There are instances when Christianity’s baggage can entrap a person, and they never realize it. They never connect a lack of consistent joy, constantly trying to control how people perceive them, and hiding longstanding flaws to the Christian life they live. They genuinely love God,… Continue Reading …
Supporting Member Question: Rick, what are your thoughts on Santa, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy as far as what you tell your kids? Do you say these characters are real or not? Is this harmless fun, or is there a problem with deception… Continue Reading …
How many ways are available from the Lord to help you grow up in Christ? Most folks would say things like the Bible, prayer, church, and close friends. They are correct. Those are four essential means of grace for maturing in Christlikeness. Here’s one more.… Continue Reading …
Living in hope while resisting the temptation of victimhood can be the hurt person’s most significant struggle. Hope is vital when bad things happen to any of us. Too often, legitimate victims place their hope on the wrong things, even if it’s anger or revenge.… Continue Reading …
One of the downsides of dividing the Bible into chapters and verses is that it can create a principle-driven discipleship methodology. What I mean is that we can turn the Bible into nuggets, snippets, and tips that are not in the context of the passage… Continue Reading …
The time it takes you to ask for forgiveness and feeling forgiven while enjoying the freedom of that forgiveness reveals your practical understanding and application of the gospel. For some folks, when they sin, they go through a “worry period” because they have not come… Continue Reading …
Do you enjoy God? You know, like a good movie or a nice dinner. After a long day, you’re looking for a pleasant escape into something you enjoy. Is God at the top of your “things I enjoy the most” list? My wife was not… Continue Reading …
Fundamentalism is one slice of Christian evangelicalism. In addition to the fundamentals of the faith, fundamentalists typically hold to strict sub-biblical, ascetic practices. Though they love Jesus and are passionate about following Him, many of them embrace legalistic preferences. The negative effect of this kind… Continue Reading …
Sometimes “extending grace” may mean you’re about to get into conflict. Though you should never look for a fight, you should also not be looking for ways to avoid soul care when it is within your competency and influence to help someone who is struggling.… Continue Reading …
Mailbag – I was wondering if God treats His people the same way regarding giving “blessing for obedience” in the new covenant. It seems all over the Old Testament—if God’s people obey, they receive a blessing; if they don’t obey, they receive discipline. Does God still treat us… Continue Reading …