Misinterpreted: Matthew 7:1
It might be the most quoted verse in our culture: “Don’t judge me.” But what if we’ve misinterpreted it? In Matthew 7:1, Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment, not all judgment. He calls us to examine our own lives before addressing others. The real challenge lies in how we approach judgment—are we harsh and self-righteous, or loving and restorative? Discover the deeper meaning behind this often-misunderstood verse and learn how to speak truth with humility and grace. Dive into the conversation and explore what it truly means to judge wisely and compassionately.
Tracing Gospel Threads in Unexpected Places
My husband has an uncanny memory when it comes to gifts we’ve received, and while I appreciate them in the moment, my gratitude often fades. This summer, as we travel to Greece, Italy, and Turkey, I’ve been reflecting on a gift I’ve already received: God’s Word. The sacrifices made by the early church to preserve this gift reveal their profound love for us. Are we honoring this priceless treasure? Let’s explore how we can elevate God’s Word in our lives and ensure the next generation knows the immeasurable grace of Jesus.
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.
Regarding The Gen X Gospel
No one in the Gen X generation can hear the words “Into the flood again…” without immediately hearing Layne Staley’s iconic voice. This lyric from Alice in Chains’ “Would?” captures a profound existential question: “Have I run too far to get home?” It resonates deeply with our longing for a place where things are as they should be. In a world filled with doubts and brokenness, can we reclaim what was lost? Discover how the Gospel answers this question and reveals that salvation is not about going home, but about God making His home with us.
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?
Regarding God’s Aseity
God’s aseity: the unchanging and eternal foundation of understanding His divine nature, everlasting existence, and profound and boundless love for all creation, reflecting His infinite wisdom and grace.
Misinterpreted: Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) For some parents, this verse is a great comfort, for others, it feels like a painful condemnation. Does this verse promise that good parenting will lead to a life of faithfulness for…
Misinterpreted: Joshua 1:9
Have you ever seen Joshua 1:9 as a motivational slogan or tattoo? While its message of strength and courage resonates, the true meaning lies in its context. This verse was spoken to Joshua at a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, as he faced the daunting task of leading a nation into the promised land. Discover how this powerful passage is often misinterpreted and what it truly signifies about God’s presence and purpose. Join us as we explore the depth of this scripture and its relevance for our lives today.
Clothed in Grace: Part Two
Here at Gospel Threads, we love studying themes in the Bible! For our first season, we chose the theme of “Clothing” because it beautifully illustrates how we were stained by sin yet covered in righteousness through Jesus. From the fig leaves in Eden to the robes of righteousness in Revelation, see how God weaves his grace into every layer of Scripture. Discover how God clothed Adam and Eve in hope, how Joseph’s story unfolds with forgiveness, and how the Israelites learned to live as His people, all through the powerful symbolism of clothing. Join us on this journey!
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.
Misinterpreted: Matthew 16:28
Matthew 16:28 has left many puzzled, prompting questions about the truth of the Bible. Jesus declares that some standing there will not taste death before seeing the Son of Man coming in his kingdom. Did he make a promise he didn’t keep? This passage invites us to explore its context and meaning, revealing that Jesus’ words may have been fulfilled in unexpected ways. Discover how the transfiguration, resurrection, and the spread of the gospel all play a role in understanding this verse, and learn how it speaks to our lives today with confidence, wonder, and hope.