If you had to write a research paper or give a presentation on Abraham Lincoln, you wouldn’t use the “Gettysburg Address” as your only source. Aspects of Lincoln’s upbringing, his political leanings, what he accomplished during his presidency, his marriage—what would that short speech tell you about these? Regardless of how many times you read […]

God is great, immensely worthy of our worship. Over and over the Psalms spell out God’s provision, protection, and worthiness; but they also chronicle the repeated unfaithfulness of God’s people. We read the Old Testament and shake our heads at the Israelites, wondering how they could forget what God had done for them and turn

Embarking on adulthood, you probably waved goodbye to a loved one. A twinge of homesickness may strike even now. But consider if that parent or brother or friend you physically left were to ignore you, not answer when you call, not respond when you text. What would you feel? God, the friend who cares for

Instinctively, we appreciate honesty and sincerity in others, but do we underestimate its importance in our spiritual life? In his letter to the Philippians, Paul wrote, “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and

Messiah is a term we hear more during the month of December than during the remaining 11 months of the year. It’s a beautiful word, meaning, “The Anointed One,” and signals the fulfillment of a promise. Genesis 3:15 is the first allusion to this Messiah, the declaration to Satan that the descendant of woman would someday

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 reads, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” The temple referred to here is the local church, not our physical body as in 1 Corinthians 6:19.  The verses

One of the best things you can do for your pastor is pray for him. The Apostle Paul, greatest church planter of all time and renowned laborer in the gospel, did not accomplish ministry in his own strength. Following his challenge to put on the armor of God, he encourages believers to pray, “At all

The difficult task of warning his people and strengthening their faith can be accomplished only by the pastor who is knowledgeable and solid in the faith himself. Titus 1:5-8 lists character requirements for a pastor, qualities evidenced by someone whose faith is genuine. Verse 9 then adds, “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word

October is Pastor Appreciation month. It’s a good time to remember this person, his work, the weight of his responsibility, and your responsibility to him. The term “pastor” is based on the shepherd concept, a leader who protects his flock. Another term in the New Testament for this position is translated “bishop” in some translations

Mold is something we’re not happy to find on food. It indicates that proper care was not taken by the manufacturer or by the packager or by us, and something bad came along and spoiled things. It’s disgusting. In the same way, for whatever reason, whether it’s busyness with other aspects of life or a