Good Theology Leads To Good Sex
Voddie Baucham explains why Christians often miss out on the joy of sex because of some weird teachings and cultural perceptions about it. Getting our theology straight will help us enjoy sexuality as God designed it.
Reflections On The Youth Ministry Trap
Looking back on my many years in youth ministry, I see that I was working so hard to win the hearts of students to the youth group. I want the youth group to be the place where they found their connection, community, and identity. What I should have done was sought to win their hearts to their families and to our entire church. My mission should have been to help them find their connection, community, and identity at home and with our entire church family, not only with their peers.
How To Kill Your Irritability
Irritability. I give into it too often. It’s time to take this sin more seriously and lay it aside (Hebrews 12:1). Every time I’m irritable I burden myself with the detrimental weights of prideful selfishness and relational conflict. And as my irritation overflows on others, it burdens them too because my harsh words stir up anger in them (Proverbs 15:1).
We like to blame our irritability on someone or something else. We try to convince ourselves (and them) that they make us irritated. If they were different,we wouldn’t be irritated. Or we blame it on being tired, ill or stressed. But Paul diagnoses irritability as a heart disease; a failure to love: “Love… is not irritable” (1 Corinthians 13:5).
Doing Ministry Is One Thing, And Doing Life Is Another, Right? Wrong!
I’ve grown up in church my whole life, but if I’m being totally honest, I never really felt like I fit there. Don’t get me wrong. I’m good at making myself fit. I could show up every Sunday morning, help with setup and tear-down, come again on Wednesday night, sign up to volunteer for the different programs, etc.
But at the end of the day, I never really felt like myself when I was doing those things.
But when I got quiet with myself, when I settled down to fall asleep at the end of the day, I knew something was off. I wished I wanted to do the things I was doing. But the God-honest truth was: I was forcing it.
Sunday Sermon: Your Family & God’s Plan, Part 2
Dr. Rob Rienow shows how the first command to humans to be fruitful and multiply is still in effect. The primary means by which this happens is through families passing on faith from generation to generation. The Great Commission is really a recapitulation of this original mission and it is also accomplished primarily by the same means: Multi-generational faithfulness.
Note: This sermon is part 2 of another sermon that was previously posted here.
How Church History Informs Church Present And Church Future
Knowing our spiritual ancestry puts our sorrows, anxieties and wounds into perspective. Ours is a historical foundation built on the blood of martyrs — Christians willing to live so radically for Jesus they considered it joy to die for Him. Yet I frequently experience Christians leaving contemporary churches in droves because they don’t have a category for pain. They believe they are alone, and that sorrow is unique to them. This is the fruit of a individualistic, self-preoccupied society which has pervaded the Western Church as well as the culture. When people walk away from faith, it’s sometimes because they are ill-equipped to understand the paradoxical tension between the goodness of God and the reality of pain. And this is why Church history matters.
P.S. The dropdown menu at the top of the DailyEdify site allows you to find posts by category. One of those categories is “History.” Don’t be shy about using it.
What Happens When We Live In A Fatherless World?
Father in our world is absent, first because he is gone all day at work, out of the sight of his children, and second because society marginalizes and mocks his role in the family. Now, it’s not that we can go back to a pre-industrial lifestyle. The life of the parents, father included, took place before the eyes of the children. Further, what he contributed was physically and emotionally was seen as necessary. No important aspect of the adult life would have taken place outside of the children’s sight.
Understand The Difference Between Modern Family And Biblical Family
In honor of Throwback Thursday, we are remembering a video post in which Jeremy Pryor explains how the Bible’s view of family collides with modern Western views of family. The insightful comparisons and contrasts between these two models of family shed a very helpful light on the issue of family and what we can do to correct some of the problems families face today.
Don’t Ask People If They Want To Be Saved, Let Them Ask You How To Be Saved
Dr. John Perkins is a prominent voice in reconciliation ministry. When he speaks, people listen. So, listen to his explanation of why we should stop asking people if they want to be saved.
Sons Of God: A Documentary About The Love Of God
This video is a short trailer for a new documentary about God’s work of reconciliation in Christ. The documentary is called Sons of God. It features many noteworthy contributors who share stories of how God has healed people and broken hard hearts to reveal his love. Check out the trailer above. Click the “Read More” button below to see the full documentary for free (no sign ups required).
A Christian Is Someone Who Believes That People Can Change
Once we are labelled, once that sin is attached to you, it is seemingly impossible to break free from it. Even when the label no longer fits. Even when you have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, and have spiritually matured in Christ and repented of these things, and moved on in the power of the Holy Spirit toward Christ-likeness…they can still haunt you. Reputations are nasty, icky, sticky things.
Some people don’t want to believe that people can change. But people do change, because God changes people.
You May Want To Leave Behind The Eschatology Of Left Behind
On October 3rd, 2014 American movie theaters will again be flooded with yet another Christian movie– a remake of the Left Behind cash cow that has taken Western Christianity hostage for more than a generation. Perhaps you’re thinking of going to see the movie– or even worse, maybe you thought of bringing a friend who might actually take the movie seriously. If this is you, please take a moment to consider these 5 things about the Left Behind movie and the theology associated with it.
Sunday Sermon: Your Family & God’s Plan
Dr. Rob Rienow explains what God’s vision for family is and how your family in particular fits into that plan.
Note: See this earlier post about one of Rob Rienow’s excellent books about family vision and leadership.
Note 2: Rob Rienow is doing a free family ministry webinar on October 16, 2014. Check out the details here.
The Church Has A Central Role In Israel’s Spiritual Rebirth
This video offers the perspective of a Jewish believer in Jesus on the topic of God’s plan for Israel and the Church.
Simply put, according to Scripture, the church is the chosen vessel of God to breathe spiritual life back into Israel. Romans chapter 11 reminds us about the mercy that we have received from God through our own salvation, that now we would release that mercy back to Israel. The Jewish people have been supernaturally blinded by God Himself until the appointed time of their redemption (Isaiah 6:9-10).
Where Is God In The Midst Of Suffering?
In the face of affliction we commonly ask, “Where’s God? How could He let this happen?”
One place to find the answer is 2 Peter 3:9:
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
The answer? He is patient with you. He suffers when you suffer.
How To Read The Pastoral Letters Of The New Testament
Tim Mackie explains how to read 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. There are some themes and main points to be aware of in order to understand the message of these letters. (more…)
How To Find Good Church Leaders
Is leadership development biblical or simply borrowed from the business world? That’s the question that launches a fascinating discussion on leadership in the church among pastors Andy Davis, J. D. Greear, and David Helm. (more…)
Many Evangelism Methods Are Presumptuous, So Do It Differently
As I handed the change back to one of the young girls, she handed me a tract with a very sweet smile – and I froze. My entire feeling changed. When they first came up to me at the register I felt a tenderness towards them – they reminded me of me. I was endeared by the idea that they were studying the Bible together at Starbucks, and I marveled in my heart at the work the Lord does in young lives. It was a real sweet feeling I had. Until she handed me the tract.
How Many Churches Are There And Should There Be That Many?
Lets go through Ephesians 4:1-17 verse by verse to look at a Bible definition of the body of Christ. We need to deconstruct what we believe about the church for a minute and see what the Bible says about the body and our faith and it’s action. To make sure what we believe is how it actually is. Remember our beliefs must be from the Bible and the belief made from the Bible in this context of defining the church (since this is its product). As we go through this chapter you will see what the church really is. This is very important because it describes the church as it should be.
How To Tell Right From Wrong In Jewish Roots Teachings
Some Jewish roots movements are spreading mistaken theology. These teachings are creating unnecessary dissension among believers in Yeshua. Many church leaders have distanced themselves from Messianic Judaism because they think we too ascribe to these misguided teachings.
However, there are also right Jewish roots teachers and teachings.
Blessed Are The Peacemakers, Not The Peacekeepers
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Jesus (Matthew 5:9)
Peacekeeping and peacemaking are two very different things. Peacekeepers try to maintain an environment where no offense occurs. They don’t resolve the underlying conflict, but merely keep a peaceful appearance on the outside. Peacemakers, on the other hand, do the arduous task of uncovering wounds and addressing them with vulnerability, honesty, and authenticity. Though it is painful, peacemaking ultimately produces healing.
Sunday Sermon: John Piper Hates Prosperity Preaching And So Should You
In this 10 minute clip, John Piper explains what is so abominable about prosperity preaching. (more…)
Theologian Al Mohler Confronts Prosperity Theology
We had a lively day on the blog with yesterday’s humorous post about Victoria Osteen’s non-sensical drivel. As a followup to that post, I thought you might like to read a thoughtful response from a serious theologian, Dr. Al Mohler.
God’s pleasure in his human creatures centers in his desire and will that they come to faith in Jesus Christ and be saved. The great dividing line in humanity is not between the rich and the poor, the sick and the well, or even the happy and the unhappy. The great divide is between those who, in Christ, have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s glorious light.
Mere happiness cannot bear the weight of the Gospel.
P.S. Be sure to check out Matt Walsh’s similar thoughts on the matter.
Christian Principles Make Great Economic Theory
Beware “Jesuology.” That is how British theologian Oliver O’Donovan describes those Christian public theologies that claim to privilege the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels. Ask a Jesuologist our question and you can guess the answer: “Blessed are the poor” and “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth.”
All true. But Jesus also tells parables about servants who are punished for their terrible return on investment. From which Jesus-sayings should we deduce an economic theory?
Are You Sure That You Are Sure About Your Salvation?
Since I was duly convinced that my “assurance” was the most important issue, there was this unexpected, subtle thing that happened inside me in response to heaven and my eternal assurance. It became of ultimate importance to protect the formula that leads to my 100% assurance.
I have decided to give back my assurance of salvation—or at least to give back the formula. I cannot trust myself to conceive of it in any non-self-serving manner. Maybe it is just me, but I am blinded by self-preservation.
Every Human Empire Is Built Upon A Lie
Every empire of man is built upon a lie.
So when Christ came, he did not bring another empire of men built upon a lie as the liar in the desert tempted.
Instead he brought the Empire of God, Good News!
The Bible Tells Stories Of A Greater And Truer Reality
To some, the Bible seems like an odd collection of disconnected stories. This is not the case though. It presents a grand narrative in which every scene is a building block in constructing a bigger story. Each individual story points beyond itself to a truer and greater reality. This 3 minute video shows the importance of seeing how these stories work to present that truer and greater reality.
Sunday Sermon: Understand The Prophets By Understanding Mt. Sinai
Renowned Old Testament scholar, Walter Bruggemann, explains how the prophets of the Old Testament rooted their message in the on going dialogue between making covenant with God and breaking covenant with God, which is a pattern that was first established in Exodus 19 and Exodus 34. Thus, the message of the prophets is best understood with the covenant narratives of Mt. Sinai in mind.
5 Things That Bring Unity To The Church
I’ve come to believe that instead of being a bunch of churches separated by music style or building, God sees one bride and one city church.
In my experience, we are a divided, fighting, graceless, defensive mess. If your facebook news feed is anything like mine you cannot ignore the Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church controversy that has everyone choosing sides. I do not believe that we should forsake truth or stop defending the oppressed for the sake of unity, but it is my belief that there is a deep problem that exists in our city that is larger than a single worship center or preacher. And unless we seek radical change, the disunity will continue for the Church of Seattle.
If Christians Are People Of The Book, Then Why Are They Biblically Illiterate?
We’ve fooled ourselves into thinking we are a people of the book. Instead, we have become a people of words—but they are our words, made in our image, and if we’re not careful our faith will be too.
When we ignore the question of literacy we risk becoming unmoored from the reason we worship together in the first place. If we are Biblically illiterate then what is the point? The truth is simple: we cannot be God’s people unless we are a people of the Book.
5 Lies That Christian Culture Perpetuates
Many Christians have bought some lies. These lies are hurting us, crippling us. If we, as the Church, are going to become the image of God in the world, there are lies we must drop. Here are a few of the lies many Christians have bought into that are crippling us.
Why We Look The Other Way When Our Leaders Fail
Perhaps evangelicalism would not suffer so many celebrity-leaders with weak character and shallow theology if it was humble enough to admit that it could’ve prevented the problem early on by simply heeding the warnings of more discerning Christians bold enough to expose unbiblical ministry and character! But where big numbers and broad public favor are concerned, red flag-raisers are almost universally scoffed at.
Parenting With Grace Is A Beautiful Demonstration Of The Gospel
Today’s Throwback Thursday post recalls a very practical and insightful video from Paul Trip and Elyse Fitzpatrick. These two parenting gurus share their wisdom about how belief in a gospel of grace affects our approach to parenting. Learn how to model grace to our children as we relate to them.
A Man’s Legacy Is Bound Up With His Son-In-Law
Every man wants to know that their life will matter. Every man wants to leave a legacy when they are gone. This is why it matters how involved you are in your kids lives and what you teach them. When your daughter marries a man, your legacy will be determined by him.
Now, think about how men are involved in who their daughter marries.
They often know very little about the man who marries his daughter. They only know that their daughter likes him, he claims to be a Christian and he came to ask permission for her hand. What a guy.
Sadly, this is typical and seen as a good thing and not even close to be able to know if he is worthy of your daughter.
What To Do When Church Gets In The Way Of The Great Commission
I believe one of the greatest barriers to effectively fulfilling the great commission could very well be the Church itself. As someone once said, “The quickest way to ‘church the un-churched’ may very well be to ‘un-church the Church’.”
After spending years as a missionary, and more time in a stateside school of ministry that was born out of one of the recent great American revivals, I can tell you this: The Church needs to be reincarnated and redefined.
How To Turn Your Work Into Worship
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
As a follower of Christ our “daily life” mirrors our inward faith and discipleship, or lack thereof. Our actions in the marketplace speak loudly of how we see our lives connecting with God’s Story of Grace.
Parenting A Rebellious Heart
In these situations there is outward obedience or compliance but inward resentment and hostility. There is “heart rebellion.”
If discipline is ultimately about the heart, we cannot let these situations pass by. If we fail to address a problem of the heart when we see it, we are training the child to be a Pharisee. We are training them that their outward behavior is all that matters, and we don’t care about their heart or attitude.
When you have a right action, with a wrong heart – look at these situations as great parenting opportunities. These are prime moments to go directly to matters of the heart, without the complication of disciplining outward behavior.
You Have Two Options When Someone Wrongs You
Someone may have robbed you of some happiness, reputation, opportunity, or certain aspects of your freedom. No price tag can be put on such things, yet we still have a sense of violated justice that does not go away when the other person says, “I’m really sorry.”
When we are seriously wronged we have an indelible sense that the perpetrators have incurred a debt that must be dealt with. Once you have been wronged and you realize there is a just debt that can’t simply be dismissed-there are only two things to do.
Recovering From The Loss Of A Child
A friend of mine had a stillborn daughter a few years ago. His process of recovering from that devastating ordeal was one of the most best examples I have ever seen of how a disciple of Jesus can grieve well. Most of us do not know how to grieve well. Many people have been through this ordeal, or something like it, and yet they remain silent or feel alone in their pain. This story can help you feel less alone and see the value of speaking about your grief.
This is part 1 of a multi-part account of his journey through incredible grief. The button below will take you to part 1, and then you can browse to other chapters of the story from there. Here’s a link to part 2.
Why did this happen? Medically speaking, we don’t know and probably never will know this side of the resurrection. It is hard not knowing what caused this. But the medical questions really aren’t the most difficult ones. There are much bigger questions.
The thing that sustained us wasn’t answers. The thing that held us up were truths regarding our God. He is a good God. He works good through horrible things. He is loving Father. He cares for His children in a way that a human father is unable. He gives and He takes away. And He does everything for His glory and our good.
The Case For Christians To Embrace The Biblical Festival Calendar
We have been robbed of a significant part of our godly heritage through a calendar that was intentionally removed from the biblical one. The early believers in Jesus were all Jewish.
God has a calendar; we have a calendar. He will never get on ours, but it’s best we get on His!
A Church Without Volunteers Would Be A Powerful Thing
Every church knows the value of volunteers.
Volunteers are skilled supportive servants who help improve the structure of the Church.
Yet churches that increase in favour and change the future of the city are thinking differently about volunteers. The Church of the future will move from recruiting volunteers to releasing trusted rulers.
Sunday Sermon: John Piper On Knowing The Will Of God
John Piper explores the question of how we can know the will of God. It turns out the answers are far less elusive than we might think.
Is The Millennial Generation Overrated?
Eugene Cho confesses to being more in love with the idea of changing the world than actually changing it. The millennial generation is praised for all the potential it has, and yet this may only mean that it’s the most overrated generation ever.
Repenting From Worshipping The Idol Of Americanism
In Americanism, America enjoys a special favor from the Lord, not granted to other nations. He has a special love for us, and our history demonstrates the unique role that God has played in the founding of our nation, as opposed, to say, Russia, or Mexico. Why? Because America has made God her God, “honored him” as no other nation has, and so God has made her his nation.
The problem with this view, though, is that it’s actually a heresy, or at least a seriously false teaching.
What’s Wrong (And Right) With Millennials According To Tim Keller?
Tim Keller offers his 2 minute remarks on what the Millennial generation is getting right and wrong.
The Best Hospitality Happens When You’re Not Dressed Up
Today’s Throwback Thursday recalls one of our favorite posts about hospitality.
Over the years, that to-do list has prepared us for hosting company, but it has also prevented us from welcoming friends in our home. Unwritten Southern rules of offering hospitality with excellence have affected how often we invite people in our home. ‘We should have the __________s over sometime.’ And then we delay or postpone the invitation. Why? Because the to-do list is always there, the gap between our day-to-day home and the presentable, acceptable-for-hospitality version of our home.
But over the past several months, Emily and I are learning to lay those conventions aside.
Attacking And Defending Courtship
Thomas Umstattd Jr. recently made a splash with his article “Why Courtship is Fundamentally Flawed.” To be perfectly honest, I thought a number of his points were very good, like frosted flakes in the bowl glinting in the morning light of your quiet breakfast nook. But I also thought that a number of his other points were like mushrooms that somebody stuck in there.
The way men and women get together is a grand mystery. Those who want to reduce this grand mystery to a paint-by-numbers approach, whether that safe and predictable approach is a “courtship” approach, or a clunky approach to traditional dating, are missing something important. Systems won’t solve personal problems.
How To Know God’s Will For Your Life
What is God’s will for my life?
After days and more melty days, I had about given up. I wasn’t hearing much. When I tried to listen to God, my mind instead wandered down trivial paths. And when I talked to God, I felt as if I were whining, babbling like a pagan.
But in stubborn resolve, I persisted. And in one instant I heard a word.
Gratitude: The Antidote To Modern Anxiety
You know that time when the apostle Paul says “don’t worry about anything” I sometimes wonder if he could get away with that today.
Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.
A Glimpse Of Jesus Amid The Michael Brown Tragedy
When the governor put Captain Ron Johnson in charge, something changed. He came not with riot gear, but in his simple uniform. He walked with the people: met with them, listened to them, identified with them. He was from their town. They looked to him and saw him as one of their own. And things de-escalated quickly. He bore his authority in a different way.
Ron Johnson reminds me of Jesus.
Atheist Says Africa Needs God
Now a confirmed atheist, I’ve become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people’s hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.
Alan Hirsch Explains Why Evangelism Can’t Be Our Main Focus
This is part 1 of a two-part series of video posts on Alan Hirsch’s presentation on discipleship. See part 2 here.
Alan Hirsch explains how traditional evangelical thinking that we must evangelize first and then disciple second is flawed. He shows how Jesus had many pre-conversion disciples. The command to his followers is to disciple the nations. Evangelism will happen secondarily and as a function of discipleship. (more…)
Alan Hirsch Explains How Consumerism Affects Modern Evangelism
This is part 2 of a two-part series of video posts on Alan Hirsch’s presentation on discipleship. See part 1 here.
You can’t make disciples out of consumers. You can’t consume your way into the Kingdom. It doesn’t work like that.
A culture of consumerism has influenced how we think of evangelism. Consumers respond to evangelism and come to the church thinking they can remain consumers. But they are wrong. Disciples are producers. But the cycle of consumerism continues as consumers recruit more consumers to their consumer-minded churches. We have to break the consumerism cycle.
How To Detox From The Professional Paid Minister Mentality
This article is mostly written to those brothers and sisters who begin the journey towards total trust in God as your only financial source. The pull of gravity as you escape the gravity from the religious system can be quite overbearing at first. There is good news for the weary pioneer. There is purpose and fruit from all the difficulties we endure.
Since the religious system is fueled and sustained by money, your pocketbook will be the first to feel the price of your new convictions.
Children Are People Too And The Bible Says A Lot About How To Treat People
If you asked me the single most important insight that has shaped my parenting, it would be this: Children are people. It seems self-evident.
If you asked me the single most misleading statement I have heard with regard to parenting, it would be this: The Bible is relatively silent on the topic of parenting. On the surface, this statement appears to be true. That is, until we remember that children are people.
Look For Character Before Competence
Order matters. This is true for massive, complex projects like launching something into space, and it is also true for small, simple things like baking. Across the board, when you get things out of order there can be devastating consequences.
When the apostle Paul challenged Timothy to reproduce himself in others, to broaden the number of leaders, and to hand ministry over to more people, he too had an order. He emphasized character over competence. He didn’t diminish competence, but he started with character.
As Men Go, So Go Marriage, Family, Church
We need to have Jesus disciple us to be who He made us to be.
Then, we need to disciple men to know their identity and role as men.
Then, marriage will be men’s great interest.
Then, the family will bond, heal and thrive.
The church will be strong.
Its work and witness will be powerful.
The weak will be protected, not exploited.
Christ will be glorified.
Curiosity Conquers Boredom And Why It Matters For Christians
The biggest problem with the internet is that it kills curiosity. We used to search for answers; now we just find information. The joy of the quest is dead.
Our hearts, minds, and souls are made for exploration, the cognitive thrill of the inexplicable. We are perplexed, enthralled, intrigued, and captured. Curiosity conquers our boredom.
Considering The Role Of Listening In Evangelism
I breezed through an article on the Huffington Post’s religion section last night before I went to bed and it gnawed at my conscience all night. It’s called “How I Kissed Evangelism Goodbye,” and it is a REALLY GOOD article. But, I think it’s full of bad assumptions and reflects a poor missiology & ecclesiology.
So much of what she said here makes me want to scream “YEAH, THAT’S RIGHT,” but likewise urge caution to not make listening, or any other thing apart from discipleship, the holy grail of evangelism.
A Poetic Response To Mental Illness
In the wake of the news about Robin Williams’ suicide, the issues of mental illness and depression are now on the forefront of many people’s minds. Ann Voskamp has written on of the more grace-filled responses I’ve seen…
I locked lips and heart hard so no one knew about the locked wards and the psychiatric doctors and why my mama was gone and it’s crazy how the stigma around mental health can drive you right insane.
There are some who take communion and anti-depressants and there are those who think both are a crutch.
3 Ways Men Kill Their Marriages And What To Do About It
I’ve seen it first hand in multiple couples. Put them in a group of people and they’ll talk a good talk, but put them in a room together and the communication train de-rails almost immediately. He doesn’t want to say anything to offend her and she is waiting for him to say the wrong thing.
What happens next?
He disengages and resorts to one of the following methods of passivity.
The Collapse Of Evangelicalism And Where It’s Headed Next
As I pointed out in numerous times on this blog, the center of evangelicalism is collapsing. In this post, we will briefly survey the four major streams within evangelicalism with an eye to Christians in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
The common link that ties all four streams together is this: Each group believes that classic evangelical Christianity is inadequate. It has failed to give robust answers to their most serious theological questions and depth to their deepest spiritual longings.
How To Lead Your Children Into A Missional Mindset
Paul Tripp shares his thoughts about how parents can lead their children in a process of becoming mindful of God’s mission and purposes so that they can be aligned with that mission and purpose. In other words, this is about how to disciple our children so that they can disciple others.
Jesus Never Said Following Him Would Be Easy, So Why Do We Say It Is?
Surprisingly, many people don’t reject Christianity because they’ve given up on God. Instead, they’ve given up on the people and things that represent God. They don’t hate Jesus, they just become tired of not finding Him within Christian culture.
As Christians, we sometimes mistakenly try to compensate for God by presenting our faith as easier than it really is. We cover up the ugliness and hardship of authentic faith.
Sunday Sermon: 2 Chron 7:14 Not A Prooftext, But A Call To Faithfulness
Today’s Sunday Sermon is only 6 minutes long. This video observes how 2Chronicles 7:14 is so commonly quoted in contexts where Christians are bemoaning the evil in the world and the immorality of American culture. There is a tendency to call on God to “heal our land” while we ignore his call to live faithfully.
Being A Christian In Iraq Is A Death Sentence: Pray For The Persecuted
My heart breaks over the evil being done in Iraq right now. Christians in America know little about persecution. Click the button below in order to see what persecution looks like. Let us pray fervently for the persecuted.
“Christianity in Mosul is dead, and a Christian holocaust is in our midst,” said Mark Arabo. In an interview with CNN, he called what’s happening in Iraq a “Christian genocide.”
How Fasting From Sugar Can Help You Keep In Step With The Spirit
As a disciple of Jesus, I want to be controlled by only one thing: The Spirit of God. The reality is that people (myself included) are often controlled by many things besides the Spirit. I usually think of myself as a person with very few vices, but the one thing that kept coming to mind as a vice was sugar.
Something was controlling me besides the Spirit. I am a slave to something, and that is inconsistent with my identity as a child of God.
Love Your Enemy: Is That Even Possible?
Using the word “love” for an enemy makes the word “enemy” obsolete. You can’t love an “enemy”! Maybe that’s Jesus’ point: the more we love our enemies, the less enemies the world will have. There will no longer be no “us” or “them.” There will only be “us.”
All the pain and suffering we’ve inflicted on one another will be recompensed in the next life, and as you forgive in this life, you will be forgiven in the next. You have one life now. Make sure you’re using it to fully become more like Christ, forgiving and loving generously.
Imitation Is The Sincerest Form Of Discipleship
The church, by and large, is filled with passive consumers who are unwilling to take spiritual responsibility for the lives of others.
We need to be reminded that the command to “follow me as I follow Christ” is not a statement of arrogance, but the natural outworking of the Spirit of God in the life of all of his church.
Many Who Think They Are Pro-Life Still Act Like They Are Pro-Death
Jesus’ encouragements are for self-examination first. Jesus invited his people to look at the shared struggles that we all face and even to have the courage to examine our own souls and name the sin that is there.
In light of that, I wonder if we need to start by talking about death. And in response to the words of Jesus, I want to take a few minutes to put my finger-pointing away and instead repent that I support, create, and defend a culture of death. I am, in fact, pro-death.
What If The Persecution Of American Christians Is More Imagined Than Real?
Persecution has an allure for many evangelicals. In the Bible, Christians are promised by Saint Paul that they will suffer for Christ, if they love Him. But especially in contemporary America, it is not clear what shape that suffering will take. Narratives of political, cultural, and theological oppression are popular in evangelical communities, but these are sometimes fiction or deeply exaggerated non-fiction—and only rarely accurate.
Trick Question: How Do You Teach Safe Sex?
Nameless, random, uncommitted sex is never safe. Not emotionally, not spiritually, not physically. In fact, no sex is safe. Sex is not supposed to be safe. Sex is meant to be open and exposed. It’s meant to bring out scary and mysterious feelings of desire and devotion.
Call that whatever you like, but you can’t call it safe.
How To Read Proverbs
This 5 minute video shows how the wisdom literature of the book of Proverbs works and give general advice for how to understand the sayings of the book.
Noteworthy Women Of The Reformation
All too often, the textbooks focus solely on the men of the Reformation—Luther, Calvin, Cranmer, and others—and fail to take notice of the faithful women who served among, beside, and with the Reformers.
These women were dedicated to the gospel of Jesus Christ, some to the point of martyrdom. Many of these women were well-educated, especially by the standard of their time. They read theology books, especially the Bible.
4 Flaws In Selling Heaven As The Reason For Following Jesus
I’ve watched over and over as people who signed up for Christianity because of the promise of Heaven grew disillusioned by the unfulfilled guarantees of certainty, weary under the weight of the religious bait-and-switch, and left the faith altogether. Tell me, then, was this little seed better than none at all?
There’s a better Gospel. I’m sure of it. It speaks of reconciliation to God, Heaven coming to earth, life without end beginning now.
Pause, Reflect, And Break The Cycle Of Spiritual Insanity
She asked herself, “Is this all there is?” She saw the same restlessness in her friends, going after raises, cars, promotions, and kids.
Then she read an Einstein quote: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a different result.”
She said to me, “I wonder if we’re all spiritually insane.”
If Motherhood Isn’t Enough Then What Will Be?
When you’re sacrificing your life for someone else, you desperately need to know that it’s worth it. Do we really need to convince moms that motherhood can’t possibly be enough – that they’re wasting their lives if they give it for their children?
Those years I invested at home were not wasted. They formed my children – and they also formed me. In fact, I wouldn’t be effective in ministry today had I not submitted to what God was doing in those difficult, but God-glorifying days of young motherhood.
Being Anti-Establishment About Church Is Cool But It’s Nothing If It Lacks Christ
Christless religion can always permeate and dominate, wherever the self-righteous ego (whether in the leadership or my own own) has bumped Jesus from the throne. Switching from robes to suits to jeans and back again (as I have done a few times) is not a spiritual journey … it’s just a fashion statement. Wherever the big “I” reigns as Lord instead of Jesus, you’ll find the kind of religiosity that can co-opt literally any style or form.
Instead Of Church Split, Try A Church Merger
We hereby announce that our church [insert brand name here] has officially decided to merge with the Church that Jesus started almost 2000 years ago. Sorry for the confusion we caused by our decision to start a new church.
It’s time that our structures our statements and our actions reflect our faith in the Bible’s clear declaration that “there is one body.” (Ephesians 4:3)
Calling A Cease-Fire In The Woman Wars
I have no idea why don’t we call a cease-fire to the constant women wars, stop the missile volley of judgement, subtle and not so subtle, that we hurl across the playgrounds and church foyers and back fences and front porches and screens at each other?
Judging others is a blindfold. Judging others is a blindfold that blinds us to own grime and blinds us to the grace which others are as eligible and entitled to as we are.
If I have loved breathing in grace for me, how can I deny you the same oxygen?
5 Questions To Keep You On Mission
Every Christian and ministry faces the slow, subtle, suffocating pressure of the ordinary. The creeping clutch of worldly concerns confronts us all. We settle into routines and ruts. Our zeal cools as we have our minds and then our hearts drawn off into the mundane, everyday aspects of life. We don’t plan for this to happen. It just does. It’s part of our creatureliness.
And that’s why we need questions—usually fundamental, identity-shaping questions—to reorient us to our Creator and our purpose. Unless we habitually come back to the north star of Christian life and ministry, we’ll drift off course.
4 Things Jesus Didn’t Die For
Most Christians have a ready-made response to the question, “Why did Jesus die?” The answers are usually something along the lines of, “Jesus died to save me from my sins.”
And, because of the lack of clarity regarding Jesus’ death, some really deceitful doctrines have crept into our churches. The truths of Scriptures have been twisted into cultural clichés and false teachings about why Christ died, and what was accomplished by his death.
What Would It Look Like If Discipleship Were The Mission Of The Church?
Today’s Throwback Thursday post recalls a short video that demonstrates well the need to re-establish the making of disciples as THE mission of the church.
“I don’t know any pastor who has been more personally fruitful in discipleship ministry than Randy Pope,” Tim Keller observes.
There Will Be Peace In Israel When The Prince Of Peace Reigns
Salim Munayer, a Palestinian Christian, shares his story of how his family is pursuing peace with Israel. It comes through unlikely friendships and recognizing the humanity of his neighbors.
Spoiler alert: A common faith in Christ is the key to bringing peace. Also, everyone involved has to understand their primary identity as being a child of God first. All other identities (e.g. Israeli, Palestinian, etc.) are secondary.
Lay A Foundation For Faith But Don’t Stop There
God doesn’t intend for you to move past the gospel or the basics of Christianity; He intends you to build your life on the gospel and the basics of Christianity.
God’s people will never be missional if all we do is sit around and inspect the foundation. No, the mission requires people who are grounded in the truth, empowered by the Spirit, and who are fueled and shaped by the cruciform love of Christ.
Understand The Book Of Genesis In 5 Minutes
A Jewish Perspective On The Hebrew Roots Movement
Believers who wish to learn more about the Jewish roots of Christianity do well. Learning about the Jewish roots of Christianity can transform a black and white understanding of Scripture into “living color.”
Like the inexperienced gardener who may confuse the flowers with the weeds, so the enthusiastic, but callow, believer may be unable to distinguish between those Jewish Roots teachings which enrich or impoverish our faith. That’s the danger. There are thorns in the garden. We should pay attention to Paul’s inspired advice to Timothy: “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16).
What Is A Covenant Family?
The term “covenant family” may be new to many Christians. While my passion for this subject originated in being introduced to the biblical multi-generational family, I learned over time that the multi-generational aspect of the biblical family is rooted in its covenantal nature. Covenant families, by biblical definition, have a component of succession, or continuity. In other words, biblical families are multi-generational precisely because they are covenantal.
There is a whole project underway to offer Christians training in recovering the lost vision of multi-generational families. Read more about the ideas and resources for this training…
Why Your Homeschooler Might Be A Jerk And What To Do About It
Searching your own heart first, see if you have taught the child these things, and what kind of spirit is present in your home overall. Is it critical, harsh, and discouraging? Or tender, loving, and optimistic?
Set the tone of your home. Guide your children towards the Lord, and pray for them often.
Tim Keller Calls Out The Idols In American Christianity
In this 2 minute video, Tim Keller identifies 3 idols he sees captivating many American Christians. These idols prevent people from believing the Gospel.
Jesus’ Church Growth Strategy
Jesus said some things that were really difficult to understand. Some of his teachings simply sounded crazy. Here’s a clever comic that makes the point well while also poking a bit of fun at our modern sensibilities about people pleasing and amassing a large following. Something tells me that we are prone to miss the point…
5 Reasons Why You Should Read More Theology Books
Sometimes people shy away from theology books because they find those books too boring or too intellectual or too intimidating. The problem with this thinking, though, is that it means that many people will leave some really great truths undiscovered because they were unwilling to approach the books that contain those truths. Theology books are certainly no replacement for Scripture, but sure can help you mature in your faith.
Disciples Of Jesus Make More Disciples Of Jesus
David Platt and Francis Chan have a friendly chat about the reality that disciples of Jesus make more disciples of Jesus. They also talk about the reality that many people think that they are disciples of Jesus and are not making disciples. (more…)
What To Do About The Problems Of Celebrity, Consumerism, And Competition In The American Church
Mike Breen: If we think through Celebrity, Consumerism and Competition, the anti-body against all of these is sacrifice. Learning to lay down what builds us up and giving to others instead. Learning to serve, rather than to be served. Looking for anonymity rather than celebrity. To build a culture of producers rather than a consumers. To live in a vibrant, sacrificial community fighting a real enemy rather than competing against the same community God has given us to fight WITH rather than AGAINST.
8 Things To Know Before Going On A Short-Term Mission Trip
My husband and I live in Guatemala and host short-term mission teams throughout the year. We have both seen the good, the bad and the ugly of short-term missions. And we continue to feel this tension with the short-term mission teams that we host.
We have learned that perhaps how we go might matter more that what we do. Here are a few things you may not have heard about being more effective on short-term mission trips.
How To Spot A Genuine Prophet
Stereotypes regarding prophetic ministry have existed for centuries. The tendency to determine what is or is not prophetic, or who is or is not a prophet by the mere presence or absence of a charismatic endowment, rather than inner alignment to kingdom truth, is unfortunate. It often carries tragic results.
The simplest definition of being prophetic is: hearing God and doing what He says!
Here are some qualities of bona fide new testament prophetic ministry from a new covenant and Christ-centered perspective…
Sunday Sermon: Life For Israelis Living Near Gaza
In lieu of a nicely dressed preacher with a polished sermon, I’d like to offer you a testimony about what life is like in Israel these days. Hearing from someone on the ground may help you form your view of the conflict there rather than letting the biased media outlets form your opinion. (more…)
Andrew Murray: Man Of Prayer
Murray’s life was preaching and teaching. Then tragedy struck. In 1879 he became ill and his throat was impacted. He lost his voice and began the two “silent years”. These years molded Murray in a new way.
Over his lifetime, he wrote more than 240 books, all of which were dictated to his wife Emma or his daughter, due to his inability to write clearly.
Jesus Loved Children Not Because They Are Cute But Because They Are Strategic
Jesus understood the Great Commission begins with the souls of the little ones. The Great Commission is not just personal, but multi-generational. The disciples were standing in the way of parents and grandparents, and Jesus quickly put an end to it. Jesus set the example for every believer, regardless of their family situation, to intentionally nurture faith in children, and participate in God’s multi-generational Great Commission.
Counting The Cost Of Apostleship
Many churches seem to have forgotten the two most basic impulses of an organism: reproduce and adapt.
Or to use more Biblical language: We have forgotten how to be an Apostolic movement.
Key to understanding what the Church is and how it functions is the APEST: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds and Teachers who equip the church to carry on the work of Jesus in the world today.