Let’s be honest. Fasting is not a popular spiritual discipline for most Christians. Some people see fasting as an outdated, pious ritual that was only practiced by the most devout people of God. Others see the benefit of fasting purely for personal health benefits. What …
12 Verses on Honesty in Business
Do not be unfair in measurements of length, weight, or volume. You are to have honest balances, honest weights, an honest dry measure, and an honest liquid measure; I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. (Leviticus 19:35-36) …
12 Verses on Speaking Truth with Gentleness
A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. (Proverbs 15:1) He protects his flock like a shepherd; he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them in the fold of his garment. He gently leads those that are nursing. …
Thankfulness Is a Choice
This week I (Stephen) have been struck by the goodness of God. Not everything in my life right now is perfect or even easy but, I still feel this overwhelming thankfulness to God—God is moving in our church! But I don’t always feel like this. I am often so …
7 Ways to Live in a Changing Culture
The world is changing. To be honest, it’s hard to keep up with. It seems like every week there’s a new issue, topic, or debate to engage in, and it feels like you have to be an expert on every latest fad, political move, social …
How to Navigate Conflict Biblically
Conflict is, unfortunately, a common happening in our fallen world. Even fellow Christians can get into conflicts that are sharp and painful. In the New Testament, we see many examples of believers in churches having disputes and struggling to resolve them. Even church planters Paul …
Five Books I’m Reading in 2023
Leaders are readers. It’s cliche. But it’s true. If you want to grow this coming year then pick up a book, or two, or forty-five. (I heard about a guy who reads fifty-two books a year!) You will be the same person this time next …
7 reasons why YOU CAN and SHOULD be a small group leader and host
People come up with a lot of reasons why they can’t be a small group leader: I’m not tall enough, strong enough and no one likes me. Oh, wait! That’s a different list! Sorry. Let me start over. Becoming a small group leader can be …
5 Things EVERY Small Group Attendee Needs to Know
Small Groups are an important part of Leading People to Follow Christ in a Life Changing Way and we can’t do this without leaders and hosts. Here are a few things that make small group time more enjoyable for the leader/host and your experience more …
Who was Sosthenes in the Bible?
So there I was, reading my Bible. I was just beginning First Corinthians and I came across this strange name in the very first verse: This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from …
What Super Bowl Commercials Reveal About Our Culture
If you want to get a pulse on modern culture, look no further than Super Bowl commercials. These thirty to sixty second, highly creative spots showcase what our culture values, celebrates, and esteems. There’s a reason companies invest millions of dollars (2022 ads ran 6.5 …
How to Work Out Your Salvation
What does it mean to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling“? (Philippians 2:12b) If Paul had said, “work out your body,” we would know exactly what to do. We’d hit the gym, stretch our muscles and lift some weights. For our muscles …
The Power of Together
Over a decade ago, the massive video screen at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, was the talk of the world. The giant 1080p video board spans 160 feet wide and contains 30 million light bulbs. Yep, you read that right, 30 million light …
Five Fascinating Christmas Quotes from the Original Christmas Story
There’s no shortage of classic, Christmas quotes. See if you can recognize any of the following from your favorite Christmas movies. “God bless us, everyone!” “You’ll shoot your eye out kid.” “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” …