Get ’Em in the River
Ever since I sat in a river named Río Espíritu Santo in Puerto Rico last year, my approach to discipleship has shifted slightly. The river’s name in English literally means […]
How does the Trinity make sense?
How would you answer the question, “So, the Holy Spirit is God, but so is the Father and so is Jesus—and yet there’s one God? How does the Trinity make […]
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 […]
Why I’m Excited About the Future of the Restoration Movement
Full disclosure: I’ve been a part of a “Restoration Movement” church since preschool. If I sound like a “Campbellite,” it could be due to being dyed in the wool as […]
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 […]
Salvation: We Have Been, Are Being, and Shall Be Saved
When I was a kid, around ten years old, my mom took me to a big revival meeting in some large municipal auditorium in our city. I forget who was […]
Church History Debates: The Filioque & From Whom the Holy Spirit Proceeds
From whom does the Holy Spirit proceed—just God the Father or the Father and the Son? And does it matter? This debate would go on to play a pivotal role in fracturing […]
Led by the Spirit: 5 More Ways to Listen to the Holy Spirit
We are told throughout the New Testament that the alternative to walking in sinful ways and in the same old errors of the world is to be led by the […]
Led by the Spirit: 5 Ways to Listen to the Holy Spirit’s Voice
Many people assume that the only “real” world is the one that they can observe with their five senses. Yet the Bible teaches that there is another reality just as […]
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 […]
He Is Not Far from Us
Jacob, the swindler, was on the run. Then “he reached a certain place.” Not just any place, mind you. His grandfather, Abram, once built an altar to God in Bethel […]
Gifts of the Spirit? A Seeking but Discerning Approach
One of the important points of emphasis in Scripture is the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, it is also a point of contention in many churches. What should we […]
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 […]
Let the Holy Spirit Guide You
One of the dominant realities we learn throughout the Bible is that God is that we are not alone. Jeff Faull describes this fundamental reason we have for encouragement.
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, […]
Questioning the Asbury Revival?
For those of us who believe God is really doing something special with the Asbury revival right now, it can be hard to hear criticism and questions of what is […]
The Real Presence is the Holy Spirit
Provocative discussions with a friend about the Eucharist drew me to a careful re-reading of the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John, because it is John 6 which many […]
Spiritual Warfare: Getting Clear on Our Real Enemy
What is spiritual warfare? Spiritual warfare is what the apostle Paul calls “our struggle…against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm” (Eph. 6:12). When we say spiritual, Americans […]
The Symbiotic Relationship Between Prayer and Fasting
I really enjoy a good, robust cup of coffee in the morning. It’s a great way to get my day started. I love the smell, the aroma, and the warmth […]
A Principled Approach: What DMMs Know and Are Teaching Us
In recent years many of us in church leadership have begun paying attention to what is happening in Disciple Making Movements (DMM). If you are unfamiliar with DMM, let me […]
Two-Fisted Fighting (Spiritually): The Importance of Relationships AND Truth
I am the lead pastor/minister of a church in Post Falls, Idaho, but many people who know me have heard about my past in wrestling. At the collegiate level, I […]
How the Spirit Helps Us Pray to Our Father Who Is in Heaven
How do we pray to “our Father who is in heaven”? It’s a process that involves God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. It is God’s Son […]
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 […]
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. […]
Who Is the God of the Gospel?
Trinity and the God the Gospel Reveals Explore how the gospel discloses the one true God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit within history—through the Son’s coming and the Spirit’s […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
How Do We Seek the Holy Spirit’s Leadership in Our Lives?
Holy Spirit Led Through Spiritual Practices and Daily Submission Prayer clears inner space so the spiritual dimension becomes visible again instead of being drowned out by constant physical distractions. Fasting […]
How Does the Holy Spirit Make Us like Jesus?
Holy Spirit Filled and Becoming Like Jesus The Holy Spirit unites believers in one shared life with God, building deep community and strengthening the church. Romans 8 highlights how the […]
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 […]
How Does the Holy Spirit Move Us toward Jesus?
Holy Spirit Move: Word, Power, and Conviction Holy Spirit Move through the Word as He inspires Scripture to reveal God clearly and invite us into a relationship with Jesus. Signs, […]
Who Is the Holy Spirit? A Brief Introduction
Who Is the Holy Spirit: Unfolding His Identity in Scripture Early glimpses of the Spirit show Him as God’s powerful, sometimes unpredictable presence, moving like wind and inspiring prophets in […]
What Is a “Spirit”?
What Is a Spirit: Discovering the World Beyond the Visible Defining a spirit shows it as a personal being who transcends the physical world yet can actively influence events within […]
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 Holy Spirit Is on the Move
Holy Spirit Is on the Move Across the Globe Holy Spirit Is on the Move as explosive growth in Africa, Latin America, and Asia shows millions turning to Jesus through […]
How Do Disciples Live in This World?
Disciples Live in This World: Empowered by the Holy Spirit Disciples Live in This World by pursuing an immersive relationship with the Holy Spirit, not just routines or techniques. Acts […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Restoring Our City – Q&A with Kelvin Teamer
Restoring — Spirit-Led Renewal in Atlanta Monthly prayer walks through City Hall, campuses, and shuttered business corridors ask God to heal disorder and plant the kingdom’s flag in the city. […]
Do I Love People? Honestly?
Love People with Biblical Integrity Scripture grounds love in Mark 12:31, 1 Corinthians 13, and 1 John 4:19, moving believers from judgment to empathy shaped by God’s character. Through prayer […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Developing a Prayer and Fasting Culture: A Q&A with David Roadcup and Bobby Harrington
Q&A with David Roadcup and Bobby Harrington — A Churchwide Prayer & Fasting Path Leaders emphasize that sustained prayer and fasting often precede revival and should become steady rhythms in […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Grieving the Beliefs You Leave Behind
Grieving the Beliefs — Walking Through Change Recognizing denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance helps Christians process loss as old views yield to biblical convictions. Examples such as resurrection hope, […]
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, […]
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 […]
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. […]
Embracing the Truth about Your Adoption
Truth about Your Adoption and Spiritual Identity Discover how the Truth about Your Adoption reveals God’s plan to bring you into His family and give you a new identity in […]
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 […]
The Holy Spirit Is Doing What the Holy Spirit Does
The Holy Spirit Is Doing What the Holy Spirit Does – Powerful Renewal The article challenges the narrative that Christianity is declining, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit continues to renew […]
The Joker’s Smile
The Joker’s Smile: Disturbing Delight or Spiritual Danger? The Joker’s Smile isn’t frightening because of makeup, but because it celebrates cruelty without guilt, reflecting evil embraced without remorse. Sin seduces […]
Growing Deeper in Prayer
Growing Deeper in Prayer: What You Need to Know Prayer is a personal journey, not a destination. Sydney Clayton shares how growing deeper in prayer begins with recognizing God’s Spirit […]
Forthcoming: ‘Baptism According to Scripture: A Clear, Short, and Unfiltered Guide’
Baptism According to Scripture: What This New Guide Will Help You Understand Baptism According to Scripture is more than tradition—it’s about transformation, repentance, and new life in Christ. This clear […]