Unfortunately, people don’t know what to say to a sexual abuse victim. Here are a few of the most hurtful responses, and some alternatives to consider that are more in line with our calling to be a Good Samaritan.
The word Amen is one of the most familiar and common words in the English language, yet at the same time it is a word that many of us don’t fully understand. Simple as it may seem, the word amen is actually brimming over with meaning and purpose.
The church is called to not slander, rebel against, condemn, or otherwise make things harder for our leaders. Here are five biblical ways to build them up so they're equipped to shepherd God’s people.
When given a chance, bitterness grows like weeds in a garden. I don’t purposely plant them, but they grow and can take over swiftly. I must pull them up by the root to get rid of them. Certain attitudes bring on bitterness just as quickly as those old weeds in my garden.
When a convicted criminal professes faith, society regards this person with skepticism. Is it possible for a drug dealer to truly be saved? Can a person earn salvation by being essentially good? Here are six critical truths to consider.
Joshua Harris announces on Instagram that he no longer considers himself a Christian. Evangelical songwriter Marty Sampson now says the same. The Internet is atwitter on all of it: from atheists, to Christians, and everyone in between. Here’s how to think about it in the light of grace.
Shalom is commonly understood to mean “peace” or “health” or “prosperity.” It carries within it the idea of completeness. Cornelius Plantinga writes that the word shalom is “the webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment and delight.” Shalom is the vision of community; it is what community strives to be.
Ever found yourself smack in the middle of a heated disagreement? It happens. We see differences of opinion concerning politics, celebrities, biblical interpretation, pastors, marriage and other areas embroiling friends and family, churning inside the church, displayed on television, and even unfolding on social media feeds. But how do we remain kind when disagreeing?
Have you ever wondered whether God was opening a door or if something was merely the enemy teasing you with a fresh “opportunity”? Though the opportunity may look “good on paper,” it is simply not meant for you at this moment in your life. Through it all, I have learned to recognize several pointers that reveal God’s will for His children:
God’s design for sexuality was intended for one woman and one man within the bonds of marriage. It was His desire all along for sexual intimacy to be shared and enjoyed within marriage, and that has not changed. Yet, our culture has hijacked God’s intention for sexuality and turned much of this desire into a lust issue.
In times of struggle, we're tempted to doubt God. We feel abandoned by what appears to be apathy. Look to the truth, not the enemy's lies, for encouragement to trust that God cares infinitely, and is always with you.
To be the church that Christ wants us to be, we must know each other on a deeper level. Only then can we begin to function in unity and accountability—the model given by God to impact not only us but also the community around us.
Regardless of why we are suffering, God is still allowing it in our lives, and He supplies the grace to endure it. Staying open to God while suffering reminds us that the end result is our becoming more like Jesus.
Battles hit us in many forms. You feel helpless, hopeless, despairing, angry, hurt, anxious, and worse. What do you do now? Here are 5 ways to fight the good fight.
How do we live our lives with purpose and gratitude for who God made us to be? I think there are three ways we can position ourselves to be wowed by our identity in Christ.
