Topic > Christian Living
Welcome To All!
A beautifying project on the main road of my town prompted the demolition of a church built in the 1930s. Although the windows of the empty church had been removed, the doors remained in place for several days, even as bulldozers began knocking down walls. Each set of doors around the church building held a message written in giant, fluorescent-orange block letters:
Battling Ego
When a general returned from a victorious battle, ancient Rome would stage a parade to welcome the conqueror home. The parade would include the general’s troops, as well as trophy captives who had been brought along as evidence of the victory. As the parade made its way through the city, the crowds would cheer their hero’s success.
How to maintain harmony in the midst of conflict
Music, politics, appearance. Christians disagree over many different issues. So is it even possible to find unity among the followers of Christ? An important lesson from Romans 14.
Discover healthy ways to remain united with those we disagree with
You’ll find that even in a healthy marriage, husbands and wives can butt heads. And if we’re not careful, those conflicts can cause a lot of trauma in the family. Let's apply some marriage principles to our relationships with other followers of Christ.
Biblical characteristic that will identify us as followers of Christ
We may not wear shirts emblazoned with the words “I’m a Christian!” But there are ways to let people know we follow Christ. It’s a discussion on unity.
Let’s Stick Together
Most regions of the world are familiar with the amazing phenomenon of snow. Snowflakes are beautiful, uniquely crafted ice crystals. Individual snowflakes are fragile, and they quickly melt if they land on your hand. Yet, en masse they create a force to be reckoned with. They can shut down major cities while creating beautiful landscapes of snow-laden trees whose pictures decorate calendars and become the subject of artwork. They provide pleasure on the ski slopes and joy for children as they make snowmen and ammunition for snowball fights. All because they stick together.
Discover how to make sense of the metaphors in the Sermon on the Mount
A strong illustration can take a good sermon, and turn it into a truly powerful message! Explore the word pictures Jesus used to enhance His teachings.
Greedy Birds
Every year when I put out the hummingbird feeder, the busy little birds start battling for position. Even though there are four places at the “table,” the birds fight for whatever place one of their neighbors is using. The source of food at each place is the same—
To God Be The Glory
When Jason was asked to sing at a church he was visiting, he was delighted to participate even though he wasn’t asked until a few minutes before the service started. He chose a familiar hymn, “To God Be the Glory,” because it was a song that was especially meaningful to him.
Ever think about your underlying motives in seeking to please God?
The Bible guarantees eternal rewards for those who faithfully follow Jesus. But should the promise of favor and reward be our primary motivation to serve God? A thought-provoking study of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
Pressing On
At a Christian men’s conference, I talked with a longtime friend who has encouraged and mentored me for many years. With him were two young men from China, new in their faith and deeply grateful for this man’s faithful friendship and spiritual help.
Let’s turn to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount to find out what makes us “good”
What makes a follower of Christ a “good” person? Is it how long they pray? How well they serve? Let's turn to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount to answer this probing question.
I’m Bored
When our kids were teens, we repeatedly had the following discussion after their church youth group meeting: I asked, “How was youth group tonight?” And they responded, “It was boring.” After several weeks of this, I decided to find out for myself. I slipped into the gym where their meeting was held, and I watched.
Peace, Be Still
My friend Elouise has a wonderful way of putting life into clever perspectives. Once when I asked her, “How are you today?” I expected the usual “fine” response. Instead, she said, “I’ve got to wake Him up!” When I asked what she meant, she kiddingly exclaimed, “Don’t you know your Bible?!” Then she explained: “When the disciples faced trouble, they ran to wake up Jesus. I’m going to run to Him too!”
Discover the difference between living by the spirit of the Law and the letter of the Law
Just as toddlers push the limits of their parents’ rules, as children of God we tend to look for loopholes in the Law to get our own way. A study of Jesus’ teaching in Luke chapter ten.
