Topic > Spiritual Growth
My Kind Of People
Years ago in a worship service, pastor Ray Stedman stepped to the pulpit and read the text for the day: “Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that” (1 Cor. 6:9-11 nlt).
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.
“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.
Discover how to experience God’s kind of patience in our daily life
Life has a way of pushing our buttons. People, pressures, and overwhelming priorities can really stretch our patience! We’re looking at Second Peter chapter one.
Gaining more self-control in our lives through our personal relationship with God
You’ve taken the first step and given your life to Christ. But how does that really impact your daily life? Let’s continue a helpful discussion in Second Peter.
Down The Up Staircase
The video starts with a puppy at the top of the stairs afraid to go down. Despite much encouragement from people cheering at the bottom, Daisy can’t figure it out. She wants so badly to join them, but fear keeps her pacing the landing. Then a bigger dog comes to …
Acts Of Kindness
I was traveling with some men when we spotted a family stranded alongside the road. My friends immediately pulled over to help. They got the car running, talked with the father and mother of the family, and gave them some money for gasoline. When the mother thanked them over and over, they replied, “We’re glad to help out, and we do it in Jesus’ name.”
Peter, an unlikely follower of the Lord who left a legacy of faith!
Jesus often chose the most unlikely characters to follow Him and make an impact for God. Let’s gather around the table to begin a study of the personal insights of the apostle Peter.
Gardening 101
“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” — Matthew 13:8 (NIV) We may be familiar with the verse about the seed that falls on good soil. Unfortunately, we often forget that good soil does not stay good on its […]
Getting Beyond Ourselves
I have one of those friends who seems to be better than I am at just about everything. He is smarter; he thinks more deeply; and he knows where to find better books to read. He is even a better golfer. Spending time with him challenges me to become a better, more thoughtful person. His standard of excellence spurs me on to greater things.
Check The Oil
When I helped our daughters learn to drive, I included a little instruction on basic auto maintenance. We visited a local service station where they learned to check the oil every time they put fuel in the car. Today, years later, they often remind me of my six-word slogan, “Oil is cheap; engines are expensive.” Adding a quart of oil is nothing compared to replacing an engine.
Will you identify with me?
Fear can be a truly crippling emotion. It can leave us haunted by the “what ifs”, “if onlys”, and “I should have” that come as we second-guess our own failure to do or say something. Joseph of Arimathea is a secret disciple of Jesus. Out of fear, he had not publicly identified himself with Christ. […]
What’s In A Name?
My friend wrote a letter to his newborn child that he wanted him to read when he was older: “My dear boy, Daddy and Mummy wish that you will find and stay focused on the Light. Your Chinese name is xin xuan. Xin means faithfulness, contentment, and integrity; xuan stands for warmth and light.” He and his wife carefully chose a name based on their hopes for their baby boy.
Blessed Are The Meek
One problem with the English word meek is that it rhymes with weak, and people have linked the two words together for years. A popular dictionary offers a secondary definition of meek as “too submissive; easily imposed on; spineless; spiritless.” This causes some people to question why Jesus would say, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5).
