Building Code

Four Foundational Words We’re Building On

You can learn a lot about a person when you step into their home. Imagine waking into the home of a family you’ve never met before. At a quick glance, you instantly make some surface-level observations about the household. Are they clean and organized, or …

powerful passages on the resurrection

Five Powerful Passages on the Resurrection

God’s Word is full of powerful passages on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In fact, all four gospel accounts of Jesus’ life include detailed perspectives on the events surrounding Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. But the gospels aren’t the only place to read about the …

are christians required to tithe

Four New Testament Reasons We Freely Give

Are Christians required to tithe? If you google the question, you’ll find ample articles, sermons, and teachings on both sides of the fence. Some argue tithing is an Old Testament law (like animal sacrifices) that is no longer necessary or in effect today. Others hold …

Christian Independence

8 Ways You’re Not as Independent as You Think

As a Christian, you’re not as independent as you think. Your life is interwoven in the lives of others, and it’s not something you can escape. Last summer Erin (my wife) and Aly (my daughter) took a spontaneous trip to Oregon to visit some close …

bold predictions 2021

Five Bold Predictions for 2021

I’ve never sailed the sea in the middle of a storm during the night without toilet paper, but I’m pretty sure living through 2020 comes close.  This past year has been unprecedented to say the least. One year ago we were all approaching 2020 with …

What is the meaning of love?

What’s the meaning of Love?

“There’s a difference between like and love. Because, I like my Skechers, but I love my Prada backpack.” While this quote from the movie 10 Things I Hate About You is ridiculous, I remember how the comparison of words got me thinking about the meanings of words and …

The Hope Journey

The Hope Journey

I remember as a child Christmas Eve was filled with great anticipation and hope. I always felt Christmas was the best time of the year—the lights, the time with family, and of course the presents. I would lie awake each Christmas Eve night begging the …

Where's the peace?

So, Where’s The Peace?

You know, there’s always been a Christmas song that I never really got. Sure, I understand the meaning through the lyrics, but thinking about the song in the context of the Nativity makes it seem silly. Hear me out:  Imagine you’re Mary.  Not only have …

10 Ways Christians should behave

10 Ways Christians Should Behave Through the Election.

It’s a presidential election year. (Thought I’d remind you in case you’ve been living on an isolated island without internet connection.) Presidential elections have a tendency to ignite the passions, stir up debates, and pit one side against the other. Elections produce a winner and …

make an impact

3 Steps to Make the Greatest Impact

Do you want to make an impact? Do you want to make a difference? I’m going to assume you’d answer those questions with a resounding, “Yes.” Well, good! But how do you do that? How does a person truly make a difference in the world? …