You do not become a Christian by asking Jesus into your heart. You become a Christian when you are born again. Jesus said, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Saying a prayer or making a public commitment or signing a decision card will not save you. OnlyContinue reading “Your Past Is Provided For”
Category Archives: hope
What Ever It Takes
It is useless to give offerings to God while you are at enmity with your brother. Jesus said that His followers should be reconciled with anyone who has something against them. The world seeks reconciliation on limited terms. Christians are to be reconciled, whatever it takes. You say, “But you don’t know how deeply heContinue reading “What Ever It Takes”
The New Dark Ages
This morning my pastor reminded me that 160 million people disagreed with me. Actually, I’m sure there are more . . . but at least that many. I hadn’t thought of it that way. Frankly, I really don’t understand it given that I’m quite sure they’re wrong and I’m right. Now that I think aboutContinue reading “The New Dark Ages”
So You Are Not Perfect
He’s in the middle of a thriving culture, the middle of an extensive family in the middle of his father’s house. He’s the middle of it all, and he leaves–never to return. Abraham chooses exile. Like a fugitive, he leaves the safety and identity of the past behind and follows a call into the middleContinue reading “So You Are Not Perfect”
One Pastor’s Story
In the past two weeks, three core families left our church. We’re not a big church. And because we’re only eight years into the battle of planting in a very secular suburb of Washington D.C., their departure hurt corporately and personally. To keep my head high by “trusting in the gospel,” or to be thankfulContinue reading “One Pastor’s Story”
Grief Can Make Us Better
Death is the great interrupter. Death is the great interrupter because, far more often than not, it strikes when it’s least expected. When death comes it invariably interrupts plans, dreams, projects, goals. One author observes how very sad, how very pathetic it is, when a man dies suddenly and we go into his home orContinue reading “Grief Can Make Us Better”
Forget About It
Most of us would prefer not to re-live a year like this. For the first time in our lives, we experienced our world coming to a screeching halt. Our schedules changing, jobs being taken away, large amounts of time spent away from loved ones or for some of us saying goodbye to a loved one.Continue reading “Forget About It”
When You Leave Out the Soul
Atheists don’t have a livable worldview. I don’t say that to gloat. Several atheists who have been candid with me have told me life is ultimately empty and devoid of meaning. That doesn’t mean they can’t feel happy, follow a set of morals, or believe their life is significant in some way. But their denialContinue reading “When You Leave Out the Soul”
A Heart Can Smile When the Face Cannot
We went to visit Nick on Christmas morning. “Visit Nick”—that’s what we’ve decided to call it when we spend time at his graveside. “Going to the cemetery” focuses on the place, not the person, so is too impersonal, too abstract. “Paying our respects” is another option, but sounds too formal to describe going to theContinue reading “A Heart Can Smile When the Face Cannot”
Stop Child Slavery
Fourteen-year-old Jessica is determined to become a nurse so that she can help others. Every day she prays to God to take care of her and the other children at the aftercare home where she lives – today, she’s free to use her talents for the good of others. Two years ago, her life wasContinue reading “Stop Child Slavery”
