For some the word sabbatical provokes thoughts of living in isolation for several months where you don’t talk, wear a robe and only eat rice and beans. Sounds fun, eh? Not so much. So, what is a sabbatical? The word sabbatical derives from the biblical word Sabbath which stems from the …
Balancing Your Life and the Fuzziness of Priorities
Whew, it’s been a while since I’ve posted on YouTube! 455 days to be exact. No, I didn’t join the circus, and I wasn’t stranded on a desert island. Things just got busy at home and around the church and something had to give—and that …
Why Israel Matters
The war in Israel is not a geopolitical issue or a foreign policy issue. At the core, it is a spiritual issue. What we are witnessing in Israel is not a new conflict. It’s a 4,000 year old struggle between God’s people and satanic forces. …
The Root Sin Behind Transgenderism
Transgenderism has quickly become a hot topic in today’s culture. How do we as Christ-followers address this issue with grace and truth? Genesis 1:27 states that God “create them male and female.” There is clear, Biblical teaching that gender is God’s design. So, where does …
Am I Meddling? Eight Questions to Ask
The following is based on the article What Does the Bible Say about Being a Busybody? from Got Questions. Is this any of my business? At the same time, they also learn to be idle, going from house to house; they are not only idle, …
Seven Simple Reasons to Fast
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 Some people see fasting as an outdated, pious ritual that was only practiced by the most devout people of God.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 …