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Most of us know people who were practicing Christians but are today no longer in the church or even professing faith in Jesus. Certainly that's sad, but what should we say about their salvation? Did they forfeit it? The Bible has some difficult passages on the topic. Let's look at a couple.
You ever feel like your problems are whale-sized? And removing them feels like no small feat. You ever considered using dynamite to blow up your whale? Without overdoing the metaphor, let me say that before you take matters into your own hands, you might want to consult an expert.
People are looking for quick fixes and miracle solutions to all their problems. From fad diets to deep fake Internet info, we have a tendency to buy into a lot that isn't real. The Bible talks about a pool that many believed could heal people. Whatever happened to that pool?
So many ask the question, "How do I become a Christian?" Some think it has to do with doing good "works." Others feel it's about living compassionately like Jesus. Even others feel it has to do with being in a church. So, what's the answer, then?
Try to imagine the size and complexity of the mind of God. Before you rush to do so, consider that our minds have limits and the God we contemplate is unlimited in power, knowledge, and presence. Still think you're up for the task? Why were we made with limited knowledge of our Creator?
We often ask ourselves how we might get the most out of ourselves with such a limited number of hours in the day. The truth is, for all the effort, many of us are tired and stressed. How can we live up to our full potential? The answer might surprise you.
The relationship between joy and happiness continues to be a commonly discussed topic. Some say they are the same thing. Other say they are quite different. But those who say different cannot agree in what way they are different. Let's explore that together.
Central to the Christian faith is the doctrine of resurrection. We profess and believe that Jesus Christ died and was raised from the dead. We further teach that this truth is foundational to what we believe. Why is that? What is it about Jesus' resurrection that matters so much?
You know that God's all powerful and all good. Yet, sometimes life hands you rotten eggs. And you wonder why the good, powerful God allows such things to happen. You might even wrestle with how you should respond to Him. God has an answer for that.
Followers of Jesus are called to GO and to GATHER. However well known these callings are, churches today have to admit that it has also become a lost art. How do we redevelop our focus on reaching the lost and gathering them into our space?
The Bible lists nine spiritual fruits, qualities that all of us can be on board with as it relates to living better lives. But if they're so good, why is the world so full of cruelty and the opposite of these traits? How can we grow spiritual fruit, anyway?
Storms can be scary business. They're often loud, disruptive, and even destructive. Often, we pray to be delivered or rescued from storms. But there is also a case to be made for asking God for storms to come our way.
As a pastor of a smaller church for close to the past three years, I have learned that many people live in constant fear. This is surprising to me when you consider all the Bible has to say on the subject of fear for those who believe in Him. So, how can people break free from their fears?