My Church Has Small Groups—So We’re Doing Discipleship, Right?
This just in: The church’s mission is to make disciples. Not just programs, processes, or worship gatherings. The mission has always been the same since Matthew 28 . . . […]
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 […]
Beginning with the Beginning in Mind
When I was a kid, my dad was a certified instructor for Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, primarily in corporate settings. As a result, nearly every car […]
6 Ways People Read the Bible
People throughout history have done all sorts of things with Bibles. Some have bought them and left them on shelves. Others have burned them in book burnings. Bibles have been […]
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 […]
Why Record-Breaking Moments Won’t Build Your Church—And What Will
Somewhere right now, a man is running across a desert without stopping. A teenager is holding his breath longer than most of us could survive. And a chef is stacking […]
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 […]
You Can Evangelize.
*This article was adapted from Dylan Kirkland, Starting Your Journey with Jesus: A 30-Day Devotional for New Christians. Evangelism is a spiritual rhythm that every disciple of Jesus can and […]
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 […]
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 […]
Calvinism: Perseverance of the Saints?
The most well-known feature of Calvinism is its famous five points, often referred to by Calvinists as “the doctrines of grace” and represented by the acronym TULIP.[1] There is much […]
Chip and Joanna Gaines and the Quiet Drift of the Church
Chip and Joanna Gaines are a husband-and-wife duo best known for their hit series Fixer Upper, where they combined home renovation with warm, family-centered storytelling to win over audiences across […]
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. […]
What DID Jesus Do?
I was in middle school when I got my first WWJD bracelet. It was a black silicone band with white letters, and I can still remember how it felt on […]
Disciple Making, Matthew Bates, and 5-Point Calvinism: Q&A with Bill Hull
*Editor’s Note: Our mission at RENEW.org is to “renew the teachings of Jesus to Fuel Disciple Making,” so we want to take note of an important debate that is currently […]
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 Purpose of Lent? An Invitation of Decrease and Increase
I never quite understood Ash Wednesday when I was younger. My home church never emphasized anything about Lent, or even Good Friday for that matter. In my experience growing up […]
God’s Judgment: A Summons to Repent
One of the most important questions you can ever wrestle with is this: Which judge of your life matters most to you? Lots of people will have this or that […]
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 […]
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 […]
3 Steps for Choosing Obedience When You Suffer
When I contemplate human suffering, two words come to my mind: lamb stew. One winter evening I joined a friend in her home for dinner. I looked forward to it […]
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 […]
Because You Say So, I Will
God’s ways are higher than our ways, so it’s no wonder that some of His commands don’t always make sense to us. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of people […]
Accountability and the Bible: Are Christians Supposed to Hold Each Other Accountable?
Not too long ago, I attended church where I had been the senior minister/pastor many years earlier. After church, I had a conversation with a man about a Bible professor […]
Does Our Character Affect How We Understand Scripture?
Cultivating a virtuous character influences how we understand Scripture in three ways: it helps us understand Scripture’s relevance, Scripture’s requirements, and Scripture’s richness. Do our character and obedience play a […]
Practicing Periodic Disobedience
When you were a kid, did you ever find yourself saying, “You’re not my boss”? Hopefully not to your parents, but perhaps to a bossy older brother or a bossy […]
Learning by Doing: Preparing People We Lead for Action
Several important things changed for my son during the summer between his 8th and 9th grade year of school. Not only was that the summer we moved from Iowa back […]
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 […]
7 Preaching Trends Needed in 2022 More Than Ever
7 Preaching Trends Needed for Bold, Authentic Preaching in 2022 Unity-centered preaching strengthens the church by calling people back to Jesus’ mission over cultural division. Kingdom-sized perspective fuels hope when […]
Dr. Carol Swain on the Challenges Christian Face Today
Challenges Christian Face Today: Urgent Wake-Up Call Modern influences like social media, podcasts, and cultural voices can disciple believers into “self-inspired theology” that slowly weakens faith. Renewing the mind means […]
Dr. Carol Swain on the Challenges Christian Face Today
Dr. Carol Swain on Living Faithfully in a Confusing Age Through personal testimony, Dr. Swain recounts how her journey from academic success to Christian conviction reshaped her identity in Christ. […]
What’s the Point of Teaching the Bible?
Obedience-Based Discipleship: Unshakable Hope Teaching the Bible must lead to obedience, because the Great Commission calls us to teach disciples to obey everything Jesus commanded. Part-time learning can become on-the-job […]
How Does 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Kingdom Life Author Q&A – Kelvin Teamer with Bobby Harrington
‘Kingdom Life’ Author Q&A and Insights on God’s Reign Bobby Harrington interviews Kelvin Teamer about Kingdom Life and why the kingdom of God is central to Jesus’ message. Through their […]
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 […]
Learning Faithful Faith from the Church in Niger
Church in Niger and Faith That Serves Through Persecution After riots destroyed Christian buildings and homes, believers responded by caring for hospitals, prisons, and the very communities that harmed them. […]
How Do We Share the Gospel?
Sharing the Gospel: Witnessing to Jesus the Victorious King Obedience to Jesus requires sharing the gospel, even when culture resists through skepticism, narcissism, and false tolerance. Witness includes both history […]
What Does It Mean to Repent?
Repentance: What It Means to Truly Turn to Jesus Genuine repentance shows up as a change in heart and behavior, not just an apology without follow-through. Paul’s dramatic turnaround and […]
Does Hebrews Teach We Can Lose Our Salvation?
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Gardening and Spiritual Growth
Spiritual Growth: Cultivating Faith Through Gardening Lessons Spiritual Growth may start small like a seed, but God can multiply simple obedience into lasting impact. Gardening shows that what we sow […]
What Is a Disciple of Jesus?
Disciple of Jesus Foundations for True Discipleship This teaching unpacks Mark 1:17 to show that a Disciple of Jesus is someone who follows him, is transformed by him, and learns […]
Why Are the Teachings and Life of Jesus Important for Disciple Making?
Teachings and Life of Jesus in Disciple Making Teachings and Life of Jesus anchor the Great Commission, where making disciples means teaching people to obey everything he commanded, not just […]
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 […]
Disciple Making Author Q&A – Bobby Harrington & Scott Sager
Disciple Making Q&A Perspectives on the Church’s Mission Bobby and Scott explain that disciple making is the core mission of the church, grounded in Jesus’ model of intentional relational formation. […]
Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity: The Banned Books and Podcasts (Part 4)
Progressive Christianity Part 4 Lessons from Deconstruction Dave recounts a slow slide into progressivism. Influences like C.S. Lewis, Rob Bell, and The Liturgists shaped his doubts, loosening his trust in […]
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 […]
Are We Eternally Secure or Must We Have Faithful Faith?
Faithful Faith: Eternal Security and Obedient Trust Faithful Faith contrasts Calvinism and Arminianism, showing how both camps insist that genuine salvation must produce a transformed, persevering life. Dangerous distortions of […]
Worship Leader Q&A: What Steps Invite the Skeptic Back?
Skeptic Back in the Journey to Wholehearted Worship Honest stories from worship leaders walking through divorce, grief, and doubt help skeptics see that broken people can still sing about God’s […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
There Are Two Crosses in the Life of a Christian
Life of a Christian – Walking the Path of Two Crosses Carrying the two crosses reveals true discipleship. Christ’s cross brings salvation, while our cross calls us to die to […]
What Are 5 Things People Want from God That Don’t Exist?
5 Things People Want from God – Exposing Impossible Desires 5 Things People Want from God uncovers five “non things.” Many people long for God to affirm every decision, fix […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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. […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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, […]
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, […]
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 […]
On Gender and the Bible: One Church’s Real-World Fight (Part 8)
One Church Real-World Fight and Biblical Transformation Building a culture rooted in Scripture, One Church’s Real-World Fight recounts how obedience reshaped leadership and deepened faith. Through consistent discipleship and prayerful […]
Learning a Grace-Filled Approach to Ministry: Sacrificial Love
Sacrificial Love in Grace-Filled Ministry Christ’s example in Philippians 2 shows love that surrenders status, modeling how leaders lay down preferences for God’s will. Practically, ministers restrain ego, accept correction, […]
Are We Turning into Skeptics of the Bible?
Skeptics of the Bible – Cultural Drift & Gospel Remedy Enlightenment roots, failed institutions, and online echo chambers train people to distrust external authority—including Scripture. Real-life fallout appears in moral […]
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 […]
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 […]
Life-Changing Paragraphs: A Paragraph That Kept Me in Ministry
Paragraph That Kept Me in Ministry — Costly Grace That Reshaped a Calling Bonhoeffer’s costly-vs-cheap grace showed that true discipleship demands surrender yet gives the only true life. At a […]
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 […]
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. […]
Matters of Trust: A Crisis of Crumbling Authority
Crumbling Authority in Our Homes and Hearts From Vietnam and Watergate to social media echo chambers, institutional trust collapsed and “trust me” turned suspect. Young families now prize independence over […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
When Should You Confront a Fellow Christian’s Sin? Part 1
Fellow Christian’s Sin in Church Discipline Scripture separates fuzzy conscience matters from blatant disobedience that calls for loving intervention. Paul’s guidance urges humble judgment “inside” the church to rescue the […]
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 […]
Introducing the Lifestyle of “Theopraxy”
Theopraxy — Living in God’s Will Daily Rooted in Jesus, it means knowing Him, imitating Him, and seeking God’s Kingdom above competing duties. Practically, you learn to recognize God’s voice, […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
The How’s of Humility
Humility Practices for Real-Life Formation Fasting exposes dependence on God and quickly reorients the heart toward Him. Seeing God’s majesty—making God big in your mind—reshapes pride into worship. Choosing lowly […]
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 Problem of Sin and Rhett & Link’s Deconversion
Problem of Sin and Its Impact on Faith Problem of Sin shows how Rhett and Link confused guilt with conviction, leaving them distant from true repentance and forgiveness. By neglecting […]
Discipling Busy People Online (and More), Part 2
Discipling Busy People Online Part 2 and Its Practical Insights Discipling Busy People Online Part 2 demonstrates how flexible online groups make space for discipleship despite hectic schedules. The article […]
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 […]
The Power of Reading the Bible with Brothers
Power of Reading the Bible and Its Life Impact Power of Reading the Bible is shown through the author’s journey of finding faith, conviction, and transformation when guided by committed […]
Don’t Even Think About Discipleship Until You’re Doing This First
Think About Discipleship and Growing Through Scripture Daily engagement with God’s Word equips disciple makers, creating habits that strengthen faith and provide life-giving guidance for others. Scripture transforms both heart […]
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 […]
What Makes Premarital Sex So Bad (Part 2)
What Makes Premarital Sex So Bad Part 2: Design, Purpose, and Covenant Sex as God’s gracious gift. God intends sex for joyful, self-giving love—not self-centered use—so healthy habits start before […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Astros: A Cautionary Tale
Astros Reveal Pitfalls of Cutting Corners in Faith Astros serves as a warning that even impressive success can unravel when integrity is compromised. Cutting corners might bring results, but at […]
How the Resurrection Fuels Disciple Making
Resurrection Awakens Mission-Fueled Devotion Resurrection proves life-changing truth. Mary’s encounter with the risen Christ transformed her sorrow into bold testimony. Faith was reignited by Resurrection hope. Jesus’ tender call to […]
Promise Keepers and the Power of Prayer
Power of Prayer That Ignited a Movement Power of Prayer shaped every decision and step of the Promise Keepers’ leadership as they relied on God’s wisdom and presence. Dedicated intercessory […]
10 Things Every Christian Should Do When Traveling Abroad
10 Things Every Christian Should Do While Immersed in New Cultures 10 Things Every Christian Should Do starts with embracing humility through language barriers and cultural differences. Supporting missionaries and […]
Why Not the Increase? (Hint: Consider First-Century Weddings)
First-Century Weddings Reveal Why Many Churches Miss the Increase Rooted in Jewish tradition, first-century weddings emphasized the groom—not the bride—helping clarify John the Baptist’s role and mindset. John’s example shows […]
Will God Move for You?
Will God Move for You: Discern God’s Presence Today Uncertainty often clouds our belief that God moves personally, even if we accept that He acts elsewhere or in the past. […]
Kingdom VS Democracy
Kingdom VS Democracy—Following a Higher Rule Kingdom VS Democracy contrasts the sovereignty of Christ’s Kingdom with the self-governance ideals of democracy. Jesus’ Kingdom perspective demands submission to divine authority, not […]
An Inviting Alternative to Defensiveness
Defensiveness: Responding with Grace Over Reaction Rather than snapping back, Christians can follow Jesus’ model of disarming skepticism with gentle invitations to explore faith. By shifting the focus from rebuttals […]
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, […]
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 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, […]
Deep Roots in Jesus
Deep Roots in Jesus: Why Surface-Level Faith Isn’t Enough Deep Roots in Jesus start with surrender. Dave Clayton shares how self-reliance, even in ministry, can lead to spiritual emptiness without […]
Refueling When You’ve Been Rejected
Rejected: How God Refuels the Wounded Facing dismissal isn’t unfamiliar to Jesus. From His hometown to His closest circles, He knew the sting of being turned away—and still pressed on […]
If I Had One Sermon to Preach to the American Church
American Church: Returning to the Lordship of Jesus Salvation without surrender isn’t biblical. Many profess belief in Jesus without submitting to His Lordship, distorting the gospel message. Discipleship must follow […]
Freedom Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Means
Freedom: Discovering True Submission to God’s Design Freedom isn’t autonomy. The article debunks the myth that doing whatever you want equals real freedom—it often leads to bondage instead. God’s rule […]
Planet
Planet: How the Bible Warns Against Wandering from the Truth Planet means “to go astray.” In Greek, planetes refers to wandering stars—mirroring how people drift from God’s truth. Spiritual wandering […]
What Were the Scariest Words of Jesus?
What Were the Scariest Words of Jesus? – Lessons from an Uncommon Invitation Jesus’ words “Follow Me” challenge comfort and call us into courageous faith. True discipleship demands more than […]
Is It Legalism–or Obedience?
Legalism or Obedience: Discerning the Heart Behind the Action Understand the crucial distinction between obedience rooted in grace and legalism driven by self-righteousness. Learn how cultural confusion and fear of […]
Bridge the Gap
Bridge the Gap: How Faithful Preaching Connects a Changing World Bridge the Gap calls Christian leaders to remain faithful to Scripture while building relational bridges in a culture drifting from […]
A Road Map to Women’s Discipleship
A Road Map to Women’s Discipleship: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Mentoring A Road Map to Women’s Discipleship draws from Acts 2 to model how women can walk alongside each […]
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 […]
You’ve Got Chores in the Household of God
Chores in the Household of God: What It Means to Belong Chores in the Household of God reminds us that responsibilities in God’s family aren’t about earning our place—they’re a […]
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 […]
3 Dilemmas, 2 Discoveries, and 1 Desire: My Thoughts on Matthew Bates’s Gospel Allegiance
3 Dilemmas, 2 Discoveries, and 1 Desire: A Gospel Wake-Up Call Evangelism often lacks depth, leading to conversions without lasting discipleship or allegiance to King Jesus. Misunderstandings about the gospel […]
3 Reasons Why I (Still) Serve in Student Ministry
3 Reasons Why I Still Serve in Student Ministry: How Serving Teens Transforms, Challenges, and Rewards Student ministry is spiritually refining. Serving teens exposes personal growth areas and forces a […]
3 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from Lawn Care
3 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from Lawn Care That Matter 3 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from Lawn Care teach spiritual truths. Jesus often used nature to explain faith, and lawn […]
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 […]
The Perfect Lie of Discipleship
The Perfect Lie of Discipleship: Breaking the Myth of Perfection The Perfect Lie of Discipleship confronts the false belief that we must be flawless to disciple others, reminding us that […]
Devotion to Each Other
Devotion to Each Other and Its Role in Church Unity Devotion to each other shapes Christian identity. Believers are called to stay connected and work through relational tension as a […]
Is God Petty?
Is God Petty – Wrestling with Divine Justice Divine punishment seems excessive. The article recounts the story of Elijah and the youths, asking whether God’s response appears disproportionate. Tension emerges […]
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 […]
My Decade as a Born-Again Virgin & Why the World Doesn’t Understand Sex
Understanding the Impact: Why the World Does not Understand Sex The world’s view of sex feels hollow. Jon Sherwood reflects on how worldly pleasure left him empty and searching for […]
Is Anxiety Interfering in Your Relationship with God?
Is Anxiety Interfering in Your Relationship with God? Understand Its Spiritual Impact Is anxiety interfering in your relationship with God through fear-based faith? When fear replaces reverence, even worship can […]
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 […]
4 Righteous Responses to Evil (and Which Ones Are in Our Job Description)
4 Righteous Responses to Evil That Honor God Hate evil without harming others. Scripture urges us to abhor evil while remaining rooted in love and humility. Grieve sin but skip […]
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. […]
Your Worth as a Disciple Maker
Disciple Maker Insights – Why Your Role Matters More Than You Know Being a Disciple Maker is about more than mentoring others—it’s about reflecting the heart of Jesus in everyday […]
Is it safe to follow my feelings? (Reflections on Lukianoff & Haidt’s The Coddling of the American Mind – Part 2 of 3)
Is It Safe to Follow My Feelings When They Distort the Truth? Emotional instincts may mislead. The article explores how modern culture promotes emotions as the ultimate authority, using The […]
Start where Jesus starts…with respect.
Start Where Jesus Starts With Reverence: Responding to a Disrespectful Age Start where Jesus starts—with reverence. True relationship with God begins with honoring His name, just as Jesus did in […]
Jesus Never Lost at Rock, Paper, Scissor
Jesus Never Lost: What Rock, Paper, Scissors Reveals About His Priorities Discover how Jesus ranked justice, mercy, and faithfulness over ritual. See why “Jesus Never Lost” applies to His moral […]
Training for More
Embrace God’s Purpose and Wholeness Through Training for More Training for More invites us to move beyond temporary fitness goals and embrace lasting transformation—physically, spiritually, and emotionally. When we shift […]