Topic > Christian Beliefs > Salvation >
How to live for an audience and approval of One
Though we may deny it at times, most of us care what people think of us. Our self-image is often wrapped up in the opinions of others! It’s a lesson learned from a Roman centurion.
Discover a Roman soldier’s love for God’s people, and the faith that selfless compassion reveals
It’s easy to love those who love you back. But it’s much harder to love those who despise you!
Discover what a centurion can teach us about trusting in the Lord
Called to identify a model of faithfulness, most people in the crowd would have pointed to a religious leader or one of the disciples as their example. Imagine the shock when Jesus chose a Roman soldier as the epitome of faith! It’s a brand-new study in Matthew 8.
Let’s discover the purpose behind trials of faith, and conclude our series in James chapter 1
God doesn’t allow us to go through trials and temptations just to see us squirm. There’s a reason and goal behind every challenge we face. It’s an inspiring message to help us hang on and stay the course.
Terms Of Service
If you’re like me, you seldom read the full text of contracts for online services before you agree to them. They go on for pages, and most of the legal jargon makes no sense to ordinary people like me.
How we’ll never know faith works, until it’s put to the test!
That summertime hammock may look sturdy and well constructed. But it’s not until we commit to laying down that we find out if it can hold us up! Another helpful study in James, chapter 1.
How our faith is seen more in the small, daily battles, than in the big events we face
The Bible is full of stories of how faith enabled ordinary people to defeat giants, survive a den of lions, and move mountains. A conversation on James, chapter 1.
Our Foundation
The Bavarian city of Nördlingen is unique. It sits in the middle of the Ries Crater, a large circular depression caused by the impact of a huge meteorite a long time ago. The immense pressure of the impact resulted in unusual crystallized rock and millions of microscopic diamonds. In the 13th century, these speckled stones were used to build St. George’s Church. Visitors can see the beautiful crystal deposits in its foundation and walls. Some might say it has a heavenly foundation.
Breaking Free
The elephant is the largest land animal on earth—and one of the most powerful. Yet it takes only a strong rope to restrain one. Here’s how it works. When the elephant is young, he is tied to a large tree. For weeks, he will strain and pull, but the rope holds him fast. So eventually he gives up.
All We Need To Know
In a Fernando Ortega rendition of “Just As I Am,” Billy Graham’s voice can be heard faintly in the background. Dr. Graham is reminiscing about an illness during which he believed he was dying. As he mused on his past, he realized what a great sinner he was and how much he continues to need God’s daily forgiveness.
Graceland
The Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the most visited homes in the US. It was built in the 1930s and named after the original owner’s great aunt, Grace. It later became famous as the home of Elvis Presley.
Just As I Am
Good memories flooded my mind as I sat in a concert. The group’s leader had just introduced the song they were about to sing: “Just As I Am.” I remembered how years ago at the end of his sermons my pastor would ask people to come forward while we sang that song, indicating they would like to receive the forgiveness Christ offers for their sins.
Let’s unravel a puzzling statement that Jesus made about being rich
You don’t have to be a tailor to know that a camel won’t fit through the eye of a needle. But according to Jesus, that’s easier than someone who is wealthy getting into heaven!
Lasting Regrets
While I was talking with a gifted pianist, she asked me if I played any musical instruments. When I responded, “I play the radio,” she laughed and asked if I had ever wanted to play any instrument. My embarrassed answer was, “I took piano lessons as a boy but gave it up.” Now, in my adult years, I regret not continuing with the piano. I love music and wish I could play today. That conversation was a fresh reminder to me that life is often constituted by the choices we make—and some of them produce regret.
Water For The World
Although 70 percent of the world is covered by water, less than 1 percent of it is drinkable by humans. Water conservation and sanitation are crucial matters in many parts of the world, as all life depends on having sanitary water.
