When the World Sets Up a Throne
Sexuality and spirituality share the same longings. The desire to be known. The desire to be loved. The desire for intimacy and belonging. We want those things from God, and we want them from one another. When sexuality is elevated beyond its design, it does not just become sinful. It becomes religious. It takes on the character of devotion, community, symbol, and celebration. The sharp word of Jesus to the church in Pergamum is not directed at the pagan city around them. It is directed at the people who bear his name. The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians that among followers of Jesus, there must not even be a hint of sexual immorality. That is a high standard. It is also a gracious one, because Jesus did not simply command it from a distance. He lived it. He died for every failure to meet it. He rose so that a new kind of life is actually possible.
Faithful Unto Death: What the Suffering Church of Smyrna Says to Us Today
The voice of a Savior who looks at a people being crushed and says: I know. That word matters. Jesus identifies himself to this church as "the first and the last, who died and came to life" (Revelation 2:8). This is not an abstract theological title. It is a direct, personal word to people who are watching their possessions be seized, their reputations be destroyed, and their lives be threatened. Jesus is saying: I am eternal, I have been where you are going, and I have come out the other side.
When Was the Last Time Jesus Left You Speechless?
This is a warning that cuts across every era of church history, including this one. It is entirely possible to do all the right things for all the wrong reasons. It is possible to attend faithfully, serve consistently, give generously, and hold firm theologically — all while the heart has grown cold toward the very person those things are supposed to honor.
The Scarlet Cord: When Simple Faith Changes Everything
If you feel like your faith is small, take heart. The question isn't whether you have great faith—it's whether your faith is in a great God. Jesus is mighty to save, and He is sufficient. Your simple trust in Him is enough.
Navigating Death with Wisdom, Grace, and Hope
Wisdom in the face of death requires both truth and community. We need to believe what is actually true about death—that it's an enemy, not a friend; a waiting, not a journey; an end that only God can overcome. What's your strategy for dealing with death? Some try to outrun it through legacy-building or distraction. Others numb themselves with comfort and entertainment. But wisdom calls us to a different path: to get on our knees in prayer, to invite others into our grief, to share the gospel with those who face death without hope, and to make space in our communities for honest mourning.
When Weak Faith Meets a Faithful God: The Surprising Story of Gideon
When God chooses someone who's literally hiding in a hole, shaking with fear, to accomplish something extraordinary, our expectations are turned upside down. The story of Gideon reveals how God works through imperfect people with imperfect faith. Picture a grown man crouched underground, terrified of the Midianites, yet called a "mighty man of valor." Gideon's journey is marked by hesitation and doubt, yet God meets him in his uncertainty. This powerful narrative reminds us that even our smallest, flawed faith can connect us to a God who is completely faithful. Discover how this story can inspire your own faith journey.
The Faith That Leads to Action: Lessons from the Life of Abraham
Everyone has faith, but not all faith saves. Genuine faith is more than mere belief; it leads to action and obedience. Consider Abraham, a random pagan called by God to leave everything behind. His journey was filled with ups and downs, revealing the struggle of misplaced faith. Yet, through it all, Abraham's ultimate test of faith demonstrated profound trust in God's promises. This story not only highlights the importance of faith but also points to a greater sacrifice made for us. Discover how our actions reflect our faith and the transformative power of trusting in Christ alone.
The Unshakeable Foundation: Living by Faith in What We Cannot See
Biblical faith isn't blind optimism or positive thinking. It's not pretending everything will work out the way you want. Instead, it's a deep-seated confidence in the character and promises of God, even when circumstances suggest otherwise.
Don’t Give Up: The Call to Endure in Faith
When we face trials today, we can draw strength from remembering God's faithfulness—both in our own journey and in the testimonies of believers who have gone before us. Every hardship we endure while trusting Jesus proves our faith genuine and deepens our confidence in His sustaining power.
Drawing Near: The Call to Community and Communion with God
Why is gathering so important? Because there are 59 "one another" commands in the New Testament. Love one another. Honor one another. Prefer one another. Greet one another. Be hospitable to one another. To obey these commands, you need another. You cannot fulfill God's design for Christian life in isolation.
The Once-for-All Sacrifice: Finding Rest in What Jesus Has Finished
If the sacrifices of the Old Testament had truly dealt with sin, wouldn't they have stopped? If the Day of Atonement had actually perfected the worshipers, why repeat it the following year? The very repetition proved the inadequacy. Each sacrifice served as a painful reminder: You're not yet cleansed. You're not yet perfected. Come back next year.
The Reality We Must Face: What Happens When We Die?
Death has a 100% success rate. It’s the one universal experience that awaits every human being, regardless of wealth, status, or personal […]