
Q&A – 3 Questions We’ve Started Asking at Baptism
Baptism Q&A Lifelong Discipleship Commitments Through Baptism Q&A, new believers publicly affirm Jesus as King, trust His death and resurrection, and commit to follow Him without conditions for life. Emphasizing […]
How to Read Hard Bible Passages
Hard Bible Passages and Faithful Interpretation Hard Bible Passages start with context. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 5 must first be read in light of the original situation in Corinth […]
Sermon on the Mount: The Persecuted
Persecuted in the Sermon on the Mount Beatitudes Drawing from Matthew 5, this article shows that being persecuted for righteousness marks believers as visibly different Kingdom people whose lives confront […]
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 […]
Food Idolatry VS Living Water: Refreshing the Soul by Fasting
Food Idolatry VS Living Water in the Purifying Practice of Fasting Fasting exposes how food has become a modern golden calf, revealing misplaced cravings that should be satisfied in Jesus […]
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, […]
When God Disciplines You
God Disciplines You with Loving Purpose God Disciplines You to affirm your identity as his child, using hardship as loving evidence that you truly belong to him. Trials under God’s […]
Christian Parenting Is the Passing On of an Inheritance
Christian Parenting as Generational Faith Inheritance Christian Parenting treats faith like treasure, showing kids that trusting Jesus is a rich inheritance built through years of God’s provision, sacrifice, and grace. […]
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 […]
A 3-Step Process for Reading the Bible – Q&A with Orpheus J. Heyward
Reading the Bible – 3-Step Process for Understanding Observation sees what the text says. By reading Ephesians 1:3–4 in several translations and in its chapter and book context, you become […]
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 […]
Resurrection: From Fuzzy Hope to Living Reality
Fuzzy Hope to Living Reality – Meeting Jesus as Resurrection Fuzzy Hope to Living Reality begins with Martha’s fragile belief. Her vague hope in a distant resurrection is transformed when […]
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 […]
Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity: The Three Unforgivable Sins — Drinking, Smoking, and Cussing (Part 3)
Progressive Christianity Part 3: Lessons in Grace and Drift Progressive Christianity Part 3 traces how childhood taboos about drinking, smoking, and cussing slowly gave way to a “liberated” lifestyle that […]
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 […]
Mirage #5: I Want to Find Freedom through Sin
Freedom through Sin — Biblical Insight Choosing rebellion may feel liberating, yet Scripture shows it traps us in repeating folly (Prov 26:11). Jesus teaches that everyone who sins becomes a […]
Worship Leader Q&A: How Do You Lead the Skeptic?
Skeptic in Worship: Leader Guidance Expect and welcome seekers. 1 Corinthians 14 frames gathered worship to include people who don’t yet understand, so hospitality and clarity matter. Model honest praise […]
Pain and the Necessity of Pruning
Pain in Pruning: Lessons for Growth Amid cultural upheaval and personal loss, God is actively shaping character rather than promising a pain-free life. Scripture reveals that the Father prunes fruitful […]
Mirage #4: I Want to Find Peace through Trusting What I Can’t Trust
Find Peace in Trust — Lasting Assurance Chasing stability in possessions, people, or success only ends in disappointment because all earthly things fade away. Jesus alone has proven trustworthy through […]
Sermon on the Mount – Peacemakers
Peacemakers in Community: Practices for Shalom Calming the emotional brain opens space for active listening and de-escalation, moving conflict toward real reconciliation. Scripture frames the calling—Jesus blesses peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) […]
A Microscopic Killer Gone Viral
Microscopic Killer in Isolation: Gospel Hope Linking the pandemic’s loneliness and loss to humanity’s deeper “infection” of sin reveals our universal need for Christ’s healing life. Through John 11 and […]
Everybody Is Recovering from Something
Recovering — Steps to Spiritual Health Powerlessness led to trust in God, beginning a Scripture-shaped transformation marked by honest surrender and dependence on His strength. Through the twelve steps—surrender, confession, […]
Righteousness: Given to You and Grown Within You
Righteousness — Gift and Growth in Christ Declared righteous by faith, believers stand in right relationship with God as His grace places them in Christ (Rom. 3:22). Transformation by the […]
Come to the Bible with Questions – Q&A with Orpheus J. Heyward
Bible with Questions — Practicing Sound Interpretation Start by examining context (before/after), genre, and language so a passage’s meaning isn’t lifted out of its setting. Recognize historical, linguistic, and cultural […]
Top Ten Forward-Thinking Trends for Disciple Makers
Top Ten Forward-Thinking Trends — Priorities for Disciple Makers Clarify definitions and mission, making disciple making the core focus while moving beyond Sunday-only to a seven-day relational approach with phygital […]
Noisy Minds and Honest Relationships – Reflections on “Chaos Walking”
Chaos Walking — Honest Minds, Healthy Relationships In Todd’s world of constant Noise, genuine control means disciplined thinking rather than hiding, allowing empathy to take root. Within trusted friendship, Viola’s […]
Sermon on the Mount: Pure in Heart
Pure in Heart — Cleanness that Sees God Jesus moves past externals to the inner life, insisting a clean heart matters more than ritual performance (Mt 5–7; 15). Leviticus’ pattern—confession, […]
Sharpening Our Focus on the Great Commission
Great Commission and the Church’s Discipling Mission As Jesus frames it, discipling is the main command of the Great Commission, with going, baptizing, and teaching describing how the church carries […]
Fruitfulness in God’s Kingdom Takes This Uncomfortable Step
Fruitfulness in God’s Kingdom and the Pain of Pruning Carefully cultivated blackberries illustrate how intentional, repeated pruning leads to a far greater harvest than wild, unmanaged growth. Through John 15, […]
Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity: Revelation, Rapture, and Kirk Cameron Eschatology (Part 2)
Rapture — Progressive Christianity Part 2 Reflections Sparked by a Left Behind viewing, the author rechecked Revelation and 1 Thessalonians, questioning whether Scripture clearly teaches a pre-tribulation rapture. Framing end-times […]
How I Went from Atheist to Bible Believer
Atheist to Bible Believer — From Veil to Revelation Drawn by God’s light (2 Corinthians 4:6), the heart’s veil lifts to see Christ’s glory and to trust Scripture. Rather than […]
A Resilient Church in a Cancel Culture
Cancel Culture — Practicing Church Resilience Grounded in disciple making, the church develops resilient believers who hold to biblical convictions with joy and courage. Facing cultural pressure, Christians reject timidity […]
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 […]
What Makes Life Meaningful? Reflections on Disney’s “Soul”
Soul — Discovering Purpose in Everyday Life Through Joe and 22’s story, the film uncovers that meaning isn’t found in talent alone but in embracing the beauty of everyday living. […]
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 […]
What’s So Important about Context? – Q&A with Orpheus J. Heyward
Context — Handling Scripture With Integrity Rightly handling the Word (2 Timothy 2:15) guards us from bending verses to our will and keeps God’s will central. Examples like Ephesians 2:8, […]
Why Humans?
Humans — Purpose, Image, and Kingdom Work From Genesis and the Ancient Near Eastern backdrop, the story reveals a good Creator forming people to share His goodness and steward creation. […]
On Gender and the Bible: What Does It Mean to Be a Man or Woman? (Part 10)
Man or Woman — Design, Signs, and Culture Drawing on nature and biology, the article shows how male and female bodies shape behavior and complement one another toward intimacy and […]
If Stonehenge Is Proof of Ancient Wisdom, What Does the Universe Prove?
Universe — Design, Reason, and Worship Stonehenge’s deliberate structure highlights intelligent planning; the far more complex cosmos rationally points to a Designer. Scripture affirms it: Psalm 19 and Romans 1 […]
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Sermon on the Mount: Mercy or the Mob?
Mercy in a Culture of Outrage—Forgiveness Lived In Matthew 5:7, Jesus blesses the merciful, showing that mercy moves from seeing suffering to compassionate action, often expressed as forgiveness. Rather than […]
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End Goal in Disciple Making—All Nations Discipled Grounded in Matthew 28:18–20, the article defines the end as discipling every people group and completing the Great Commission. Facing reality, 7,414 unreached […]
End Times: Five Essentials and Five Views
End Times in Christian Teaching—Essentials and Views Grounded in clear essentials, Scripture affirms the second coming, resurrection, final judgment, eternal punishment, and the new heaven and new earth. Across faithful […]
Letter to Someone Struggling with an Anxious Heart
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When the Foundations Are Being Destroyed
Foundations That Endure Through Faith Discover how Foundations grounded in God’s Word give strength when society feels unstable and divided. Explore David’s Psalms to understand why trusting the Lord offers […]
Disciple Making Shift #2 – From Going to Church to Going to Lost People
Disciple Making Shift #2 Inspires Missional Living Through Disciple Making Shift #2, believers learn to step outside church walls and intentionally reach the lost where they live and work. The […]
Losing My Faith…in Progressive Christianity (Part 1)
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Disciple Making Shift #1: From Church Members to Disciple Makers
Disciple Makers in Everyday Mission Identity reframed as disciple makers reshapes daily choices, moving believers from passive attendance to active obedience. Instead of “doing church,” followers reach the lost, train […]
Church, It’s Time to Bring Back Apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships that Shape Ministry Readiness Rooted in Scripture, Apprenticeships mirror Jesus with the Twelve, Moses and Joshua, and Paul with Timothy to form leaders through life-on-life mentoring. Beyond classrooms, they […]
Sermon on the Mount: Hunger and Thirst
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On Gender and the Bible: Where Does Egalitarianism Lead? (Part 9)
Egalitarianism and Scriptural Trajectories Authors trace how egalitarianism, when unchecked, can override created differences and biblical hierarchies in church and home. The article contrasts secular lenses with exegesis, arguing that […]
5 Shifts to Return to Jesus-Style Disciple Making
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A Tragic Choice for a Hill to Die On
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Disciples of Jesus Choose Hope – Q&A with Michael Patterson
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When You Compare, Beware.
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Worship Leader Q&A: Lessons Learned from Livestreaming Church
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Try to Avoid a Star Wars Christmas
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The Stages of Disciple Making: “Come and Follow Me” (Part 2)
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Addiction Recovery in Daily Dependence Overconfidence invites relapse since neuroplasticity keeps learned cravings, leaving former addicts permanently vulnerable. Ongoing community—AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery—and steady habits sustain sobriety and resist isolation. […]
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On Gender and the Bible: Can Women Be Elders? (Part 5)
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Advice — Listening Before Speaking When mistakes happen, people often need care more than lectures; be present like Job’s friends were—before they started talking. Social posts and quick opinions can […]
6 Ways to Emerge from COVID Ready for Hospitality
COVID — Hospitality in Practice From solicitors at the door to neighbors in need, respond with empathy—offer a drink, a seat, a ride, or a shared meal. Scripture frames welcome […]
On Gender and the Bible: What’s Up with Head Coverings in 1 Corinthians 11? (Part 2)
Gender and the Bible — Head Coverings in 1 Corinthians 11 Drawing on Roman-era evidence, the article explains why head coverings signified reverence during praying and prophesying—not sexual propriety. It […]
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On Gender and the Bible: What John Mark Hicks and Scot McKnight Get Right and Wrong (Part 1)
John Mark Hicks and Scot McKnight — Methods and Message Part 1 contrasts blueprint and trajectory readings, arguing New Testament commands embody theology and still guide the church. The article […]
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It’s Time for a Second Wind
Second Wind in Seasons of Refining Amid bleak headlines and fatigue, the author shifts from discouragement to God’s power, seeking the lesson He is teaching in this season. 1 Peter […]
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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 […]
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A Four-Word Solution to Reach a Divided Nation
Divided Nation in Missionary Engagement Adopting a missionary posture reframes culture wars by affirming the good, naming the broken, and pointing to Jesus over partisanship. Centering on King Jesus moves […]
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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 […]
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Letter to a Christian in Trauma: Hope & Practical Steps From a pastor-father who survived his daughters’ devastating crash, this letter assures you’re seen, heard, and able to keep moving. […]
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Baptism and New Life: Conversion to Discipleship Conversion with repentance leads to salvation. Heaven rejoices over a sinner who repents, as God pours out forgiving grace (Luke 15:10). Union with […]
Satan: Function and Foe
Function and Foe in Progressive Revelation OT usage of satan typically denotes an adversary or accuser, not a named devil; scenes like Job 1–2 and Zechariah 3 fit this role. […]
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Where to Land: Biblical Roles in Church Life Scripture affirms salvation equality while the NT pattern assigns qualified men to elder roles rooted in character, teaching, and shepherding. Headship mirrors […]
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Racism in the Church and Gospel Reconciliation Stories of pain expose ongoing mistreatment; churches must name racism as sin, repent, and match apologies with action. Ephesians 2 centers unity at […]
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Call to Repent for Gospel Healing In light of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, the church laments evil, listens to pain, and prays with compassion. Scripture frames repentance—Lamentations, James 4, […]
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Young Ministers and the Power of Encouragement Older encouragers like Paul Ayers show how patient guidance and steady faith can shape the lives of young ministers. The ripple effect of […]
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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 […]
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Gender Roles in God’s Design and Ministry Gender Roles start with creation as both male and female are made in God’s image, called to reflect His likeness and purpose in […]
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Uncertainty: Just What We Should Expect
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6 Lenses for Reading the Psalms (Part 2)
6 Lenses for Reading the Psalms Part 2 for Christ-Focused Reading Jesus’ prayers and quotes—from Psalm 22 on the cross to Luke 24:44—teach us to wear “Jesus glasses,” seeing his […]
The Iowa Caucus Delay: A Portrait of Theological Progressivism
Theological Progressivism and Its Impact on Clarity Theological Progressivism reflects vague answers to life’s biggest questions, offering optimism without grounding in reality. Candidates’ false optimism parallels theological progressivism, where ungrounded […]
Push-Ups: A Parable of Spiritual Growth
Parable of Spiritual Growth Lessons for Intentional Living Intentionality matters because starting strong isn’t enough—real growth requires consistent follow-through. Discipline is forged when effort continues daily, whether the task feels […]
Mansion
Mansion as God’s Eternal Abiding Place Mansion in John 14:2 reveals permanence, showing that Jesus’ promise points to a lasting dwelling with Him rather than earthly grandeur. Mansion also describes […]
Spoiler Alerts for Your New Decade
New Decade Lessons for Godly Living Learn how a New Decade can bring either joy or heartbreak depending on your daily choices and spiritual direction. Biblical principles in the New […]
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. […]
The Most Important Habit for 2020
The Most Important Habit for 2020: Daily Bible Reading for Lasting Growth The Most Important Habit for 2020 emphasizes daily Bible reading as the top resolution for spiritual transformation and […]
The Herod in Me
Herod and the Fight Against the True King Herod’s story in Matthew 2 reveals not only a king’s fear of losing power, but our own reluctance to surrender to Jesus. […]
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 […]
What’s a Biblical Disciple to Do with Trump?
Biblical Disciple Perspective on Politics Today Biblical disciples resist political idolatry, keeping their devotion centered on Christ rather than elevating human leaders. Following Jesus means praying for all in authority, […]
The First Promise Keepers Event: Witnessing the Power of God
First Promise Keepers Event – How God Moved Among Men Massive response marked the First Promise Keepers Event, as over 600 men came forward seeking Christ during a powerful day […]
How God Used My Miscalculation, an Awkward Prophecy, and a Crowded Capital
How God Used My Miscalculation — Lessons in Providence A school transfer that looked like a mistake positioned Stephen to meet Joy and begin a story only God could script. […]
What Is the “Person of Peace”?
What Is the Person of Peace? Biblical Insight for Disciple-Making What Is the Person of Peace introduces the biblical principle Jesus taught His disciples—to find spiritually open individuals who become […]
A Brief Biography of St. Paul
Biography of St Paul: His Transformation, Ministry, and Theology Biography of St. Paul reveals his radical transformation from persecutor to apostle, shaping the Christian faith through missions and letters. Strategic […]
Freedom Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Means
Freedom: Discovering True Submission to God’s Design Freedom isn’t autonomy. The article debunks the myth that doing whatever you want equals real freedom—it often leads to bondage instead. God’s rule […]
A Prophet for our Times
Prophet for Our Times: Why Jesus Still Speaks Today Prophet for Our Times explains how Jesus fulfills Moses’ promise of a prophet who would speak God’s words, offering clarity in […]
It May Not Be Your Gift, but It Is His Command
Command for Evangelism and Disciple Making Command distinguishes gifts from obedience, urging every believer to share the gospel, not only those especially gifted. Mission and purpose are clarified—enjoy God and […]
How Didn’t I See That Parallel Before?
How Didn’t I See That Parallel Before? The Overlooked Link Between Discipleship and the Gospel The Great Commission and Romans 1:5 align perfectly. Matthew Bates shows how Jesus’s command to […]
This Is How the Ancient World Received Grace, Part 2
How the Ancient World Received Grace Part 2: A Forgotten Expectation Ancient grace required a response. In biblical times, gifts like grace weren’t passive—they expected a loyal return from the […]
This Is How the Ancient World Received Grace, Part 1
How the Ancient World Received Grace Part 1 – Gift Expectations Grace required a response. In ancient times, a gift wasn’t truly received unless it was reciprocated. Grace came with […]
Baptism is Beautiful
Baptism Is Beautiful: Sacred Union with Christ Baptism Is Beautiful reminds us that baptism isn’t just a command—it’s a meaningful, joyful milestone symbolizing union with Christ. Like a wedding, baptism […]
See if You Can Catch the End Result of the Gospel
Catch the End Result of the Gospel – Why Allegiance Matters Paul explains the Gospel’s true aim. In Romans 1 and 16, Paul teaches that the Gospel is meant “to […]
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 […]
Just What IS the Gospel?
What IS the Gospel in Its Biblical Fullness? The Gospel is often viewed incompletely, like seeing a single rosebush through a dusty window instead of the full, vibrant garden it […]
Choosing Joy with OCD and Messy Children
OCD and Messy Children — Practicing Presence over Perfection Relationships before chores. From Luke 10’s Mary and Martha, Jesus redirects priorities so time with Him and with kids outranks spotless […]
Peace
Peace in the Bible and Why It Still Matters Today Peace means more than no conflict. In Scripture, “shalom” refers to wholeness, security, and well-being—not just silence or safety. God […]
Meek
What Does Meek Really Mean in the Bible? Meekness means power under control. Ancient Greeks used it to describe strong animals like trained horses and elephants—never weak ones. Moses and […]
Courage in the Storm (Part 2)
Courage in the Storm Part 2: Lessons in Divine Detours Courage in the Storm Part 2 shares how Paul’s unplanned stops became sacred moments, proving God uses even wrecks to […]
Courage in the Storm (Part 1)
Courage in the Storm Part 1 – Key Takeaways for Faith and Growth Paul’s storms weren’t random – they revealed his unwavering trust in God’s promises, even when shipwrecked and […]
The Loss of a Child and the Perpetual Comfort of Nain
The Perpetual Comfort of Nain: Jesus’ Compassion in Our Grief The Perpetual Comfort of Nain reveals Jesus’ tender response to loss, proving His power and love are present in life’s […]
Accidental Thinking
Accidental Thinking: When Knowing Scripture Isn’t the Same as Living It Accidental Thinking reveals how knowing Scripture isn’t enough—we must live it. Real faith is expressed through action. Biblical knowledge […]
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 […]
The Power of Jesus
How the Power of Jesus Reveals God’s Kingdom and Transforms Lives The Power of Jesus challenges evil and restores lives. His miracles weren’t for show—they announced the kingdom and broke […]
Shane Wood on Being a Scholar and a Christian
Shane Wood on Being a Scholar and a Christian – Key Insights from His Journey Holding Faith and Scholarship in TensionShane Wood discusses the challenge of balancing his academic pursuits […]
Shane Wood on Why He Loves Revelation
Shane Wood on Why He Loves Revelation – Insights That Awaken the Modern Church Revelation was written for transformation. Shane explains how this apocalyptic book reshapes readers by revealing a […]
Do You Know What You’re Asking for Your Kids?
Do You Know What You’re Asking for Your Kids – Lessons for Parents The article Do You Know What You’re Asking for Your Kids explores how a mother’s bold request […]
Admonition.
Admonition in Shaping Godly Character Admonition is the biblical call to correct wrong attitudes, guiding hearts toward repentance and spiritual maturity. Instruction with admonition goes beyond teaching facts, aiming to […]
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 […]
What Happens When We Die
What Happens When We Die: Insights on Death, the Soul, and Eternal Life Death is not the end for believers. Scripture promises immediate presence with Christ for those who trust […]
Tired of Living as Predictably as a Facebook Advertisement?
Tired of Living as Predictably as a Facebook Advertisement? Here’s What You Can Learn Jesus offers lasting freedom from predictable patterns. The Samaritan woman’s encounter at the well reveals that […]
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 […]
Words
Words: The Role of Language in Transforming Lives Why is language powerful in the Bible? Scripture reveals that language has the ability to heal, harm, guide, and fulfill God’s promises […]
Itching Ears.
Itching Ears: Understanding the Allure of False Teachings What does “itching ears” really mean? Paul’s warning in 2 Timothy 4:3 reveals a timeless tendency to reject truth in favor of […]
Discover It: Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture (Part 2)
Disciple Making Culture That Transforms Lives What is a Disciple Making Culture? The article explores how Jesus and Paul modeled a relational, life-sharing approach that built true followers—not just converts. […]
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 […]
Loneliness in Ministry
Loneliness in Ministry Is Real—But You Don’t Have to Endure It Alone Loneliness in Ministry is more common than most realize. Even Paul the Apostle felt abandoned and isolated during […]
Abba.
What Does Abba Really Mean? Understanding This Sacred Name for God Abba is an intimate word Jesus used for God. In Gethsemane, Jesus cried “Abba, Father,” introducing a deeply personal […]