Review of Preston Sprinkle’s ‘From Genesis to Junia’
Preston Sprinkle’s new book, From Genesis to Junia, recounts his quest to understand the Bible’s teaching on women in church leadership (spoiler alert: he concludes in favor of egalitarianism). Because […]
Who Were the Pharisees?
Who were the Pharisees? Ask that question in a Bible study at pretty much any church and you’re likely to hear answers like: “Hypocrites.” “Legalists.” “Self-righteous religious leaders who opposed […]
What Was Martha So Upset About?
Martha must have been really excited for Jesus to arrive. Luke 10:38 says she welcomed Jesus into her home. This has led some scholars to believe that Martha was the […]
Where Is the Kingdom of God in the Old Testament?
What Is God’s Kingdom in the Old Testament Story Eden introduces God’s kingdom as a space where his will is done on earth under his true rule. Israel later displays […]
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 […]
Is Masturbation a Sin? A Thoughtful Christian Exploration
“Of all the moral issues which face the community of Christian believers, there are few issues that Christians feel more uncomfortable discussing than the issue of masturbation.”[1] Masturbation is a […]
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 […]
Bible Verses About Peace in the Old Testament
Putting it lightly, the Bible has a lot to say about peace. In fact, in the King James translation, the English word “peace” appears about 470 times, making it one […]
Learning to Fight Like David
One of the best examples of fight comes from the famous story of David and Goliath. Even if you’ve never picked up a Bible in your life, you probably know […]
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 […]
What are Seraphim in the Bible?
The Hebrew word śārāp̄ appears seven times in the Old Testament and is used to describe both a serpent and a class of supernatural beings (seraph/seraphim). References to a serpentine […]
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 […]
What Are Cherubim in the Bible?
Beyond the scope of angels/archangels are two other categories of beings that have rightly or wrongly been conflated with the descriptions of angels. Those categories/terms are cherubim and seraphim. Whether […]
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 […]
The Deceitfulness of Wealth?
Wealth, like sex, drugs, and fame, has an unusually strong effect on people. Everyone knows sex, drugs, and fame will seriously influence us, but for some reason, we resist the […]
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 […]
David Rohl’s New Egyptian Chronology: A Solution to Biblical Difficulties or a Misguided Enterprise?
I first became aware of British Egyptologist Dr. David Rohl’s revised Egyptian Chronology not long after his book A Test of Time was published in 1995. I was an undergraduate […]
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 […]
Who Were Naomi and Ruth in the Bible?
Naomi and Ruth lived during the period of the Judges, probably during the time of Gideon, around 1200 B.C. Their story is told in the Book of Ruth in the […]
The Character of God: Compassionate
If you ask someone, “What is God like?” you’ll get a variety of answers. I posed this question on Facebook last year. From dense theological explanations to quick two-word descriptions […]
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 […]
You Shall Not Make Idols
“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not […]
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 […]
Spiritual But Not Religious? Reflections on Balaam
Have you heard the phrase or maybe even said it yourself: “I’m spiritual but not religious”? It’s a description that has become so widely used in America and the West […]
The Apocrypha and the Old Testament Canon
When the Hasmonian king Jonathan sent a letter to the Spartans seeking an alliance, he made a fascinating remark worth repeating. According to 1 Maccabees, King Jonathan says, “We have […]
Out of Ur: Halfway Isn’t Home
We all long for home. Deep down, every one of us has a homesickness that nothing in this world quite satisfies. I’m not just talking about a familiar place or […]
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) […]
Build the Ark: Noah, Meaning, and the Church in an Age of Collapse
One of the first things the Bible teaches us—right there in Genesis—is that God is a God of order. God separates: light from darkness, sea from sky, meaning from murk. […]
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 […]
Summary of Ezekiel: Understanding the Basics of Ezekiel in the Bible
The book of Ezekiel is titled after the name of the prophet Ezekiel, son of Buzi who was among the exiles of Babylon. What do we know about this unusual […]
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 […]
The Heart Is Deceitful: Reflections on Pharaoh’s Divided Heart
“We are never better deceived than when we deceive ourselves.”[1] “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal [but not equal to God], that they […]
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 […]
Sola Scriptura: Are the Scriptures Our Final Authority?
Understanding Sola Scriptura and Its Role in Church Authority Today Is Scripture the church’s ultimate authority? This article explores the Protestant view of Sola Scriptura, which upholds the Bible as […]
Who Was Rahab in the Bible?
Rahab lived in Jericho, the world’s oldest city, thought to have been established approximately 9000 years B.C. Its ruins are located just a few miles northeast of Jerusalem. Some archeologists […]
Teen Counseling Insights from the Book of Job: The Need for Listening & Encouragement
AUTHOR’S NOTE: One of the best ways we can learn what people in crisis need is by examining case studies of people who have successfully survived a crisis. The biblical […]
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 […]
Teen Counseling Insights from the Book of Job: The Need for Dignity & Presence
AUTHOR’S NOTE: One of the best ways we can learn what people in crisis need is by examining case studies of people who have successfully survived a crisis. The biblical […]
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, […]
You Are Standing on Holy Ground
“Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your shoes, for you are standing on holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5, NLT) “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who […]
The Untapped Power of Prayer
“I’m praying for you” is a familiar phrase that you have either given to someone, or they’ve given to you, with the intent to bring comfort. While it is encouraging […]
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 […]
5 Offerings in the Old Testament Law
“These, then, are the regulations for the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the ordination offering and the fellowship offering, which the Lord gave Moses […]
Finding Your Way Again: Learning from King Josiah in the Bible
My wife and I were driving to a home we had never seen to help some friends who were preparing it for another family to move into. I typed the […]
Summary of Joshua: Understanding the Basics of Joshua in the Bible
The book of Joshua is named after the primary character and likely author, Hoshea, son of Nun to whom Moses gave the name Joshua (Numbers 13:16). The title is the […]
Who Was Miriam in the Bible?
Miriam was one of the three siblings whom God appointed to rescue the Israelite nation from bondage in Egypt. A little background will help us understand Miriam’s place in time […]
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 […]
Idolatry in the Bible (and in Our Own Hearts)
Satan is always scheming and making efforts to tempt us, to dishearten us, and to break us with many other things that can take away our focus from God. The […]
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 […]
Why Does God Harden Pharaoh’s Heart?
Summary: Why does God harden Pharaoh’s heart in the book of Exodus? This article will explore how There is hope when we listen to God and unharden our hearts to […]
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 […]
When a Worldview Leads to Crisis
It’s a beautiful grace that worldviews can change! The one you hold now is probably somewhat different from the one you held at an earlier stage in life. Each metamorphosis […]
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 […]
The Quickest Path Isn’t Always the Best
Here is something I’ve learned about myself over the years: I tend to have a certain way I like to do things! I have a routine, a set pattern that […]
Esther: A Book of Reversals
“Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good […]
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 […]
Fear and the Men without Names
If you’ve been around the church for a while, you’ve probably heard the names Joshua and Caleb. They were brave men who heard the promises of God and followed Him even in the […]
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 Daniel: Understanding the Basics of Daniel in the Bible
The book of Daniel is named after the prophet of the same name who likely went into Babylonian captivity around 605 BC when the Babylonians first began to dominate Judah. […]
What Did Jesus Believe about the Bible?
In light of increasing skepticism about the Bible’s authority in our lives (see “Are We Turning into Skeptics of the Bible”), we should take a fresh look at why we […]
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 […]
Ichabod: When the Glory Has Departed
The first time we see the word “glory” in the Bible is in Exodus, when God is preparing to show his glory through rescuing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. […]
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 […]
Summary of Isaiah: Understanding the Basics of Isaiah in the Bible
In this summary of Isaiah, let’s start with the title. The title of the book of Isaiah is simply Isaiah, and as with most of the prophets it is the […]
Who was Jezebel in the Bible? It depends on your worldview.
Who was Jezebel in the Bible? She was a Phoenician princess who became a queen of Israel. As the wife of King Ahab, Queen Jezebel forcefully introduced Baal worship into […]
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, […]
God Parted the Red Sea. So, What Does That Mean for Me?
Which movie does the best job portraying the panic of seeing Pharaoh’s chariots closing in before God parted the Red Sea? Let’s do a multiple choice: The Ten Commandments, starring Charlton […]
My Cup Overflows
“My cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5c, NIV). These three simple words come from one of the most popular psalms in the Bible, Psalm 23. These words have given me so much […]
Who Was Zipporah in the Bible?
Zipporah lived approximately 1500 years before Christ and she was the wife of Moses. She acted decisively in a crucial moment to protect her family, and she helped her husband […]
The Prophet Amos, the Day of the Lord, and Us
From the prophet Amos we read a prophecy against the northern kingdom of Israel that would have greatly surprised them. The warnings of judgment were first delivered against seven nations […]
Which Character in Proverbs Are You?
Proverbs is a collection of sayings, stories, and metaphors that were used to train young men how to rule and govern themselves and others. Most proverbs are from Solomon teaching […]
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 […]
Summary of Psalms: Understanding the Basics of Psalms in the Bible
The Hebrew title for the book of Psalms is tehilim, roughly translated as “praises.” In some ways, this is an unusual title, as the largest single category of Psalms are […]
Preaching Politics? 6 Thoughts from the Book of Daniel
“Did I hear you say that you’re preaching on politics?” “Yes, I’m looking forward to this series.” “Hmm. Good luck.” Scary, huh? There are two things that make for impolite […]
Who Was Potiphar’s Wife in the Bible?
The actual identity of the woman known as “Potiphar’s wife” has never been verified, though in the book of Genesis chapter 39, she is the woman who caused Joseph to […]
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. […]
Gratitude and Meaninglessness
I’ve been doing some study from the book of Ecclesiastes lately. This is partly related to a book that I hope to write next year. I also spoke from Ecclesiastes […]
Sing to the Lord a New Song? Reflections on Psalm 98
Four times we are told in Scripture to “sing to the LORD a new song” (Psalm 96:1; 98:1; 149:1; Isaiah 42:10). Every song ever sung was new at some point. […]
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 […]
Summary of Exodus: Understanding the Basics of Exodus in the Bible
Let’s start our summary of Exodus with a look at the title of the book. The Hebrew title for the book of Exodus is Shemoth (“names”), coming from the very […]
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 […]
What Every Man Needs
*Editor’s Note: First Samuel 13 narrates the sad account of how Israel’s first king, Saul, lost the opportunity for his kingdom to endure. God’s prophet Samuel had told Saul 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 […]
How Beautiful Are the Feet?
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God […]
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 […]
What We Learn from Two Hebrew Midwives
When I think of people who show and live out their allegiance to God in the Bible, I immediately think of Shiphrah and Puah. They are better known as the […]
Summary of Genesis: Understanding the Basics of Genesis in the Bible
Beginnings are important, as they set the stage for everything that comes after. The book of Genesis is the same way. It narrates the beginning of creation, of man and […]
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 […]
Wait on the Lord: An Invitation to Unwasted Time
Let me share with you a truth I learned by the time I was a toddler: the people of God wait. A lot. My dad’s a preacher. There were quite […]
Overview of the Old Testament
The Old Testament begins with God creating a very good world. “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31a, NIV). Yet something happened after He […]
Formation of the Old Testament Canon
How did we get our Old Testament? Who decided which books made the cut (and became “canon”)? Why are there differences between the list of books in Catholic and Protestant […]
Original Sin or Ancestral Sin?
A nearly universal assumption we make as human beings is that we can do right and wrong things, good and evil things. This article isn’t about the basis for determining […]
Praise Him, Sun and Moon: Reflections on a Solar Eclipse
On April 8, 2024, I was one of more than 31 million people who observed a total solar eclipse as the moon cast its shadow on the earth, darkening a […]
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 […]
Who Was Sarah in the Bible?
Who was Sarah in the Bible? God continually looks for those people who will be faithful to participate in His plan to bring salvation to the world. Enter Abraham and […]
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 […]
Who Was Elihu in the Bible? Meet Your New Theology Prof
Theology is word that literally means the study of God. So, the entire Bible is theology, but if we wanted to learn about who God is, we would probably think […]
Surviving Spiritual Valleys
When was the last time you had a mountaintop experience? Living in Colorado, I am blessed with the opportunity to hike and/or drive through a variety of mountains, which we […]
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 […]
What Is the Book of Isaiah About?
Around 740 B.C., a prophet stepped onto the world stage after King Uzziah of Judah had died. His preaching and prophetic words would echo through the halls of history and […]
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. […]
Encountering the Latter-Day Saints: A Knock at the Door
On June 27, 2002, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS, sometimes called “Mormonism”) dedicated the newly rebuilt Temple in Nauvoo, IL. The original Temple had been dedicated […]
Five Reasons You Need to Read The Old Testament
The more I study the New Testament (NT), the more I understand my need to study the Old Testament (OT). Jesus’ story is a story of two testaments, not one. […]
Deborah and Jael: Unexpected Leaders
In a time when Israel was doing what was right in their own eyes and evil in God’s eyes (Judges 4:1, 17:6, 21:25), God chose certain people to bring the […]
The Old Testament Scriptures: What They Are and Why We Read Them
What are the Old Testament scriptures, and why do Christians continue to study them? The Old Testament scriptures are a collection of 66 books written by and for ancient Jews. […]
10 Bible Verses on Creativity
A definition of creativity came to me as I was reflecting on puns. I used to see puns as subpar humor, unless you’re aiming for a cringe (extra dad humor […]
Who Was Eve in the Bible? Exploring Her Temptation, Disappointment, and Hope
Who was Eve in the Bible? Eve’s name appears only four times in Scripture (Genesis 3:20, 4:1 – 2; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:13). Yet this one person set […]
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 […]
Walking with Esther Through Life’s Unfortunate Circumstances
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows […]
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 […]
The Bible and Modesty: Modesty Is About Putting on Christ (Part 4)
Editor’s Note: For Part 1 in this series on the Bible and modesty (“Where Modesty Starts”), click here. For Part 2 (“It’s About More Than Personal Choices”), click here. For Part 3 […]
Abraham, Jacob, and Generational Sin
When reading through the Old Testament, we find many common themes. One common theme is that there are specific sins shared among generations. This can appear as an older generation […]
Who Was Deborah in the Bible?
Who was Deborah in the Bible? Scripture introduces Deborah as “the wife of Lappidoth, a prophetess, and a judge.” In the words of her celebratory victory song, she declares: “The […]
Why Should I Read the Bible?
Why do you need to read the Bible if you’re a Christian and have the Holy Spirit as your Counselor? To start, it’s important to recognize that—like many concepts in […]
Solving Arguments by Pointing to Context
I recall a dialogue I had with a high school classmate of mine. It remained friendly, but it was also a tense conversation regarding the similarities and differences between Christianity […]
What I’ve Learned from Spending a Little of Each Day in the Psalms
Starting in 2019, I started a slow journey through the Psalms. My goal was to reflect on 1 or 2 verses from the Psalms each day and write down those […]
The Best New Year’s Resolution: Step Into Scripture Daily
Of all the plans and goals that you can have for the new year, there is one that will make the biggest difference in your life, and it is often […]
What Is the Gospel? A Q&A with Matthew Bates about the Gospel’s What & Why
What is the gospel, and why does it matter? In this interview, Matthew Bates, author of multiple books on the gospel, takes us on a tour into the center of […]
Church History Debates: What Books Make It in the Canon?
The New Testament wasn’t delivered to the church in a leather-bound booklet. When it came time for the early churches to determine which books made the “canon,” there were multiple […]
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 […]
What Jonah Teaches Me About God and Myself
The book of Jonah teaches us a lot about the character and nature of God, and it also provides us a great opportunity to look in a mirror and examine […]
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 […]
What Is the Pentateuch: A Short Intro to the Bible’s First Five Books
What is the Pentateuch in the Bible? The first five books of the Bible, often referred to as the “law of Moses,” are also referred to as the “Torah” or […]
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 […]
Zeal in the Bible: Maturing Our Passion into Diligent Pursuit
What is zeal in the Bible? Zeal moves beyond mere passion to having a great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective. Although we can be zealous for […]
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 […]
Generosity in the Bible
I’ve been in a formal leadership role in a local church for almost 30 years now, and there’s one sin that I’ve never had anyone confess (until I mentioned this […]
Why It’s Doable to Read Through the Whole Bible: Q&A with Tina Wilson
The following article is from a Step Into Scripture podcast episode by Tina Wilson called “It’s an Impossible Feat” (click here for the full episode). Q: Reading the entire Bible […]
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 […]
Does Science Put God out of a Job?
One of my favorite movies is Nacho Libre, starring Jack Black as a Mexican monk who becomes a champion wrestler. Although Nacho is a devout Catholic, his wrestling partner “Esqueleto” […]
Baptize Them in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
In the Great Commission, Jesus told his disciples to make disciples and to “baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” So, what is the role […]
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 […]
What Is a Parable in the Bible? The What, Why, and How of Jesus’ Parables
Let’s consider the what, why, and how of Jesus’ parables in the Bible. What are parables? Why does Jesus speak in parables? How should they be interpreted? These are important […]
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 […]
What Makes You Cry?
Why is it that some people rarely cry while others weep at the opening of a new supermarket? Sometimes it is a matter of maturity. While we expect babies to […]
I Must Remind Myself I Have Died
We tend to understand “Christ in me” better than we understand “me in Christ.” It’s easy for us to see Jesus as a spiritual part of us, rather than us […]
What Does the Bible Say About Work? 10 Truths
What does the Bible say about work? That depends on where you flip to. The entrepreneurial and successful “Proverbs 31 woman” has a very different relationship to work than the […]
Comparing New Testament Interpretations with the Church Fathers
I (Bobby) recall being part of a meeting where national church leaders discussed/debated the essential definition of church (the subject of “minimum ecclesiology”). After all, if we are going to […]
When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong: Reflections on Moses, Jeremiah, Paul, and Charlie Brown
If you’ve ever read the comic strip Peanuts by Charles Schulz or watched Peanuts movies, you probably understand that the famous main character, Charlie Brown, struggles with feelings of inadequacy […]
Top 10 Betrayals in the Bible
Betrayal. You’ve probably experienced it. You might have caused it. It’s the cruelest of vices as it stabs the back only after inviting the embrace. Its victims didn’t see it […]
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 […]
Naaman, Elisha, and Do We Want to Follow?
Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, […]
Honor Your Father and Mother…As an Adult?
“Honor your father and mother.” Dallas Willard emphasizes how vital this biblical command is to helping people grow as disciples. He says that when helping people live as disciples of […]
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 […]
I Will Not Put Those Shackles Back On
Christianity has a message of freedom. So why do a lot of people experience Christianity as bondage? The early church was tempted to turn Christianity into following Christ plus following […]
“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 […]
Sinners or Saints? Coming to Terms with What We Are
“Golden bars of sunlight come sneaking through the shutters laying stripes on my back like a zebra Sweaty fingers turning pages, and clinging to the bed like it’s a bride […]
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 […]
Why Memorize Scripture? 3 Reasons
“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.” (Ps. 119:15-16) “More to be […]
Stumbling Blocks: What They Are and How to Avoid Becoming One
What are stumbling blocks? The metaphor of “stumbling block” is used in various ways throughout Scripture, but it often depicts an obstacle along the path of life that makes us […]
6 Fathers in the Bible & the Advice They’d Give Today: Adam to Jacob
If the fathers in the early pages of the Bible could give modern fathers advice, what would they say? Based on their stories in the biblical books of Genesis and […]
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 […]
How Do You Know? 10 Bible Verses on Knowledge
“Well, of course you can speak your truth. Anyone can, and we all should. But no one can speak the truth, because no one has the truth.” It was a […]
Facing Pressure? Remember Your Baptism.
Years ago in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas, two boys pulled the fire alarm at the Westside Middle School. As the students and their teachers exited the building, these boys […]
For I Know the Plans I Have For You?
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah […]
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 Shema in the Bible?
What is the Shema in the Bible? In the Old Testament, the Shema was a confession of exclusive faithful obedience to Yahweh that would be passed on for generations to […]
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 […]
What Is a Eunuch in the Bible?
What is a eunuch in the Bible? Under the Old Testament law, eunuchs were banned from the priesthood and from God’s assembly due to their castration. Yet, we see men […]
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 […]
God Renews Strength, Selves, and Sinners
God is a God who loves to renew things. Like what? Here are three. 1. God renews exhausted strength. You find yourself tired most of the time? Busier than is […]
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 […]
Behind the Curtain: How God Built a Missionary Family into a Family of Missionaries
“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen […]
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 […]
Fasting and Prayer: 2 Stories
Fasting and prayer are often combined in Scripture. Both Old Testament followers of God (Ezra 8:23; Nehemiah 1:4; Psalm 35:13; Daniel 9:3) and the New Testament church (Luke 2:37; Acts […]
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 […]
10 Unromantic Bible Verses That Describe Real Love
Love can be celebrated in sappy ways. (That seems to be what Valentine’s Day is for.) Yes, the Bible celebrates romantic love and all that comes with it (have you […]
Theology of the Body: What the Bible Teaches About the Importance of Bodies
What is a theology of the body? It is easy for us to see our bodies as disconnected from our spirituality. Yet the Bible teaches us much about the purposefulness, […]
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 […]
It’s About the Children: Reflections on the Why behind the Exodus
The Bible passage I’m reflecting on here is from the portion of the Torah that starts with the word “Bo” (“Come to Pharaoh”). The biblical narrative in this portion of […]
Is Change Good? Reflecting on Why God Placed Us in Time
Is change good or bad? As we look back over our lives, we can spot changes that were obviously good as well as ones which felt very harmful. But as […]
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 […]
What’s the Meaning of Ecclesiastes?
What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes? This book in the Hebrew Bible tends to puzzle us with its pessimistic tone and philosophical orientation. What we find as we explore the […]
What We Learn from Job’s Three Friends
The story of Job, from the Old Testament, is well known. He is the man who lost everything—family, wealth, health—and yet did not lose his faith in God. While in […]
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 […]
What Is Holiness And Why Is It Such A Big Deal?
What is holiness, and why is it such a big deal? God’s holiness means that he is entirely unique, pure, and powerful, and to enter into his presence in a […]
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 […]
12 Bible Verses about Trusting God
Why take the time to walk through multiple Bible verses about trusting God? Isn’t it enough just to, well, you know, trust God? At first glance, trusting God would seem […]
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 […]
Fools According to the Bible
What are fools according to the Bible? A fool is someone who refuses to listen to wisdom or learn from discipline. Failing to fear God or respect the rules of […]
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 […]
A Psalm of Thanksgiving: Reflections on Psalm 18 / 2 Samuel 22
A psalm of thanksgiving is a worship song which expresses gratitude for what God has done. In this article, we will reflect on the psalm of thanksgiving we call “Psalm […]
Why the Flood?
Isn’t it a little funny that we often use the walls of church nurseries to paint the most extreme portrait of God’s wrath to date? The Genesis Flood. Of course, […]
Prayer of Repentance: Learning U-Turns from Nehemiah
What’s a prayer of repentance? In the Bible, “repentance” means a change in mind and behavior so that we go from doing whatever we feel like to living for God […]
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 […]
50+ Bible Verses About Modesty
The word “modest” is not prevalent in the Bible (most English versions of the Bible translate the original Greek to “modesty” twice or less!), but the concept of it is […]
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. […]
Who Was Caleb in the Bible? Spy, Soldier, and Settler
Who was Caleb in the Bible? Caleb is best known as one of the 12 spies sent by Moses on a reconnaissance tour of the land of Canaan. The reason […]
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 […]
Why Are We Here? An Exploration of Why Humans Exist
Why are we here? In short, we are here because an eternal God created us, so that we might be in union with him, and spread his glory. The 20s/30s […]
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 Was Joshua in the Bible? 10 Leadership Habits from the Life of Joshua
Who was Joshua in the Bible? Joshua was a national leader and military commander in ancient Israel. As Moses’ aide and successor, Joshua finished what God started through Moses: leading […]
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 […]
Navigating the Valley of the Shadow of Death
Psalm 23 is one of the most famous passages of Scripture. You can find these poetic lines everywhere, from sermons to pop songs, tattoos to funerals. The psalm is relatable […]
How Do We Take the Lord’s Name in Vain?
How do we take the Lord’s name in vain? A common way to see this third of the Ten Commandments as prohibiting speech about God which misuses his name (e.g., […]
Who Was Samuel in the Bible? Meet Your Instructor in Resisting Cynicism.
Who was Samuel in the Bible? Samuel was a prophet in ancient Israel who served as the hinge between the time of the judges and reign of the kings. He […]
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 […]
God Is a Jealous God? Exploring a God Who Loves Us More Than We Want Him.
Is it true that God is a jealous God? Numerous Bible verses describe God as a jealous God, in the context of his people breaking their covenant with him and […]
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 Was Elijah in the Bible? Elijah’s Story in 8 Roles
Who was Elijah in the Bible? Elijah was a prophet of Yahweh sent to the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Ahab. Through displays of miraculous power […]
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 […]
Twisted Scriptures: 5 Bible Verses Taken out of Context
We’ve all done it. You’re having a rough day and need some inspiration, so you do a quick google search. Maybe you type in “most inspiring Bible verses” or “verses […]
More Than Watchmen: Reflections on Waiting on and Wrestling with God
“Out of the depths I cry to You, Lord; Lord, hear my voice.” Have you prayed words like these before? When the depths are close at hand, are you able […]
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 […]
Did the Roman Catholic Church Give Us the Bible?
Many Evangelical Christians are now questioning foundational truths they have traditionally accepted. For example, in the midst of contemporary theological confusion, there are Evangelicals looking at the Roman Catholic Church […]
Bible Genres: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?
If you want to understand the Bible better, one of the most important concepts is Bible “genres.” What are the Bible’s genres and why do they matter? The Bible’s “genres” […]
Canonization of the Bible: Its Definition and Process
What is the canonization of the Bible? The canonization of the Bible refers to the process of recognizing which books were considered Scripture by the people of God at 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 Bible the Word of God? Here’s What the Bible Claims.
Is the Bible the Word of God? A first step in answering the question is to ask what the Bible claims about itself. The question matters because, if it is […]
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 Psalm 23 Means for Your Relationship with God
We’ve all heard Psalm 23 quoted, but have you ever wondered what Psalm 23 means for your own relationship with God? Here are 3 threads that connect the psalm to […]
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 […]
The Power of Stories: Real Life Theology with Renée Sproles
The second episode of Renée Sproles Real Life Theology series focuses on the hold that stories can have on all of us, whether we realize it or not. Author Paul […]
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 […]
When Life Hits, Think About Joseph in the Bible
When life gets tough and your dreams fall through, it’s time to think about Joseph in the Bible. It’s a story of human endurance and God’s faithfulness. So, you’re working […]
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?
New Testament Books as a Clear Roadmap to Jesus and the Church’s Mission Scripture’s 27-book New Testament is organized into Gospels, Acts, Paul’s letters, general letters, and Revelation to guide […]
Why did God take so long rescuing His people from slavery?
Rescuing His People from Slavery and God’s Purpose in the Delay Scripture shows God formed Israel’s identity through suffering so they would love foreigners with empathy. Deuteronomy ties God’s rescue […]
What Is a Disciple?
What Is a Disciple: A Biblical Framework for Following Jesus What Is a Disciple? A disciple is someone who follows Jesus, trusts Him in faith, and begins their journey through […]
Sermon on the Mount: Manipulator Defined
Manipulator Defined: Jesus on Oaths, Truth & Trust Manipulator Defined reveals how everyday oaths become tools of control, creating trust while secretly preserving personal “wiggle room.” By exposing manipulative speech, […]
Sermon on the Mount: How to Cut Off Your Hand
Cut Off Your Hand: Practical Steps to Fight Lust Jesus’ “whatever it takes” warning targets the earliest moment of temptation, calling you to cut off lust at the level of […]
What Is the Promise of the New Heaven and New Earth?
New Heaven and New Earth: Are You Ready for Jesus’ Return? Jesus will return when we least expect, so we must help others decide who He is before He returns—or […]
Persecuted Christians Are Lights in the Darkness
Persecuted Christians: Lights in the Darkness Persecution and Christianity go hand in hand, so Scripture calls believers to be ready to suffer and to live in a way the enemy […]
What Is the Final Judgment?
Final Judgment: Why Disciples Can Face It with Confidence Revelation portrays the Final Judgment like a courtroom, where God the righteous Judge declares each person saved or condemned. Jesus’ blood […]
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 […]
When a Story Is Cut Tragically Short
Lives Cut Short: Trusting God With Unfinished Stories Stories that end too soon remind us how deeply loss disrupts our sense of meaning and leaves grief without easy resolution. Faith […]
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 […]
The Power of Stories
Power of Stories: Unforgettable Stories That Reveal God’s Truth Instead of a theology textbook, Scripture unfolds God’s self-revelation through true stories that show who he is and what he has […]
Introduction to Grand Metanarrative: God’s Story as an Invitation to Theology
God’s Big Story: An Invitation to Real Life Theology and God’s Grand Metanarrative The video emphasizes that before time and space began, we were already loved by our forever Father, […]
Grand Metanarrative Author Q&A – Tony Twist and Mihai Malancea with Bobby Harrington
Christian Metanarrative: Hope Filled Story of Renewal Hosted by Bobby Harrington, the Q&A introduces Tony Twist and Mihai Malancea and explains why theology is best understood inside Scripture’s unfolding story. […]
How Is the Bible Our Final Authority?
The Bible’s Authority: Why Scripture Is Our Final Guide Orpheus J. Heyward explains that Scripture is authoritative because it is inspired by God and intended to shape conviction and character. […]
How Do We Interpret the Bible?
Interpret the Bible: Proven Steps to Prevent Confusion Hermeneutics is presented as the art and science of interpretation that helps readers understand Scripture in its proper context. Three core principles—observation, […]
How Did We Get Our Bible?
This is Question #3 in Orpheus J. Heyward’s God’s Word: The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture.
What Is the New Testament?
This is Question #2 in Orpheus J. Heyward’s God’s Word: The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture.
What Is the Old Testament?
What is the Old Testament? God’s “Law, Prophets, and Psalms” That Tutor Us Toward the Messiah The Old Testament is the 39 books that contain God’s covenant promises, covenant laws, […]
Introduction to God’s Word: The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture
God’s Word: The Inspiration of Scripture — Introduction This video introduces Orpheus J. Heyward’s book, God’s Word: The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture, part of the Real Life Theology series. […]
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 […]
Introduction to Kingdom Life: Experience God’s Reign Through Love and Holiness
Kingdom Life and the Questions That Guide God’s Reign Kelvin Teamer introduces Kingdom Life as living under the majestic rule of King Jesus. This series walks through five key questions […]
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. […]
Why Do We Need Royal Good News?
What is the Gospel and Royal Good News Royal good news is necessary because God’s gospel restores His original purpose for humanity to reflect His image and rule on His […]
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 […]
The Bible Is Better Than Broccoli
Bible Is Better: Habits That Transform Your Walk Bible Is Better reveals that Scripture is a unified, God-breathed story that renews your mind and reshapes how you see yourself, others, […]
Some Uncommon Thoughts About the Book of Ruth
Book of Ruth: Insights for Holiness and Hospitality Drawing from two Old Testament streams, the Book of Ruth highlights how God honors both the call to holiness and the welcome […]
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 […]
3 Steps to Passing Along the Faith: Do (Part 2)
Shema Part 2: Loving God Through Obedient Devotion Shema Part 2 shows that loving God is an action that forms disciples, not just a feeling. Moses calls God’s people to […]
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 […]
3 Steps to Passing Along the Faith: Hear (Part 1)
3 Steps to Passing Along the Faith in the Shema Rooted in Deuteronomy 6, this first step Hear calls Israel—and us—to recognize that the Lord alone is God and deserves […]
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 […]
Introduction to Disciple Making: The Core Mission of the Church, by Bobby Harrington & Scott Sager
Core Mission of the Church in Intentional Disciple Making Disciple making defines the church’s purpose. Bobby Harrington and Scott Sager explain that the core mission of the church is to […]
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 […]
When Life Doesn’t Go How You Expect
When Life Doesn’t Go How You Expect and Learning to Trust God’s Will Remembering a childhood dream of overseas missions, Naomi Jones describes how returning home left her grieving unmet […]
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 […]
What the Exile Can Teach Us about Returning to Church
Returning to Church with Exilic Hope and Joy Drawing from Israel’s exile and Psalm 126, this article pictures returning to Church as a joyful homecoming where God turns seasons of […]
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 […]
Mirage #2: I Want God to Fix Everything without Touching Anything
Fix Everything without Touching Anything — Why God Changes Us First Pharaoh’s “please…no thanks” pattern illustrates our habit of wanting relief while resisting the repentance God requires. Genuine help begins […]
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, […]
Bible Interpretation Is Closer Than You Think – Q&A with Orpheus J. Heyward
Bible Interpretation and Everyday Reading Skills Most of us already lean on context when we read texts and emails, and that same instinct helps us avoid pulling Bible verses out […]
Want to Do Something Eternal? Do Kids Ministry.
Kids Ministry — Building Lifelong Disciples Before adulthood, many choose to follow Jesus; intentional teaching at church and home plants convictions that endure. Parents who prioritize gathering and partner with […]
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 […]
What’s So Dangerous about Bible Misinterpretation? – Q&A with Orpheus J. Heyward
Misinterpretation — Context, Clarity, and Accountability Examples like 1 Corinthians 14:40 and Acts 17 show how texts detached from context become tools to police practices God wasn’t addressing. Reader-response approaches […]
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 […]
3 Spiritual Boundary Stones to Leave in Place
Boundary Stones in Discipleship: Ownership, Identity, Actions Ownership belongs to God. Devotion stays “Wholly His” when believers reject external idols and deny inner desires that try to shift their hearts. […]
Disciple Making Shift #5 – From Competing Goals to One End Goal
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
Anxious Heart — A Letter of Peace From racing thoughts to simple prayers, the writer brings fear to Jesus and invites family support to re-center trust. Scripture anchors courage: Psalms […]
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)
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 […]
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 […]
Walking: More than Exercise for the Disciple of Jesus
Walking with God in Practice Enoch’s example in Genesis 5:24 shows that Walking with God means living in His presence, where life overcomes death. Amid ordinary neighborhood routes, Walking opens […]
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
Sermon on the Mount and Kingdom Life Jesus presents righteousness as visible obedience—the lived Kingdom way that surpasses mere status and calls for transformed conduct. Instead of legalistic perfectionism, the […]
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
Jesus-Style Disciple Making — Five Shifts in Practice Rooted in Matthew 28:18–20, this approach returns to Jesus as the Master Disciple Maker and His plan to go, baptize, and teach […]
A Tragic Choice for a Hill to Die On
Hill to Die On — Unity, Discernment, and Essentials Grounded in Jesus’ example (John 6; John 12), believers relinquish inferior battles to pursue the cross-shaped mission that bears lasting fruit. […]
Disciples of Jesus Choose Hope – Q&A with Michael Patterson
Disciples of Jesus Choose Hope — Practicing It When Life Feels Heavy Rooted in Scripture, biblical hope is a confident expectation in God’s promises, seen in Abraham’s trust (Romans 4:18) […]
When You Compare, Beware.
Compare — Following Jesus Over Envy Drawn from Luke 9:46, comparisons among disciples ignite pride and conflict, draining love for neighbor. From 1 Samuel 18:7, Saul’s fixation on David spirals […]
A New Year…in the Eyes of the Lord
New Year — Reading Scripture, Seeing Right in God’s Eyes Through Old Testament history, the refrain “did right/evil in the eyes of the Lord” reshapes personal evaluation beyond comparison or […]
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, […]
Worship Leader Q&A: Lessons Learned from Livestreaming Church
Livestreaming Church — Worship Leaders’ Tested Insights From four worship ministers, production quality and reach surged; teams leveled up and online participation broadened across states. Leaders emphasize intentional engagement at […]
The Stages of Disciple Making: “Come Take Up Your Cross” (Part 4)
The Stages of Disciple Making — Phase 4: Come Take Up Your Cross At Caesarea Philippi, Jesus clarifies His identity and calls disciples to deny themselves, take up the cross, […]
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 […]
Try to Avoid a Star Wars Christmas
Star Wars — Choosing “With” Over Holiday Overload Drawing from the infamous Holiday Special, overstuffed plans turn Christmas into chaos instead of peace. Instead, the word with reframes the season […]
The Stages of Disciple Making: “Come and Be with Me” (Part 3)
Disciple Making Part 3 — Prayer, Selection, Coaching Through an all-night prayer (Luke 6:12–13), Jesus seeks the Father and then chooses the Twelve, concentrating especially on Peter, James, and John. […]
The Stages of Disciple Making: “Come and Follow Me” (Part 2)
Stages of Disciple Making Part 2 — Come and Follow Me in Community After hearing “Follow me,” new disciples step into deeper teaching, witness Jesus’ works, and face real conflicts […]
The Stages of Disciple Making: “Come and See” (Part 1)
Stages of Disciple Making Part 1 — Come and See Foundations In the opening phase, seekers watch Jesus at Cana, the temple, with Nicodemus, and with the Samaritan woman before […]
God Is the Healer of Your Wounds
God Is the Healer — Jehovah Rapha and True Restoration From Psalms to Hebrews, Scripture affirms that God binds the brokenhearted, answers distress, and invites confident grace-seeking. In honest prayer […]
Sermon on the Mount: What Is Meekness and Does It Work?
What Is Meekness — Lessons for Disciples Today Drawing from the powerless Israelite and the virtuous Greek ideal, meekness rejects domination while embodying gentle strength grounded in Jesus’ teaching. Practically, […]
The Lure of the Fruit…in the 21st Century
21st Century — Resisting the Lure of the Fruit Drawing from Proverbs 3 and Isaiah 55, the article contrasts confident curiosity with obsessive self-reliance and calls us back to trusting […]
Accepting LGBTQ+ Lifestyles for Disciples of Jesus: A Response to Sally Gary and the CenterPeace Ministries Decision to be Pro Gay
CenterPeace Ministries — Conviction with Civility Drawing on his testimony, Guy Hammond upholds historic Christian sexual ethics while explaining why holiness—not heterosexuality—is the disciple’s aim. While affirming dignity and respect […]
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 […]
Critical Race Theory: Friend or Foe?
Critical Race Theory — Gospel Framework for Discernment Amid its move from classrooms to culture, CRT now shapes public discourse and even school curricula, prompting fair, informed evaluation. Grounding the […]
Church Leader, We Are So Thankful for You
Church Leader — Encouragement for Uncertain Times Through conflict, elections, and a pandemic, you pursued unity, protected the vulnerable, and kept people connected while trusting God. Scripture-shaped leadership preached truth, […]
Don’t Quench the Holy Spirit. Follow His Prompts.
Holy Spirit Guidance Prompted to help, the author returns to support a local shop owner as pandemic pressures escalate and uncertainty spreads. Listening to the Spirit’s nudge leads to compassion […]
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, […]
Sermon on the Mount: What Is God’s Answer to the Problem of Evil?
God’s Answer in Mourning and Hope Jesus enters human grief (Jn 11:35), walking with mourners so no one suffers alone. Through the cross and resurrection, evil’s curse is confronted and […]
Sermon on the Mount: Poor in Spirit
Beatitudes and the Poor in Spirit Desperation reveals our limits; the “poor in spirit” see that this world can’t save them and turn to Jesus for the Kingdom. Rather than […]
Peter, Paul, and Race
Peter, Paul, and Race — Gospel Unity Lived at the Table Grounded in Galatians 2:14, the piece insists racial unity is a core gospel conviction, not an optional add-on. From […]
An Election Day Prayer
Election Day Prayer — Peace, Wisdom, and Hope in Christ Rooted in 1 Timothy 2 and Jeremiah 29, the prayer seeks national peace so believers may live quiet, godly lives. […]
Church, You Can’t Lose on Tuesday
You Can’t Lose on Tuesday — Hope that Outlasts Politics Grounded in Joseph’s foresight, the church prepares in seasons of plenty and provides in famine, trusting God’s mercy in both. […]
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 […]
Learning a Grace-Filled Approach to Ministry: Understanding
Grace-Filled Approach to Ministry: Leading with Understanding A grace-centered leader seeks to understand people’s lives, trading legalism and pride for humility that blesses worshipers. Volunteer care calls for patience and […]
Saving Christian Education
Christian Education in an Integrated Mission Resist mission drift by anchoring every discipline to Christ’s lordship (Phil. 1:9–11), choosing an integrated model over historical or value-added approaches. Deploy learning for […]
Should You Consider Prison Ministry?
Should You Consider Prison Ministry — Visiting & Discipling Rooted in Matthew 25:35–36, this piece shows how visiting, prayer, and steady mentoring cultivate disciples behind bars. Despite limited access and […]
Learning a Grace-Filled Approach to Ministry: Gratitude
Gratitude — Habits for Grace-Filled Ministry Drawing on 2 Peter 1:3, gratitude replaces entitlement and frees worship teams to serve with joy under a grace-filled posture. Leaders practice weekly thank-you […]
Something You Can Never Be
Something You Can Never Be — Love That Tells the Truth Using the square–circle analogy, Daniel McCoy exposes the contradiction of “caring” by not caring and the cultural pressure to […]
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 […]
Q: How Do I Convince My Kid that the Bible Leads to Happiness?
How Do I Convince My Kid that the Bible Leads to Happiness? — Parenting Pathways Affirming that God created joy (Psalm 103:5), parents point kids to lasting happiness found in […]
On Gender and the Bible: Practical Advice by Complementarian Women for Local Churches (Part 7)
Practical Advice by Complementarian Women — Implementing in Local Churches Leaders clarify biblical complementarity, communicate it openly, and invite women’s voices in decisions, prayer, Scripture readings, and visible service. Churches […]
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 […]
When the World’s All Wrong…Trust God
Trust God — Lessons from Daniel 1 Daniel sets his mind, resists assimilation, and trusts God with outcomes—God provides health, wisdom, and influence before the king. In hostile settings, disciples […]
Can We Be a Unified Church in a Divided World?
Can We Be a Unified Church in a Divided World — Unity That Acts During polarizing seasons, leaders model humility and keep the pulpit non-partisan so honest dialogue can flourish. […]
America Is in a Spiritual War. Are You All-In or AWOL?
America Is in a Spiritual War — Weapons, Courage, and Hope Scripture exposes the unseen battle and calls us to demolish lies and take every thought captive to Christ (2 […]
On Gender and the Bible: What about Husbands and Wives? (Part 6)
Husbands and Wives: Biblical Design in Marriage Husbands and Wives draws from Ephesians 5, Colossians 3, and 1 Peter 3: wives respect and submit; husbands love sacrificially, mirroring Christ and […]
A Fatal Misstep in Addiction Recovery
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. […]
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 […]
3 Keys for Training Your Kids for Lifelong Faithfulness
3 Keys for Training Your Kids — Forming Lifelong Faith Model wholehearted love for God so kids imitate a living relationship, not mere religious activity. Weave Scripture into everyday decisions—at […]
Revival: God Could Do It Again!
Revival – Pathways to Renewal From the Reformation to six historic “waves,” God has repeatedly revived His church—and He can do it again. Through united prayer, fasting, repentance, and obedient […]
Book Review: Jen Hatmaker’s Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire
Jen Hatmaker’s Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire – Biblical Evaluation Drawing on Scripture, the review contrasts Hatmaker’s self-focused identity claims with biblical teaching on sin, grace, and the fear […]
Jesus, Suicide, and Our Lowest Points
Jesus – Care at Our Lowest Points From Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–38) to Mark 2:17, He acknowledges deep anguish and invites the broken to His healing. Prayer, gratitude, and corporate intercession […]
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, […]
Don’t Let Your Faith Be Contradicted by Your Posts
Faith – Words and Witness Online Social media can magnify your testimony, but contradictory posts undermine your witness and make everyday evangelism harder. Paul urges prayer, watchfulness, gratitude, and conversations […]
Good Leaders Don’t Rush God
Good Leaders – Patience in God’s Timing From David’s restraint with Saul and his prayers for guidance, leadership seeks God first and acts only when He directs. In contrast to […]
On Gender and the Bible: Can Women Be Elders? (Part 5)
Can Women Be Elders – Biblical Foundations for Eldership From Genesis through 1 Timothy and Titus, Scripture portrays elders/overseers as qualified men who exercise humble, servant leadership. Hermeneutics matter; rather […]
When the World’s All Wrong…Persevere
Persevere – Faithful Action When the World Feels Wrong In exile, Daniel held conviction without hostility, respectfully proposing an alternative diet and persisting until a fair test was granted. God’s […]
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 […]
A Simple Way to Share the Gospel
Simple Way to Share the Gospel – Acts 2 Roadmap Starting with Jesus as Lord, Peter’s sermon brings conviction and the urgent question, “What should we do?” Peter calls hearers […]
Reasons for Church Decline in the West
Church Decline in the West – Causes, Culture, Renewal Prosperity can breed forgetfulness of God, dulling urgency about death, judgment, and obedience. Secularism disciples people to live as if God […]
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 […]
On Gender and the Bible: Does God Allow Women Preachers in 1 Timothy 2? (Part 4)
Does God Allow Women Preachers in 1 Timothy 2 – Context & Teaching Drawing from 1 Timothy 2:11–15, the article argues that Paul grounds instructions in creation order and aims […]
Promise Keepers: Stand in the Gap
Stand in the Gap – Sacred Assembly Impact Over two years of planning, fasting, and prayer culminated in a Washington DC gathering where more than a million men sought God […]
Exile: The Perfect Word for Our Situation
Exile – Living Jeremiah 29 Exile calls believers to seek peace and pray for their city, following Jeremiah 29:7 while resisting deceptive voices that divide. Amid dislocation and loss, trust […]
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. […]
We Can Now Go Post-Christian
Post-Christian Cultural Shift From 60s counterculture to intersectional activism, power is reassigned and “The Man” gets blown down. Ethics remain while faith and authority are displaced, forming a new orthodoxy […]
Great Leaders Are Led by Convictions
Great Leaders in Conviction-Fueled Courage Caleb demonstrates that convictions—God will lead, be with us, help us, and overcome—ignite courageous action. When excitement fades or obstacles loom, conviction redirects ministries to […]
When the World’s All Wrong…Set Your Mind
Set Your Mind for God-Honoring Resolve Daniel models decisive resolve—refusing defilement so loyalty remains with God rather than Babylon. Amid cultural pressure, believers choose practices that distinguish them from a […]
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 […]
On Gender and the Bible: Why Do Women Stay Silent in 1 Corinthians 14? (Part 3)
Why Do Women Stay Silent in 1 Corinthians 14 — Context, Order, and Headship Drawing from 1 Corinthians 11–14, the article shows Paul correcting disorder in worship—telling tongue speakers, prophets, […]
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 […]
When Advice Isn’t Helpful
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 […]
Emerging from COVID with a Commitment to Hospitality
Emerging from COVID — Hospitality in Practice Scripture urges welcoming strangers; Hebrews 13:1–2 and 1 Peter 4:9 present hospitality as love in action. Everything comes from God; use your home […]
Great Worship during a Terrible Time
Great Worship — Joy in Hard Seasons Great Worship treats praise as the overflow of treasuring God, so joy remains even when life hurts. When COVID-era plans collapse, choose to […]
In Seasons of Suffering, You Need a Pile of Stones.
Suffering — Stones of Remembrance Keep a “pile of stones” journal that records God’s help, so present pain is met with remembered grace. Testify to what you’ve seen God do, […]
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 […]
We’re Doing Evangelism in Wartime
Evangelism in Wartime — Field Strategy See the battlefield clearly: people aren’t enemies but souls to rescue, so view conversations through Jesus’ lens and prioritize eternity. Use God-powered weapons by […]
A Reckoning for the Church
Reckoning for the Church — Repent and Reconcile Names the harm: judgmentalism and political coercion left many as casualties who need healing, not campaigns. Demands repentance: the church must own […]
Caution Fatigued, Yet?
Caution Fatigued in the Pandemic: Persevering with Wisdom Recognize caution fatigue can cloud judgment and tempt risky behavior; choose wise, others-first practices anchored in Galatians 6:9 and Ephesians 5:15. Pray […]
We Have Only One Life to Live
One Life to Live — Time with Eternal Impact Jesus modeled saying and doing only what the Father wills, leading us into Spirit-led words and work (John 8:28; 12:49). By […]
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 […]
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 […]
It Is Finished
Finished and the Meaning of Tetelestai Ancient uses of tetelestai—task completed, orders executed, promise fulfilled—illuminate Jesus’ declaration from the cross. Most powerfully, the term marked receipts “paid in full,” pointing […]
Break for…a God-Sized Question
God-Sized Question and the Transfer of Authority Scripture shows the Father giving “all authority” to Jesus (Matthew 28:18), a loving move that secures His family’s honor. Against the Accuser’s challenge, […]
Changing Times: Part 3 of a Conversation with Bob Russell
Part 3 of a Conversation with Bob Russell on Faithful Leadership Facing shifting cultural views, Russell urges thick skin with soft hearts, resisting the drift to “shout grace and whisper […]
I’ve Got Peace like a Rocking Chair
Rocking Chair and Rest in God From a child’s “rock-a-chair” refrain, readers learn to seek quiet pauses with the Father amid chaos at home and overseas. Drawing on Nehemiah 8:9–10 […]
Ditches to Avoid – Part 2 of a Conversation with Bob Russell
Ditches to Avoid and Guardrails for Leadership Preaching through Scripture steadies congregations as elders shield ministers from political flashpoints and help keep Jesus central. Differentiating principles from methods frees churches […]
When Should You Confront a Fellow Christian’s Sin? Part 2
Christian’s Sin — Spirit-Led Intervention Wise, Spirit-led believers restore gently, often with others, balancing truth and love to help a brother or sister return to faithfulness. Because situations are messy […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Disciples Should Expect God’s Discipline
God’s Discipline — Lessons for Growing Up in Christ Trials expose our weaknesses and invite repentance, producing the “peaceful fruit of righteousness” in those trained by them (Hebrews 12:11). Parents […]
Letter to a Christian Going through Trauma
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. […]
Preparing Students for College: Intimate Relationship with Jesus
Intimate Relationship with Jesus — College Prep Insights Students thrive when intimacy with Jesus—not rule-keeping—anchors identity, joy, and worship. Encourage curious faith by welcoming hard questions, grounding answers in Scripture […]
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, […]
Racial Division in the Church: Part 2 of a 3-Way Conversation about Race
Racial Division — Church Unity Insights After a church split exposes racial lines, the conversation examines why integration without inclusion still wounds the body. Instead of “colorblind” approaches, the piece […]
Lessons from the Church in Kenya: Spirit-Led Leadership
Spirit-Led Leadership — Practical Ministry Habits Walking in the Spirit—not human strength—empowers obedience to Jesus and bold witness (Acts 1:8). When busyness dulls dependence, pause to repent and ask the […]
What’s the Alternative to Judgmentalism?
Judgmentalism — Paths to Empathy and Mercy Jesus’ “Judge not” warns of both human backlash and divine accountability, calling for humility instead of superiority. Proverbs-like wisdom shows criticism triggers defensiveness […]
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 […]
Growing Wise in the School of Waiting
Growing Wise — Practicing Patient Trust In a hurry-first culture, waiting trains obedience and self-control, echoing Proverbs and the slower rhythms of earlier generations. Jesus’ teaching distinguishes two kinds of […]
Baptism, Salvation, and Discipleship
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. […]
Gender Roles: Where to Land
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 […]
Confronting Racism in the Church: Part 2 of a Conversation with Anthony Walker
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 […]
Racism: A Lament and Call to Repent
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, […]
Young Ministers Need Older Encouragers
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 […]
The Romans 14 Posture as a Guide to Reopening
The Romans 14 Posture and Reopening Churches The Romans 14 Posture encourages unity by reminding believers that disagreements over reopening are not worth dividing the church. Respect for differing convictions […]
Covenant
Covenant Meaning in God’s One-Way Grant Covenant shows a sharp contrast. While syntheke conveys a mutual contract, diatheke illustrates God’s unilateral arrangement. Scripture consistently uses covenant language. The New Testament […]
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 […]
Rebuilding after Loss: the Book of Job
Book of Job and Rebuilding After Loss Book of Job reveals hope after suffering. Even after devastating loss, Job’s story shows God’s restoration through renewed blessings and family. Faith in […]
Gender Roles: Where to Begin
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 […]
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 […]
The Book of Job: A Guide in Suffering (Part 2)
Book of Job Part 2: Lessons for Suffering Well Worship redirects grief toward God. Job blesses the Lord amid loss and recognizes every gift was on loan. Transparency names 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 […]
Why Plant New Churches?
Plant New Churches for Gospel Multiplication Rooted in Genesis, God calls His people to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth—church planting embodies that mandate. In Acts, the church stalled […]
Satan in the Old Testament
Satan in the Old Testament: Language, Development, and Meaning Satan in the Old Testament is not a fixed name but a role—“the satan” acts as an accuser in Job and […]
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 […]
The Book of Job: A Guide in Suffering (Part 1)
Book of Job Part 1: Lessons for Suffering Disciples Book of Job Part 1 recounts Job’s righteousness, devastating losses—including his children—and his astonishing worship instead of cursing God. Amid searing […]
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, […]
Biden, Trump, and Other Urgent Things That Come Up
Biden and Trump—A Psalm 14 Reality Check Psalm 14 indicts both parties, showing that none of us consistently does good and we often live as if God isn’t there. Political […]
The Surprising Layers of a Genealogy
Layers of a Genealogy in Biblical Reflection Layers of a Genealogy uncover depth as Genesis 5 reveals not only lifespans but the weight of faith passed—or not passed—between generations. Sobering […]
Paralyzed or Mobilized?
Paralyzed or Mobilized and the Path of Faith Faith turns paralysis into purpose. When crises strike, God calls us not to freeze in fear but to trust Him and act […]
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 […]
Walking through a Psalm of Resurrection
Psalm of Resurrection and God’s Surprising Grace Psalm of Resurrection reveals dramatic reversals. David experienced God’s power turning near-death into life, sorrow into joy, and silence into singing. This psalm […]
Through the Eyes of the Egyptian Mother
Egyptian Mother and the Night of the Plagues Egyptian Mother offers a vivid look at the grief of losing a firstborn during Exodus, bringing ancient sorrow into a modern reader’s […]
Confronting Coronavirus with a Dozen Contradictory Emotions
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Rhett, Link, & the Danger of Duplicitous Faith
Danger of Duplicitous Faith and Its Impact on Believers Danger of Duplicitous Faith shows how Rhett and Link concealed doubts and spiritual struggles while leading in ministry. The narrative reflects […]
A Call to Pastors: Don’t Run
Call to Pastors in Times of Crisis and Leadership Call to Pastors highlights the need for shepherds who stay faithful and courageous when fear and suffering threaten the flock. The […]
An Untossable Faith
An Untossable Faith Anchored in Christ An Untossable Faith shows the danger of doubt, comparing it to waves that toss and spin us, while pointing to Scripture as our anchor. […]
Peddle
Peddle in the Light of Paul’s Teaching Peddle in ancient markets revealed corruption, where dishonest wine sellers diluted their product and cheated customers for profit. Paul’s warning about those who […]
Meet Your Mentors in Exile
Mentors in Exile and Lessons for Today Jeremiah’s wisdom guides exiles by urging them to plant, build, and bless their captors, showing that faithful living thrives even in hardship. Daniel’s […]
Are You Finding Your Value in Victimhood?
Are You Finding Your Value in Victimhood — Moving from Isolation to Fellowship From a chance Craigslist encounter, the author shows how clinging to a victim identity breeds bitterness and […]
Book Review: Unseen Realm by Michael Heiser
Unseen Realm by Michael Heiser Book Review — Insights & Implications Heiser argues Psalm 82 reveals a real “divine council” of elohim under the Most High, challenging views that shrink […]
What Today’s Disciples Can Learn from the First Disciples
Disciples — Lessons from Lydia and Philippi From a riverside prayer gathering, Lydia’s opened heart led to baptism and hospitable ministry that birthed a house church. In Philippi, households—including the […]
Lent & the Value of Subtraction
Value of Subtraction – Practicing Lent’s rhythms Begin by removing what dulls devotion—fasting, repentance, and prayer create space for God to draw near. Remember that God subtracts our sin as […]
Uncertainty: Just What We Should Expect
Uncertainty in Faithful Living When answers feel scarce, Uncertainty isn’t unfaithfulness. Scripture shows how to walk with Jesus within limits and grow through them. Scripture shows that Uncertainty is part […]
Fueling Kindness with a Question
Fueling Kindness in Everyday Discipleship Give what you’ve received—Ephesians 4:32 calls us to share God’s kindness and forgiveness as He has shown them to us. Ask, “What has God given […]
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 […]
Uncertainty Isn’t Your Enemy
Uncertainty in Faith — Reasons To Engage Uncertainty isn’t faithlessness; we “know in part” yet follow Jesus, letting questions mature trust and perseverance. Questions can signal God’s image in us—curious […]
What Makes Premarital Sex So Bad (Part 2)
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What is Mianzi, and What Can Christians Learn from it?
What Can Christians Learn from Mianzi in Faith and Life What Can Christians Learn from Mianzi is shown through cultural insights that highlight humility, confession, and authentic living. By exploring […]
A Tale of Two Love Stories
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The Super Bowl Halftime Show & Empowerment
Super Bowl Halftime Show and Empowerment in Christian Living Super Bowl Halftime Show highlights cultural empowerment while Scripture points to true empowerment through God’s will. The article shows how the […]
How Progressivism Refuels
How Progressivism Refuels in Christian Thought How Progressivism Refuels explains how inconsistencies among Bible-believing Christians give progressives room to reinterpret Scripture. The article shows that How Progressivism Refuels highlights the […]
The Seasonal Nature of Discipling
Seasonal Nature of Discipling in Christian Living Seasonal Nature of Discipling shows how discipling relationships are meant for specific seasons that foster maturity. The article explains that Seasonal Nature of […]
When Church Comes to a Crossroads
When Church Comes to a Crossroads in Christian Living When Church Comes to a Crossroads contrasts consumer-driven decision-making with the biblical call to exalt Christ. The article shows that When […]
The Basis for Church Unity
Church Unity in Ephesians 4’s Seven Ones Church Unity centers on one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God, calling believers to keep […]
6 Lenses for Reading the Psalms (Part 2)
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The Slaughter of the Canaanites: An Answer
Slaughter of the Canaanites and God’s Justice Slaughter of the Canaanites reveals that the conquest was God’s wrath against wickedness, showing His sovereignty in deciding when judgment is due. Historical […]
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 […]
The Slaughter of the Canaanites: Our Options
The Slaughter of the Canaanites – Exploring Interpretive Approaches Historical, theological, and allegorical explanations reflect how Christians wrestle with these ancient commands. Scholars offer views ranging from hyperbole and moral […]
6 Lenses for Reading the Psalms (Part 1)
6 Lenses for Reading the Psalms Part 1 – Approaching Psalms with Clarity Discover how reading Psalms through the lens of the author uncovers meaningful backstories that shape each poem. […]
God Meets You in Your Confusion
God Meets You in Your Confusion: A Story of Reassurance and Identity God meets Jacob in a moment of disorientation. After deceiving his brother and fleeing home, Jacob is filled […]
Book Review: Origins, by Paul Copan and Douglas Jacoby
Origins Book Review Copan Jacoby Shows the Power of Reframing Genesis Origins book review Copan Jacoby highlights how Genesis 1–11 reinterprets Ancient Near Eastern stories with a revolutionary biblical worldview. […]
How Fear Cripples Faith
Fear and the Imagination That Limits Obedience Fear thrives in unfamiliar territory, convincing us that we’re unprepared to face what we’ve never experienced. Rather than protecting us, fear distorts strength, […]
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 […]
Peter Pan and the Fading of Youth
Peter Pan and the Crisis of Growing Up: A Hopeful Reflection J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan confronts adult struggles—from gender roles to existential disillusionment—and exposes the inevitable loss of youthful […]
Inexhaustible: Leading Worship without Growing Tired
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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 […]
Do You Feel Forgotten?
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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
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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 […]
Not My Call When It Comes to My Calling
Not My Call: Letting God Define Our Calling Not My Call explores how ministry isn’t about personal preferences, but surrendering to God’s direction—even when it’s hard. God often calls us […]
Overcoming Staleness in Bible Reading
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Something the Old Testament Does Better
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It May Not Be Your Gift, but It Is His Command
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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 […]
The Bible Number That Keeps Confronting Us
Bible Number That Forces a Life-Changing Decision God often gives us two clear options. From Eden to Moses and Jesus, Scripture reveals that God consistently puts before us a binary […]
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
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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
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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 […]
Apple of God’s Eye
Apple of God’s Eye – A Reflection of Divine Protection What does “Apple of God’s Eye” really mean? Explore the surprising Hebrew roots of this phrase, revealing how God views […]
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 […]
Can Your Church Love Its Community Well? Here’s How This One Did.
Can Your Church Love Its Community Well? Learn from This Example What happens when church becomes a verb? Crossroads Christian Church in Macon, MO, canceled its Sunday service to serve […]
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 […]
Your Shepherd’s Plan
Your Shepherd’s Plan: 3 Faith-Filled Takeaways from Psalm 23 God Provides and Guides – The Shepherd leads us to green pastures, still waters, and righteousness. His provision is rooted in […]
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 […]
Rise Up
Rise Up: Embracing God’s Call to Courage and Action Rise Up is God’s call to act boldly. From the Book of Judges to today, God repeatedly urges His people to […]
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 […]
What a Lousy Dad Still Got Right (And We Can Too!)
What a Lousy Dad Still Got Right Even flawed fathers can finish strong. David’s story shows that despite major failures, dads can leave a legacy that matters. It’s never too […]
Is Our Manhood in Crisis? – An Interview with Robert Lewis (Part 2 of 2)
Interview with Robert Lewis Part 2 What does authentic manhood look like today? In Part 2, Robert Lewis unpacks biblical principles for masculine identity that counter cultural confusion. Strong men […]
You Are With Me
“You Are With Me”: Finding Peace in God’s Presence Amid Darkness What does “You Are With Me” mean in Psalm 23? The Hebrew imadi highlights God’s intimate nearness, even in […]
The Lord is My Shepherd
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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. […]
A Gift of Sacrificial Love
Sacrificial Love in Action: A Call to Biblical Living Sacrificial love is rooted in biblical principles. Leviticus teaches that offerings vary based on one’s ability, but God honors the heart […]
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 […]
First Century Tombs
First Century Tombs: Archaeological Insights on Jesus’ Burial First Century tombs followed a two-stage burial process. Jesus’ burial aligned with the common practice of laying the body on a stone […]
Illusory Truth Effect
Illusory Truth Effect: What Makes Repetition So Convincing in a Christian’s Search for Truth? Illusory Truth Effect is the cognitive bias where repeated information—whether true or false—feels more believable over […]
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 […]