Topic > Christian Beliefs
Creeping Christmas?
I love Christmas. The celebration of the birth of Christ and the beauty and wonder of the season make it “the most wonderful time of the year” for me. In recent years, however, the season has been accompanied by a growing irritation. Every year “Christmas stuff” comes out earlier and earlier—creeping all the way back to early fall.
Learn how to “embrace the power of embers”
We want to be a brightly burning fire for God every day. So when we cannot sustain that intensity, we end up feeling guilty. Discover why we don’t need to be on fire all the time to enjoy a passionate faith.
The Final Picture
What started as an empty 11-acre field in Belfast, Northern Ireland, ended up as the largest land portrait in the British Isles. Wish, by artist Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada, is made from 30,000 wooden pegs, 2,000 tons of soil, 2,000 tons of sand, and miscellaneous items such as grass, stones, and string.
A personal firestorm that ignited trust in the goodness of God
Firestorms often come unexpectedly. And they leave ash, rubble, and devastation in their wake. But within the ruins, we find surprising signs of hope.
In the Dark of the Night
I don’t know why I am awake at this hour (0430 hours) again. The same thing happened on Monday. God and I both know what I managed to accomplish on that day and how long I lasted. I’m thankful for all those who prayed for me. Am I going […]
Multiply It
Amy had battled cancer for 5 years. Then the doctor told her that the treatments were failing and she had just a few weeks to live. Wanting some understanding and assurance about eternity, Amy asked her pastor, “What will heaven be like?”
How to gain wisdom when handling both victories and losses with grace
No matter how smart we are, we won’t win every argument. So how can we be humble when we win and gracious when we lose? Let’s study the book of Job.
Horse Power
Think for a moment of the power, beauty, and majesty of a galloping horse—his head held high, his mane flying in the wind, and his legs working in unison to provide speed, power, and abandon.
Watch what happens when God joins the fruitless discussion between Job and friends
Ever been involved in a dead-end conversation? It can happen when people talk at each other, rather than with each other. Watch what happens when God joins the conversation between Job and his friends.
Less Than The Least
Unlike those who think highly of themselves, Jacob knew that he had been ruined by sin (Gen. 32:10). He thought himself a man unworthy of God’s grace. He had cheated his brother Esau out of his birthright (ch.27), and his brother hated him for it. Now, years later, Jacob was going to face Esau again.
Let’s look at the probing questions God asked Job, in order to reveal the truth of who God is!
The ancient philosopher Socrates was known for using insightful questions to arrive at truth. But God was using this method long before Socrates showed up! Our study of the life of Job continues.
Perception Or Reality?
We often hear it said, “Perception is reality.” That idea for Americans may have dawned on September 26, 1960—the date of the first televised debate between two presidential candidates. In front of the cameras, John Kennedy appeared composed; Richard Nixon appeared nervous. The perception was that Kennedy would be a stronger leader. The debate not only turned that election, but it also changed the way politics is done in the US. Politics by perception became the rule of the day.
Discover why suffering is not always the result of sin
We often equate pain with punishment. When something goes wrong in our life, we often assume it’s because we did something wrong. Let’s study the example of Job, which challenges our thoughts about both justice and mercy.
What Love Is
Years ago I asked a young man who was engaged to be married, “How do you know that you love her?” It was a loaded question, intended to help him look at his heart’s motives for the upcoming marriage. After several thoughtful moments, he responded, “I know I love her because I want to spend the rest of my life making her happy.”
Why it’s fruitful to believe that God knows us individually
Faith means trusting that God knows how much we can handle, even when we’re in the midst of difficult circumstances. Perhaps you’re wondering if your trial is more than you can bear.
