Psalm 103:12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12) One characteristic of a grace awakening ministry deserves special attention: release from past failures. A ministry of grace doesn’t keep bringing up the past for the purpose of holding it over people. There is anContinue reading “Catch and Release”
Author Archives: Intentional Faith
A Crisis or a Correction?
We’re hearing a lot these days about dechurching, deconstruction, and decline. Church attendance in America is dropping. Is this a crisis or merely a correction? Is it more of a problem or an opportunity? What can we expect for the future of the American church landscape? I’m not a prophet or the son of aContinue reading “A Crisis or a Correction?”
Teach the Text…
The background of the text from Matthew 24:4-14 is known as the “Olivet Discourse,” which is a sermon given by Jesus to His disciples on the Mount of Olives. This discourse takes place shortly before His crucifixion, as Jesus responds to His disciples’ questions about the signs of His coming and the end of theContinue reading “Teach the Text…”
As I Rise…
Matthew 24:4-14 in the Bible says: “Jesus answered: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but theContinue reading “As I Rise…”
The Trick of Tolerance
In today’s relativistic, postmodern world, one word can stop an ambassador for Christ in his tracks: “tolerance.” No judgments allowed. No “forcing” personal opinions. All views are equally valid. Once, in a discussion with a class of Christian high school seniors, I wrote two sentences on the board. The first—“All views are equally valid”—expressed theContinue reading “The Trick of Tolerance”
Weep for Them
The grand object of the Christian ministry is the glory of God. Whether souls are converted or not, if Jesus Christ be faithfully preached, the minister has not labored in vain, for he is a sweet savor unto God as well in them that perish as in them that are saved. Yet, as a rule,Continue reading “Weep for Them”
Before I Sleep…
In a world that often exalts self-promotion and individualism, the call to humility and selfless service like Christ stands as a stark contrast. It challenges our innate tendencies and confronts the cultural currents that surround us. Yet, in this divine paradox, we find the path to true greatness. We are called to mirror the humilityContinue reading “Before I Sleep…”
When It’s Hard to Be Like Christ
The call to humility and selfless service like Christ can be challenging for Christians today due to various reasons. Here are a few factors that may contribute to the difficulty: To correct these tendencies and cultivate more humility and selflessness, Christians can consider the following steps: Remember, the journey toward greater humility and selflessness isContinue reading “When It’s Hard to Be Like Christ”
You Taste Good
In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hillContinue reading “You Taste Good”
We Don’t Talk About Mental Health
One topic we, as Christians, don’t seem to talk enough about is mental health. I’d like to change that. To start the conversation, here are four encouraging points to offer those who are struggling with mental health. Maybe it’s you. Maybe you have a friend who struggles. Whichever group you’re in, remembering these points couldContinue reading “We Don’t Talk About Mental Health”
Intentional Faith 