Craig Mintz experienced first-hand what an intensive discipleship experience can do in a person’s life while at the University of North Carolina. So, he took what he learned on the college campus and put it into practice at First Baptist Church, Sevierville, Tennessee. “What’s missing so many times is the relational part of Christianity,” said Mintz, the pastor of discipleship and singles at the church. “Growing in your faith alongside a friend who is doing the same thing really makes a … [Read more...]
Receiving Grace
God’s been teaching me a lot about grace in the past few weeks. Like many of you, I’ve been tricked into setting impossibly high standards for myself, resulting in an overwhelming and ongoing sense of failure. In this mind-set, I never allowed myself to receive God’s grace because, of course, I wasn’t good enough for it yet. It sounds like a personal problem, I know. However, God has shown me clearly that if I don’t receive His grace for myself, I lose the ability to give grace to others. Ouch. I was OK … [Read more...]
The Power of Gratitude (Part 2)
Part 2 of The Power of Gratitude continues. Read Part 1 here. Now that you’re thinking of all those people you wish to thank, here are additional ways to show appreciation. And anytime you say “thanks,” be sure to tell that person specifically what it is you appreciate about him or her. Practically Grateful Take a surprise dinner to a friend who helped you through a tough time. Give an after-the-party survival kit (stain remover, paper towels, and a gift certificate for a pedicure) to a party-hosting friend. Do … [Read more...]
The Power of Gratitude (Part 1)
G.K. Chesterton once said, “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” Expressing gratitude by saying “thank you” is a profound and simple act, but has it become a forgotten art? With Thanksgiving around the corner, it seems appropriate to reflect on all the things we are thankful for. But those thoughts can often be fleeting as we become consumed with holiday travel plans and look forward to a meal of turkey topped off with pumpkin pie, … [Read more...]
Get Over Yourself
Pride—our culture doesn’t typically give it much thought, but to the early church, pride was considered one of the most destructive of all sins. Trouble is, it’s also a sin that comes pretty naturally to us. So how do we fight it? Refocus Instead of trying to subtract pride from your life, try to add something in its place—think servanthood. Being a servant means dying to self whether your act of service is going on a mission trip or opening a door for someone. Focusing less on yourself and more on others is … [Read more...]
Fall-tastic Ways to Fellowship: 8 ideas for building community this season
Ahh, fall … It’s time to breathe in the crisp air, admire the beautifully changing leaves, and log way too many hours in front of the TV watching college football. But it’s also the perfect season to strengthen the friendships in your young adult community. Check out our staff picks for some fall-tastic ways to fellowship. Go for a hike. Now’s the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy God’s breathtaking creation. Before winter sets in, gather your Bible study group to hike the best trails in your area. Invite … [Read more...]
F.Y.E.: The Weekend in Sports
In my opinion, October is the epicenter of the sports calendar. With the onset of fall, you’ve got all kinds of greatness. You have Major League Baseball Postseason. There’s the real meat of the college football schedule. And the NFL is kicking into high gear. Though my petition with the NCAA to have March Madness moved to October to ensure its total dominance over any other month is currently under consideration, I nevertheless am giddy with excitement because every week brings plenty of fodder for anyone who has even a … [Read more...]
Living on a Prayer: Incorporating God Into Your Every Moment
I’d love to be the kind of believer who oozes spirituality, but the real me is a scattered, messy, stumbling Christ-follower. My life is filled with to-do’s, deadlines, meals on the go, and Skype. Is there any reason to think I could ever be good at prayer? Of course! And if that’s something you’ve ever wondered, you can too. The reality is, most of us are way too busy to ignore the mystical, practical, whimsical, illogical gift of prayer. The only real way you will ever see continuous, intimate, radical … [Read more...]
Spend This, Not That: Easy Ways to Help Stretch Your Bottom Dollar
There’s probably a reason recession is only a few letters different than depression. The troubled economy has left a lot of folks discouraged and dispirited. But it doesn’t have to be so bad. Penny pinching sounds undesirable to some, but changing your lifestyle is easier than you might think. I was challenged to flex my spending muscle in five major areas of daily life. Some of the suggestions may not work for you, but others might be helpful on your path toward living a more frugal lifestyle. Grocery Shopping Obviously … [Read more...]
Is it as easy as it seems on TV?
What does it take to follow Christ? Matthew 7:13-15 paints a different picture of Christianity than we typically see from the TV and many churches these days. Following Christ is often seen as a way to the easy life, comfort, and the Promised Land. But these verses talk about the narrow gate and few finding it. Wide is the path that leads to destruction though. Watch this video and think if it is something you’d sign up for. To join the Royal Marines, I’d definitely say you have to enter through a narrow gate. After watching that … [Read more...]
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