Why Wonder
Predictable. Often times, our worship services are predictable. Before addressing the glaringly bad side of predictability, let’s first acknowledge the good side. Sunday after Sunday, it’s comforting to know what to expect so we’re not taken aback by the uncertainty of an unknown expression of worship. You’ve probably been in that position where you’ve invited...
Corey Scott
The 7 Rhythms Played Out
We discover from the Gospels that Jesus modeled 7 recurring “relational rhythms” as he made disciples. Here are the rhythms, and then, below that is a message we received recently from a Renew.org partner who has been following the rhythms as he disciples Chinese new believers: The Rhythms Listed: Grounded in and flowing from FASTING...
Renew.org
Book Review: Origins, by Paul Copan and Douglas Jacoby
Origins: The Ancient Impact and Modern Implications of Genesis 1-11, authored by Paul Copan and Douglas Jacoby, was written to address the cultural and cognitive environment of the Ancient Near East (ANE) in which Genesis 1-11 was written. It represents the first eleven chapters of Genesis as distinctly literary rather than as literal history. Origins...
Jonathan Lichtenwalter
Promise Keepers and the Power of Prayer
“The fervent, effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” — James 5:16 “And he was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart.” — Luke 18:1 “Pray without ceasing.” — I Thess. 5:17 Prayer played a huge role in the Promise Keepers...
David Roadcup
10 Things Every Christian Should Do When Traveling Abroad
If you’re planning a trip to another country, you’ve probably already looked at lists like this of must-haves (chewable Pepto tablets, blister band-aids, and dry shampoo are some of mine) and must-dos (I love to have locals show me their favorite spots that aren’t tourist-heavy). But if you are a Christian, I believe there are...
Taffeta Chime
Why Not the Increase? (Hint: Consider First-Century Weddings)
We’ve already heard the bad news. We hear that Christianity is on the decline. Worldwide? Not even close. The church is growing exponentially in numerous places all over the globe. But in America? Things don’t look like they’re going the right direction. Here’s the good news, and I’m convinced of it: God is a God...
Kelvin Teamer
Our Problem with Prayer
We can understand everything there is to be understood about the purpose of prayer, but it is only as we practice prayer that those purposes are fulfilled. And when it comes to the practice of prayer, no one set a better example for us than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. In Mark the first chapter,...
John Caldwell
Will God Move for You?
I call people on the phone. I’m 36, and most of my friends prefer to text, but I like to hear the inflection in someone’s voice. I was driving back from lunch a few months ago when I suddenly thought out of the blue that I needed to call a specific person. I called, and...
Joel Singleton
Kingdom VS Democracy
Just what did you sign up for when you became a citizen of Jesus’ Kingdom? And how much authority is given to your opinions and inclinations?
Renée Sproles
Renée Sproles
Dreaming as a Sign of Spiritual Health
What comes to mind when you think of the word dream? A romantic relationship with your knight in shining armor? A daydream that takes your mind off your situation or a bad dream which causes worry and fear? A false hope or pie-in-the-sky, wild idea with no basis in reality? If you are like me...
Shawn Patterson
An Inviting Alternative to Defensiveness
I have four children, ages four, three, two, and seven months. It’s virtually impossible to leave the house without strangers estimating ages in their head or making comments like, “Your hands are full,” or simply, “Oh.” My wife once had a lady tell her, “Be careful. We don’t want to be seeing you on the...
Luke Gray
Holiness is Beautiful?
“Give to the LORD the glory due His name . . . . Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness!” (Psalm 96:8-9, NKJV). But what makes holiness beautiful? To answer that question, we need to first answer the question, what is beauty? We can readily give examples of beautiful things, such as mountain...
Kelvin Jones
How Fear Cripples Faith
Fear cripples faith when it isn’t dealt with. Fear’s greatest strength is its ability to amplify negative possibilities within the mind. Conjuring up potential problems, fear casts a shadow of doubt over exciting opportunities. Those who are shackled by fear must realize that the presence of chains suggests slavery. Take Saul, king of Israel, yet...
Jared Ellis
Embracing the Truth about Your Adoption
I’ve discipled many women that were struggling with their identity in Christ. Many times we work through Neil T Anderson’s book Victory Over Darkness. He describes how we, after the fall, are born physically alive, but Adam and Eve were born both physically and spiritually alive. This created a oneness with God. So, God created mankind in...
Michelle Eagle
Spoiler Alerts for Your New Decade
I went for years, happily not flossing. What ruined it for me was the dental hygienist. The conversation went something like this: “No, I don’t really floss.” “Oh, well then you’ll probably get heart disease.” “Come again?” “Yeah, many heart related diseases are directly related to how well you care for your teeth. By not...
Daniel McCoy