What is Sanctification?
Sanctification is a profound journey that every believer embarks on after putting their faith in Jesus. While we are justified and declared righteous at salvation, the reality of our daily lives reveals a different story. We don’t become instantly perfect; instead, we enter a lifelong process of growing in likeness to Christ. This transformative journey, often referred to as progressive sanctification, involves ups and downs, but ultimately leads us toward greater holiness. Discover the different dimensions of sanctification and how it shapes our spiritual maturity and relationship with God throughout our lives.
Killing the Characters: Mistake #1 in Teaching the Bible
Have you ever felt like you’re missing something when teaching the Bible? I certainly have. In my journey, I discovered three common mistakes that many Bible teachers make, one of which is “killing the characters.” We often overlook the rich backstories of biblical figures, rushing to application without considering their context. By allowing these characters to “live” in our messages, we can provide deeper understanding and relevance for our listeners. Join me as I explore how to keep the characters alive and enhance the impact of our teachings!
Four Steps to Manageable Sermon Writing
It’s Monday morning, and you have to preach on Sunday. How do you navigate the anxiety of sermon writing without waiting for that lightning-strike idea or cramming on Saturday night? Many pastors struggle with the pressure of creating meaningful messages week after week. The key isn’t just talent or intelligence; it’s having a reliable system. Discover the four essential steps to manageable sermon writing: Generate Ideas, Schedule, Create Drafts, and Edit. By breaking down the process, you can craft sermons that are faithful to Scripture and impactful for your listeners. Ready to transform your sermon preparation?
Why Do We Baptize Babies?
Why would a church that doesn’t identify as “Presbyterian” or “Lutheran” choose to baptize babies? This practice often surprises visitors, but it is rooted in a rich understanding of biblical covenants. Baptism, much like circumcision in the Old Testament, serves as a sign and seal of a promise—a promise of relationship with God. In this article, we explore the deep theological significance behind infant baptism, its historical context, and why we believe it is a vital practice for believers and their children. Join us as we uncover the biblical foundations of this sacred tradition.
Mom Guilt and How to Fight It
I was the perfect mom—before I had kids. Fast forward nine months, and I realized how wrong I was. As the laundry piled up and my patience wore thin, I felt like a failure, overwhelmed by mom guilt. But what if this guilt stems from believing lies, misplaced identity, or even conviction from the Holy Spirit? Discover how recognizing these truths can help us embrace our need for help, shift our focus back to God, and ultimately find freedom from guilt. Join me on this journey to unburden ourselves and celebrate the gift of motherhood through the gospel.
Is There a Line?
So you have a great candidate in front of you. They have character, skills, and people like them, but they don’t agree with all of your church’s beliefs. Is that ok? What percentage of agreement is required? Where is the line? In this thought-provoking discussion, we explore the tiers of theological convictions and how they impact hiring decisions. From core beliefs that define Christianity to secondary and tertiary issues, understanding these categories can help you navigate the complexities of staff alignment and foster a healthy church culture. Join us as we seek clarity in this crucial decision-making process.
How to Surrender Control and Trust God with Your Child’s Salvation
When my kids were little, my greatest fear wasn’t their safety; it was their salvation. I thought it was my job to guide them to the narrow path that leads to life. In a moment of desperation, I even held my preschooler’s hand over a candle flame to illustrate the discomfort of hell. But what I learned through that experience—and the story of Rebekah—is that my attempts to control their destinies only revealed my lack of trust in God. Discover how surrendering control can bring peace and joy, knowing that salvation is ultimately in God’s hands, not ours.
When Forgiveness is Out of Reach
It may shock you to hear that Jesus spoke of an unforgivable sin. Many people today assume that God will forgive anything, but the Bible presents a different perspective. What if the very act of rejecting the truth about Christ could lead to a hardened heart, beyond the reach of forgiveness? This article explores the nature of the unforgivable sin, the seriousness of sin itself, and the hope of repentance. If you’ve ever wondered about your own standing with God, this is a must-read. Discover the truth about grace, sin, and the path to true forgiveness.
How Jesus Teaches Us to Pray
Discover the profound depth of prayer as taught by Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer. This model prayer, found in both Matthew and Luke, serves as a roadmap for our conversations with God. It begins with adoration, moves to our daily needs, and concludes with a commitment to holiness. More than just words to recite, it shapes our priorities and teaches us how to depend fully on the Father. Join us as we explore the significance of this monumental teaching and learn how to enrich our prayer life through the wisdom of Christ.
How to Run Your Race, Not Hers
There’s something I do that always compounds my weariness in this race of life: I glance sideways at the person beside me who doesn’t seem to have as much to bear. This comparison drains my endurance and fills my heart with envy and grief. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to run with endurance, looking to Jesus as our example. When I focus on others, I lose sight of my own race. Are your eyes drifting to someone else’s lane today? Discover how to keep your gaze fixed on Jesus and find the strength to run your race.
Abortion, Freedom, and Life
Shouldn’t every woman have a right to choose what happens to her body? Are pro-life supporters actually just hypocrites who only care about unborn lives and not the lives of women or children after birth…
Offering Teens Hope for Their Habits
Do you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle with habits that can be both destructive and life-giving. As youth ministers, we witness the impact of these habits on our students and ourselves. But there’s hope! Jesus offers us new hearts, transforming our lives from the inside out. Discover how to take inventory of your heart, affirm your identity in Christ, and strengthen your spiritual desires. Join us in exploring practical steps to break free from harmful habits and embrace the flourishing life God designed for us.