Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13: “I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Throughout my life, these words have taken on different meanings. In high school, I had that verse in my football locker, reminding me to knock my opponent on his rear—because he may be huge, but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. In college, that verse would come to mind when I'd enter a class and see everyone frantically pouring over their notes. Oh no. A test. But hey, good news! I can do all things … [Read more...]
Wear Out Your Welcome
My husband and I have officially worn out our welcome. The “welcome” word on our doormat, that is. A few weeks ago, Ryan noted that the welcome mat at our front door was faded and shredded. You couldn’t even read any of the various multi-lingual “welcomes” that once covered it. As usual, our perspectives on this mundane domestic development were about as distant as the loyalties of Red Sox and Yankees fans or the political views of Mary Matalin and James Carville. My immediate reaction: That’s … [Read more...]
Spiritual Growth: A Fresh Start with God
If you're like me, it often takes the start of spring to motivate me toward new routines or healthier habits. The lax lifestyle of Christmas vacation gives way to the blahs of winter, and then Easter rolls around (at which point I realize I've not even thought about my New Year's resolutions). And because I'm slightly OCD, I like to begin something new at an official starting point. For instance, I'll start diets only on Mondays. Once I've missed that starting point, my self-justifying logic kicks in, convincing me to wait until the … [Read more...]
Leadership: More about availability than ability
Editor’s Note: This article is adapted from Repurposed: The Memoirs of Nehemiah, a Threads short-term Bible study from pastor and author Mike Hurt. Click HERE for more information. Church historians consider Nehemiah among the greatest leaders in the Bible. What is the pedigree for a man with such a reputation? What was the background of one who could rebuild a city in 52 days? Nehemiah was a nobody before he was somebody. Look at how he was introduced in Nehemiah 1:1: “The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah.” His … [Read more...]
How to Live for Purpose in Your Community
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...]
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