Charles Spurgeon, the known Baptist preacher in Victorian England once said, “One night alone in prayer might make us new men, changed from poverty of soul to spiritual wealth, from trembling to triumphing.” There is a powerful truth conveyed in this statement, that even in our hardest times and in the hardest places, we canContinue reading “Hard Places”
Category Archives: Church
No Lone Rangers
Before sinners needed saving or a broken world needed restoring, God asserted that something wasn’t right: “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Gen. 2:18). Who could have expected such an early plot twist? He’d created a beautiful universe, yet something was missing. Eternally existing as the Trinity, God had always enjoyedContinue reading “No Lone Rangers”
Where Does the Money Go?
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house” (Malachi 3:10). One of the questions asked in Church that plays a great factor in giving is, “Where does the money go?” Now, to answer the question, the money goes to the Pastor, the Programs, the Property, and theContinue reading “Where Does the Money Go?”
The Facts of Church Apathy
Pastors often deal with churchgoers with strong opinions, but they’re much more concerned about the people in their congregations who don’t seem to care much at all. In the final release from Lifeway Research’s 2022 Greatest Needs of Pastors study, most pastors say the primary people dynamic challenge they face in their churches is people’sContinue reading “The Facts of Church Apathy”
When Is a Church Not a Church?
This question has received various answers throughout history, depending on one’s perspective and evaluation of certain groups. There exists no monolithic interpretation of what constitutes a true church. However, in classic Christian orthodoxy certain standards have emerged that define what we call “catholic,” or universal, Christianity. This universal Christianity points to the essential truths thatContinue reading “When Is a Church Not a Church?”
No Sweeter Sound
There are some universal truths of parenthood: One of the very best smells in the world is a newborn baby’s head. One of the most adorable (and “hooray, now I get a nap too”) sights is a sweet baby, toddler, or kiddo sleeping. There is no sweeter sound than a toddler singing. It’s that lastContinue reading “No Sweeter Sound”
False Shepherds
Candidates who interview for a job are often put in the awkward position of trying to sell themselves to a potential employer. They list their accomplishments and describe their strengths in an attempt to portray themselves in the best possible light. If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.2Continue reading “False Shepherds”
Insight to the Word
Two of the most difficult responsibilities for believers in Christ are seen in Paul’s challenge in Romans 14:19—we’re to pursue the things that make for peace and the things that edify one another. The first is difficult because there are many divisive elements in the life of the church. A heart of peace, which isContinue reading “Insight to the Word”
Destroying the Work of God
My friend recounted how she’d pointedly been asked by a fellow believer and colleague which political party she belonged to. His aim in asking the question seemed to be to predict whether he agreed with her on any number of issues currently dividing their community. In an effort to find common ground between them, sheContinue reading “Destroying the Work of God”
Intentional Faith 