Topic > Christian Beliefs
Why God’s Will Isn’t Always Obvious to Us
Written By Jeremy Larson, USA The biggest source of stress for many Christians is probably the will of God. Right? We feel the pressure to know His will for our lives, to make right decisions, and have things all figured out. What makes this even more stressful is how silent God usually is, many times causing us […]
Delay May Not Mean Denial
My sons’ birthdays are in December. When they were small, Angus quickly learned that if he didn’t receive a longed-for toy for his birthday at the beginning of the month, it might be in his Christmas stocking. And if David didn’t receive his gift for Christmas, it might appear for his birthday 4 days later. Delay didn’t necessarily mean denial.
Is Jesus Still Here?
Ted Robertson’s home in Colorado was one of more than 500 destroyed by the Black Forest Fire in June 2013. When he was allowed to return and sift through the ash and rubble, he was hoping to find a precious family heirloom made by his wife—a tiny ceramic figurine of baby Jesus about the size of a postage stamp. As he searched the charred remains of their home, he kept wondering, “Is the baby Jesus still here?”
Out Of Egypt
One year when our family was traveling through Ohio on the way to Grandma’s house, we arrived in Columbus just as a tornado warning was issued. Suddenly everything changed as we feared that our children might be in danger.
Discover the true harmony Christ accomplished in the past, present, and future
At Jesus’ birth, an army of angels declared “peace on earth.” Yet, as we look around today, both personal and global conflicts remain. So where’s this peace that was promised? Let’s discuss Jesus’ role as “Prince of Peace.”
In The Neighborhood
It was the buzz of our neighborhood. A famous professional football player had moved in just two houses down from where we lived. We had seen him on television and read about his great skills on the field, but we never thought he would choose to reside in our neighborhood. Initially, our expectations were that we would welcome him into the neighborhood and we would all become great friends. But his life was obviously far too busy for any of us to get to know him personally.
Discover how Jesus can be our Father and yet remain the Promised Child!
Ready for a Christmas riddle? The Bible calls Jesus both “The Son of God” and “Everlasting Father.” But how can Christ be both? An eye-opening Christmas edition.
The Smells Of The Stable
A stable? What a place to give birth to the Messiah! The smells and sounds of a barnyard were our Savior’s first human experience. Like other babies, He may even have cried at the sounds of the animals and the strangers parading around His temporary crib.
Isaiah’s depiction of Jesus as “Mighty God”
Long before any costumed characters wearing tights and capes flew onto the scene, the Bible described a real life Superhero! See how Christ is our greatest hero.
Lasting Peace
On Christmas Eve 1914, during the First World War, the guns fell silent along a 30-mile stretch of the Western Front. Soldiers peered cautiously over the tops of trenches while a few emerged to repair their positions and bury the dead. As darkness fell, some German troops set out lanterns and sang Christmas carols. Men on the British side applauded and shouted greetings.
Let’s look at what it means to call Jesus “Wonderful Counselor”
Hundreds of years before Christ’s birth, the prophet Isaiah described the wonder and wisdom of Jesus in two simple, yet profound words. A special Christmas study.
What Really Matters
When our children were living at home, one of our most meaningful Christmas morning traditions was very simple. We would gather our family around the Christmas tree where, in sight of the gifts we were receiving from one another, we would read the Christmas story together. It was a gentle reminder that the reason we give gifts is not because the Magi brought gifts to the Christ-child. Rather, our gifts of love for one another were a reflection of God’s infinitely greater Gift of love to us.
Let’s look at the amazing promises wrapped up in the names of Christ
What’s in a name? Well, when it comes to the name of Jesus, everything! Looking at the unique significance and amazing promises wrapped up in the names of Christ. The conversation is sure to surprise you!
Remember The Wrapping
At our house some Christmas events are the same each year. Among them is my wife Martie’s appeal to the kids and grandkids as they attack their gifts: “Save the paper, we can use it next year!” Martie loves to give nice gifts, but she also appreciates the wrapping. Presentation is part of the beauty of the gift.
Just The Right Time
The conductor stood on the podium, his eyes scanning the choir and orchestra. The singers arranged the music in their folders, found a comfortable position for standing, and held the folder where they could see the conductor just over the top. Orchestra members positioned their music on the stand, found a comfortable position in their seats, and then sat still. The conductor waited and watched until everyone was ready. Then, with a downbeat of his baton, the sounds of Handel’s “Overture to Messiah” filled the cathedral.
