Topic > Christian Beliefs
Talking About Jesus
Former major league baseball player Tony Graffanino tells of an ongoing ministry effort in a European country. Each year his organization holds a week-long baseball camp. During this week they also offer a daily Bible study. In past years, the leader tried to find reasoned ways to convince the campers that God exists so they would place their faith in Him. After about 13 years, they had seen only 3 people decide to follow Jesus.
Good Friday
By Benedict Tan The crowds were gathered, crying for blood, demanding death. They could not accept Almighty God’s redemptive plan. In the mockery and scoff, I heard my own reviling voice. The hands that wrought the frames of earth Was nailed—held to a wooden frame. God could not behold the Righteous One, Filthy with the […]
Heart Matters
Our hearts pump at a rate of 70-75 beats per minute. Though weighing only 11 ounces on average, a healthy heart pumps 2,000 gallons of blood through 60,000 miles of blood vessels each day. Every day, the heart creates enough energy to drive a truck 20 miles. In a lifetime, that is equivalent to driving to the moon and back. A healthy heart can do amazing things. Conversely, if our heart malfunctions, our whole body shuts down.
Who Gets The Credit?
Chris Langan has an IQ higher than Albert Einstein’s. Moustafa Ismail has 31-inch biceps and can lift 600 pounds. Bill Gates is estimated to be worth billions. Those who have extraordinary abilities or possessions might be tempted to think more highly of themselves than they should. But we don’t have to be wildly smart, strong, or wealthy to want to take credit for our achievements. Any size of accomplishment carries with it this question: Who will get the credit?
The conclusion of the series on “The Wisdom of Peter”
In Second Peter chapter one we find a list of virtues that the apostle Peter says should be a growing aspect of every Christian’s life. There’s a fundamental characteristic underlying all of those sought-after virtues.
How those tough seasons in our lives give us a greater compassion for others
Nothing deepens your relationship with the Lord like having Him walk through a difficult situation with you. Perhaps you’re going through a tough time right now. The group shares how they’ve grown closer to God through the trials in their lives.
“If You Are Willing”
Molly wanted her dad’s help, but she was afraid to ask. She knew that when he was working on his computer, he didn’t want to be interrupted. He might get upset at me, she thought, so she didn’t ask him.
Biblical encouragement for enduring under trials
What are you struggling with today? What burden are you longing to get off your back? Get an inspiring boost to keep going.
Too Late
It happens nearly every semester. I tell my freshman college writing class often that they need to keep up with the numerous writing assignments in order to pass the class. But nearly every semester some don’t believe me. They’re the ones who send me frantic emails after the last day of class and give me their reasons for not taking care of business. I hate to do it, but I have to tell them, “I’m sorry. It’s too late. You have failed the class.”
Christ In The Storm
At the age of 27, Rembrandt painted the seascape Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee based on the story in Mark 4. With its distinctive contrast of light and shadow, Rembrandt’s painting shows a small boat threatened with destruction in a furious storm. As the disciples struggle against the wind and waves, Jesus is undisturbed. The most unusual aspect, however, is the presence in the boat of a 13th disciple whom art experts say resembles Rembrandt himself.
Probing Questions
While riding on a train a few years after the American Civil War, General Lew Wallace of the Union Army encountered a fellow officer, Colonel Robert Ingersoll. Ingersoll was one of the 19th century’s leading agnostics, and Wallace was a man of faith. As their conversation turned to their spiritual …
How does a follower of Jesus distinguish himself?
You don’t have to believe in God in order to be a good person. So how does a follower of Jesus distinguish himself or herself from everyone else who’s trying to do “the right thing”? Discover the answer in a chain of virtues from Second Peter chapter 1.
Fearful Fish
Managing a saltwater aquarium, I discovered, is no easy task. I had to run a portable chemical laboratory to monitor nitrate levels and ammonia content. I pumped in vitamins and antibiotics and sulfa drugs and enzymes. I filtered the water through glass fibers and charcoal.
In Second Peter chapter one, discover the biblical prescription for a fruitful faith
It would be a terrible waste to accept God’s grace, yet live a barren life. So how can a Christian see more of Jesus active in their life?
