As Christians, we believe that our lives aren't a series of random circumstances. Instead, our circumstances are purposefully determined by God, even down to the most intricate details, including the houses and neighborhoods in which we live. Paul communicated this very clearly to the great thinkers of Athens in Acts 17:26 (emphasis mine): “From one man He has made every nation of men to live all over the earth *and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live.” Not only does this mean that … [Read more...]
Fatherly Love
As we continue through the Book of Hosea, we come to chapter 11, which leads us to ask this question: How is God’s love the perfect example of a father’s love? Tell us: In addition to God’s pursuant, nurturing, and committed nature (which we discuss in this week’s lesson), what other fatherly characteristics does God exhibit? Here are links to this weeks’ interactive elements: The free e-book Pastor Dad: Scriptural Insights on Fatherhood by Mark Driscoll Knowing God as Father, preached by C.J. Mahaney … [Read more...]
Effective Evangelism with Young Adults
The simple truth of the gospel does not change—Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died as a sacrifice so that we might, by faith, be put in right relationship with God. Though this truth is timeless, we must always evaluate the presentation of that truth to make sure it's connecting in a culturally relevant way. Here are a few principles we've found to be helpful in the discussion of how you evangelize young adults: Evangelize in the context of relationships. Young adults have seen countless Christian leaders fall due to moral … [Read more...]
Boundaries: Where to draw the line
You ask Jane to help you set up a social event for your church. Jane says she can't because she needs to study, but insists that she would love to help out another time. Jane has good boundaries. Next you ask Mary. She pauses and gives you a bemused look. "I can't," she says in a huff. "I need some time and space for myself. I refuse to commit to something that I know will leave me feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. I'm going to maintain good boundaries here and tell you no." BOUNDARIES VS. BATTLEMENTS Mary doesn't have … [Read more...]
Is Your Small Group Too Intellectual?
Groups focused exclusively on themselves are sad to see. Sure, they have lively discussions. They know incredible amounts of theological terms. There is never a shortage of opinions regarding predestination, the end times, or the Nephilim. The problem with groups like that is that they have given themselves over to intellectualism, and in so doing, have lost many of the other benefits (serving, praying for one another, bringing new people into the group) of meeting together. Though you want your group to go deep, you want to avoid … [Read more...]
It All Begins With Small Steps
Have you ever found yourself looking back, amazed at how small, seemingly insignificant steps you've taken have brought you to where you are today? While I hope you've experienced the wonder and awe of God's providence in this way, I have to admit I've experienced the opposite just as much, if not more. Times of confusion and doubt. Times when I wondered why I was where I was. Times when I struggled to see how the status quo would make any difference in the greater picture of my life. How I Got From Here to There A little over 15 … [Read more...]
Lead Your Family Well
Dustin Neeley is the lead pastor of Crossing Church and lives with his wife and four children in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the founder of Church Planting for the Rest of Us and is regularly featured at the Resurgence. His first book, “Conversations on Gospel and Mission, Vol. 1,” will be released this Spring. Although this article from Dustin speaks primarily to pastors, its message is equally as relevant to anyone who has a leadership role in ministry. I was lying on the floor pushing Thomas the Tank Engine around his … [Read more...]
Draining the Drama out of Your Relationships
A little relationship drama is healthy. Strong emotions are evidence that we care about someone. In fact, if a relationship is drama-free, it might lack appropriate passion or commitment. A lack of drama, however, usually isn't the problem. You know what I'm talking about. You've got that relative, coworker, or friend in a relationship who's all drama, all the time. When drama defines a relationship, you need to find the source and drain it out. Defining Drama Here are four of the most common sources of relationship drama. 1) The … [Read more...]
Beat the Winter Blues
January is traditionally designated as the most depressing month of the year by psychologists, who cite cold weather, credit card bills, and a post-holiday emotional swoon as reasons you should just consider staying in bed. In fact, January 18, 2010, was designated “the Gloomiest Day of the Year.” So, how do you beat the blues in the dead of winter? One way we recommend is by getting a Bible study going with a group of your friends. On the second Sunday night in January, I had 34 people rather cozily jammed into my … [Read more...]
The Art of Following
The following is the introduction to our newest short-term Bible study release, Follow Me: Learning About Faith, Obedience, and Being Made Holy by Jason Hayes. To learn more about “Follow Me” and purchase your copy, click HERE. The gospel of Jesus Christ is spreading like wild fire in many places around the world, although it may not seem like it where you live. The evangelization of unreached people groups is speeding up. Thousands of people who have claimed the names of other gods are now turning to Jesus. God is … [Read more...]
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