Topic > Christian Beliefs
Discover what friendship with Christ looks like
God’s Word describes Jesus as our King, our Judge, and our Lord. But Jesus also wants us to know Him as our friend. We’ll catch a glimpse in our study of Matthew chapter 9.
Christmas, My Favorite Time of the Year
Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. The celebratory atmosphere, the songs sung, and the joy that emanates from people during this period was to me—a boy of seven then—a magical and wonderful time. One of my fondest memories of those times were of my […]
Stones Cry Out
Every year it seems that Christmas becomes more and more commercialized. Even in nations where the majority of people call themselves “Christian,” the season has become more about shopping than worshiping. The pressure to buy gifts and plan elaborate parties makes it increasingly difficult to stay focused on the real meaning of the holiday—the birth of Jesus, God’s only Son, the Savior of the world.
Better Than Before
As infants, my children had nearly perfect skin. Their flesh was soft—they had no dry elbows or rough patches on their feet. Smooth and new, it contrasted with mine, which was marked by years of various scars and callouses.
Let’s take one final look at the blind man in John chapter 9, from the perspective of Jesus
In the dark, it’s hard to see anything clearly. It’s only when the light is turned on that everything comes into focus. Let’s take one final look at the blind man in John chapter 9, from the perspective of Jesus, the Light of the World. See this passage with new eyes.
Out of the Ashes
During hardship and trouble, tough questions often arise: Where is God? How do I respond to difficulties? Is God both good and all-powerful? In the Discovery Series booklet Out of the Ashes by Bill Crowder, you’ll explore Job’s struggle with the problem of suffering. Through Job’s story, discover how you can trust God despite unanswered...
The Free Gift with No Strings Attached
I’m probably not the only one who is taken in by the Buy 1 Get 1 Free promotions that many shops offer, especially at this time of the year when all of us are busy shopping for Christmas gifts! But after being “cheated” numerous times, I’ve learned not […]
Called By Name
At the beginning of the academic year, a school principal in our city pledged to learn the names of all 600 students in her school. Anyone who doubted her ability or resolve could look at her track record. During the previous year she had learned the names of 700 students, and prior to that, 400 children in a different school. Think of what it must have meant to these students to be recognized and greeted by name.
The Loving God
Many miles from where I am and some thousands of years ago, lay a peaceful looking infant in a manger lined with hay. Barely moments after his birth, angels from above presented their repertoire of praise, and lowly shepherds came and bowed before this blessed child. It was […]
Struggling With Addiction
Eric was struggling with an addiction, and he knew it. His friends and family members encouraged him to stop. He agreed that it would be best for his health and relationships, but he felt helpless. When others told him how they had quit their bad habits, he replied, “I’m happy for you, but I can’t seem to stop! I wish I had never been tempted in the first place. I want God to take the desire away right now.”
For Sale— ”As Is”
A house listed for sale “As Is” usually means the seller is unable or unwilling to spend any money to repair it or make it attractive. Any necessary repairs or desired improvements are the responsibility of the buyer after the purchase is complete. “As Is” on a real estate listing is equivalent to saying, “Buyer beware. Home may require significant further investment.”
Happy Ending
In its “plot,” the story of the Bible ends up very much where it began. The broken relationship between God and human beings has healed over at last, and the curse of Genesis 3 is lifted. Borrowing images from Eden, Revelation pictures a river and a tree of life (Rev. 22:1-2). But this time a great city replaces the garden setting—a city filled with worshipers of God. No death or sadness will ever darken that scene. When we awake in the new heaven and new earth, we will have at last a happy ending.
An eye-opening conversation about the truth and grace of Christ
Let’s conclude a study on John chapter 8 and the story of the woman caught in adultery. What we’ll find in this passage is a remarkable display of both the truth and grace of Christ.
Amani
Amani, which means “peace” in Swahili, is the name of a Labrador retriever pup that has some special friends. Amani lives with two young cheetahs at the Dallas Zoo. Zoologists placed the animals together so the cheetahs could learn Amani’s relaxed ways. Since dogs are generally at ease in public settings, the experts predict that Amani will be a “calming influence” in the cheetahs’ lives as they grow up together.
Be encouraged by how Jesus handles our sin with truth and grace
She had been caught red-handed. Exposed publicly for her sin of adultery, the woman in John 8 certainly didn’t expect any mercy from Jesus or the crowd.
