Costly Obedience and the Restoration Movement

The Restoration Movement emerged from a collective belief that Jesus’ prayer in John 17 called for obedience rather than admiration. Barton W. Stone and Alexander Campbell thought that Christian division […]

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 to Appreciate About N. T. Wright

The following is an excerpt from John Whittaker’s N. T. Wright: A Theological Appraisal. For the full eBook, click HERE.  Personally, I am grateful for the teaching of N. T. […]

Does the Bible Say the Earth is Flat?

In study of the scriptures, even during the time of Jesus, there are some questions that are far more loaded than they need to be. Think back to when the […]

A Case for Bible Words

Each culture develops its own language. This is true not only within ethnic cultures but within subcultures. Within the basketball culture there are words such as “cut,” “flare screen,” “zone,” […]

The Importance of Reading Scripture Out Loud

Reading Scripture Out Loud

It is a fascinating fact of intellectual history that, in antiquity, reading was not the silent, solitary endeavor we assume today, but rather an event of the spoken word—aural, communal, […]

Bible Sales are up 22%. What Does That Mean?

Bible Sales are up 22%. What Does That Mean?

I recently saw some good news in a Wall Street Journal article explaining that, according to book tracker Circana Bookscan, Bible sales have increased 22% since last fall, and signs […]

How Can We Treat the Bible like Jesus Did?

In times of increasing skepticism about the Bible’s authority, we need to return to who Jesus is and how He viewed the Bible. (See articles 1 and 2 here.) How […]

Do You Have Spiritual Heartburn?

Do You Have Spiritual Heartburn?

They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:32, ESV) […]

Why Memorize Scripture? 3 Reasons

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 […]

Two Effects the Word of God Can Have on You

Two Effects the Word of God Can Have on You

What effect does the Word of God have on you? It’s not the same for every person. The following is an excerpt from Tina Wilson’s 365-day chronological Bible study Step […]

Developing and Cultivating Patience

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 […]

Storytelling: What Metaphor Means

We use metaphors often in conversation, but have you ever wondered what metaphor means? A metaphor is a figure of speech which explains a more abstract topic by making a […]

Storytelling: What Are Conflicts in a Story?

In this article, Taffeta Chime explores what are conflicts in a story. Other articles in this series include “Why Storytelling Is Important to the Life of a Christian,” “How to […]

Storytelling: How to Create Good Characters

How to Create Good Characters

How to Create Good Characters: Relatable, Complex, Real Truth-based details make characters relatable when you draw from real people, keen observation, and solid research. Complexity grows when writers know the […]

What’s the Point of Teaching the Bible?

Obedience-Based Discipleship

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 […]

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, […]

4 Ways to Wreck Your Understanding of Scripture

Understanding of Scripture

Understanding of Scripture Grows When You Avoid These Pitfalls Failing to read Scripture repeatedly undermines biblical meditation and weakens long-term comprehension. Unnoticed assumptions—about words, doctrines, or worldview—can force the text […]

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 […]

Learning Faithful Faith from the Church in Niger

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. […]

Habitual Sin: Do We Want to Get Well?

Habitual Sin

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 […]

How People Make the Commitment to Jesus in Baptism

baptism commitment

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

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. […]

The Bible Is Better Than Broccoli

Bible Is Better

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, […]

3 Steps to Passing Along the Faith: Repeat (Part 3)

Shema

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 […]

Gardening and Spiritual Growth

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 […]

How to Read Hard Bible Passages

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 […]

How to Read the Bible like a Progressive

Read the Bible like a Progressive

Read the Bible like a Progressive with Clear Discernment Progressive reading is shown as rewriting essential Christian doctrines to fit Western cultural values while proudly selecting which Scriptures still apply. […]

An Invitation to Come in Out of the Dark

Dark

Dark — Pathways into God’s Light From Genesis to John, Scripture shows God’s presence bringing light that exposes deception and brings order to chaos. Turning to Jesus, the Light of […]

When You Worry, Remember God Is at Work

Worry

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 […]

3 Spiritual Boundary Stones to Leave in Place

Boundary Stones

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

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 […]

Losing My Faith…in Progressive Christianity (Part 1)

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 […]

A New Year…in the Eyes of the Lord

New Year

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 […]

Something to Behold

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 […]

Are We Turning into Skeptics of the Bible?

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 […]

Life-Changing Paragraphs: Mere Drift

Mere Drift

Mere Drift — Training the Habit of Faith Lewis shows how moods rebel against reason and why training the habit of faith anchors belief amid shifting feelings. Daily practices—prayer, Bible […]

Q: What If My Kid Thinks the Bible Is Boring?

Bible Is Boring

Bible Is Boring — Helping Kids Engage Scripture Love and kindness are current. Show that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so his way remains deeply relevant. Relationship […]

Shane Wood – Enneagram Micro Course – Introduction

Shane Wood: The Enneagram: A Disciple Making Tool? 6/13

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

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 […]

Caution Fatigued, Yet?

Caution Fatigued

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 […]

How Do I Build Peace into a Stressful Day?

How Do I Build Peace into a Stressful Day

How Do I Build Peace into a Stressful Day — Everyday Practices Deep breaths, worship “timeouts,” and coloring prayers create quick “rock-a-chair” moments that quiet anxiety. Writing laments and honest […]

It’s Time for a Second Wind

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 […]

I’ve Got Peace like a Rocking Chair

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 […]

Preparing Students for College: Cultural Discernment

Cultural Discernment

Cultural Discernment for College Faithfulness Filtering every lecture, message, and lifestyle cue through Scripture equips freshmen to choose communities and habits that honor Jesus. Teaching the Bible’s meta-narrative forms a […]

Growing Wise in the School of Waiting

Growing Wise

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 […]

4 Spiritual Pitfalls at the University

4 Spiritual Pitfalls

4 Spiritual Pitfalls on the College Journey Autonomy tempts freshmen toward parties, hookups, and neglect of Scripture and fellowship unless wise boundaries are chosen. In classrooms and peer culture, challenges […]

Did Jesus Really Mean “Judge Not”?!

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 […]

Home Alone: Surviving the Pandemic for Married Couples

Surviving the Pandemic

Surviving the Pandemic and Strengthening Marriage Surviving the Pandemic in marriage means de-escalating conflicts with calm listening, empathy, and patience rooted in Scripture. Identifying deeper motives behind arguments helps uncover […]

Communing with the Church, from My Kitchen

Communing with the Church

Communing with the Church in Everyday Life Communing with the Church transcends distance, as taking communion at home during Easter revealed unity with believers around the world. Personal reflection deepens […]

5 Sources of Endurance

5 Sources of Endurance

5 Sources of Endurance – Building Strength in Faith 5 Sources of Endurance emphasize that God, Scripture, and prayer provide the foundation believers need to persevere through trials. Hope in […]

An Untossable Faith

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. […]

The Power of Reading the Bible with Brothers

Power of Reading the Bible

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 […]

Hope in Bleak Midwinter

Hope

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

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 […]

The Seasonal Nature of Discipling

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 […]

6 Lenses for Reading the Psalms (Part 2)

6 Lenses for Reading the Psalms Part 2

6 Lenses for Reading the Psalms Part 2 for Christ-Focused Reading Jesus’ prayers and quotes—from Psalm 22 on the cross to Luke 24:44—teach us to wear “Jesus glasses,” seeing his […]

Push-Ups: A Parable of Spiritual Growth

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 […]

6 Lenses for Reading the Psalms (Part 1)

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. […]

Why Wonder

Why Wonder

Why Wonder Sparks Transformational Worship Wonder renews stale worship. Predictable formats can dull hearts, but reintroducing awe recenters our attention on Jesus’ majesty. Gratitude opens the eyes of faith. When […]

The Most Important Habit for 2020

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 […]

Refueling When You’ve Been Rejected

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 […]

Overcoming Staleness in Bible Reading

Overcoming Staleness

Overcoming Staleness in Bible Reading: Reignite Your Passion Overcoming staleness begins by recognizing seasons of inconsistency and spiritual dryness, while choosing to reengage God’s Word with intention. Consistency and obedience […]

A Road Map to Women’s Discipleship

Road Map to Womens 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 […]

Stressed Out? Try Celebrating.

Stressed Out? Try Celebrating

Stressed Out? Try Celebrating – A Biblical Response to Anxiety Stressed Out? Try Celebrating explores how rejoicing in God can calm anxiety and reset our mindset, even in life’s hardest […]

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 […]

The Perfect Lie of Discipleship

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 […]

The Cure for Loneliness

The Cure for Loneliness

The Cure for Loneliness: What You Need to Know Loneliness is a growing epidemic—even among the faithful. Despite our hyper-connected world, many feel isolated, overlooked, and emotionally burdened. God’s answer […]

Shane Wood on Why He Loves Revelation

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 […]

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 […]

Caiaphas’ House

Caiaphas House: Uncovering a First-Century Historical Landmark Caiaphas House Discovered: Archaeologists uncovered a first-century palatial home in Jerusalem that aligns with Gospel accounts, believed to be the actual Caiaphas House […]