THE BLOG
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Topic
- Anxiety 2
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- Bible 4
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- Body of Christ 1
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- Christian Living 91
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The Importance of “Again”
One of the words that is often used in our vocabulary, but probably not carefully contemplated, is the word “again.” Kids use it: “Do I have to make my bed again?” Parents use it: “Don’t make me tell you again.” Citizens use it: “Are gas prices really going up again?” Everyone uses it: “I can’t believe this is happening again” and so it goes.
A Gospel Ministry Tool Box
As disciples of Christ, we are called to be “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19), not keepers of aquariums. We are to “always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15), and like Paul, to ask the Lord to help us “make it clear in the way I ought to speak” (Colossians 4:4).As we think about our diverse and growing community, here are some practical tools to help us all be better prepared for gospel conversations with:
Wake-Up Call!
This last week, we posted an excellent read on the shocking responses found in “The State of Theology Survey.”
Well, it seems it rattled more than a few cages.
John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, author, and daily voice of Breakpoint, a nationally syndicated commentary on the culture, said this: “This year’s State of Theology study’s results show that not just Americans but evangelicals in particular are increasingly muddy on core truths such as the nature and character of God, the reality of human sin, the role of the Church in the world, and the exclusivity and divinity of Jesus Christ.” That is an understatement when you understand that these truths are at the center of everything we are called to believe. Read "What 'The State of Theology' Tells Us" (John Stonestreet & Kasey Leander).
GOOD NEWS in the Ultimate Game
Who doesn’t want to win in life? The good news for every believer is we are promised ultimate victory and we can walk in that victory right now despite all the relentless opposition we face.
One of my favorite verses in Scripture is 1 Corinthians 15:57: “but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Practicing Mutual Discipleship
I grew up in a neighborhood that was always busy with friends. Whenever one of us headed outside we were immediately joined by several others itching to play a sport or hang out. One activity that we really enjoyed was skateboarding. Skateboarding, before the internet age, meant that we actually had to make up our own tricks or that we learned new ones from watching others at the skatepark. As soon as one of us figured out a trick, we would show each other how to do it (usually after we won a game or 2 of S.K.A.T.E. if I’m being honest).
Why a Future Focus is a Must
This past Sunday we concluded our summer series on Sound Doctrine: Applying Core Beliefs to Everyday Life. We looked at 11 key Bible truths that are foundational to living the life God has blessed us with in Christ:
Zoeology: Some Basics to Living the Christian Life
This past Sunday we concluded our summer series on Sound Doctrine: Applying Core Beliefs to Everyday Life. We looked at 11 key Bible truths that are foundational to living the life God has blessed us with in Christ:
The Church in 3D
Defined. The word “church” is a translation of the Greek word ekklesia, which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” The church is not a building, a place, or a meeting. The church is people—people who have received every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3), people chosen by God (Eph. 1:4) for His own possession (1 Pet. 2:9), people who by grace have been saved through faith (Eph. 2:8), forgiven people (Col. 1:14), people no longer condemned (Rom. 8:1) but declared righteous (Rom. 5:8). The church is people in whom the Spirit of God dwells (Eph. 1:13), people who imitate God (Eph. 5:1), ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). We are the Church!
Thank God for Creating Angels
Did you thank God today for creating angels? I hope you did. Angels are “ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation” (Heb. 1:14). Even as you read this article, an innumerable host of unseen servants are responding to God-given directives to serve us. It’s not something we often verbalize gratitude for, but it is a reality in every believer’s life. Let’s take a moment to remind ourselves of two essential truths about God’s ministering spirits:
