May 6, 2024
May 12 Study | Perseverance
The apostle Paul knew much about perseverance, and he wrote more about this quality in 2 Corinthians than in any of his Epistles. . . .
Articles for tag: Colossians 3:1
August 28, 2023
September 3 | The Shulammite Woman Speaks
In Song of Songs, students will learn of a woman’s love for her husband, the husband’s love for his wife, the watchful celebration of their love by the couple’s attendants, and the Lord of love whose love is the basis for all other loves. . . .
January 23, 2023
January 29 | Application (‘What Makes You Different?’)
The Israelites were supposed to be a holy people, distinct from others who lived around them. No work on the Sabbath day. No graven images. . . . God wanted more than surface obedience, though. He said, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts” (Deuteronomy 6:6). . . .
February 14, 2022
Feb. 20 | Called, Justified, Glorified
In Romans 8, everyone and everything is groaning—creation, believers, and the Holy Spirit. But through all the groans, believers know they were called, are being justified, and will be glorified.
June 14, 2020
Unity Despite Politics
By Megan Rawlings We’re entering that time of year. We are inundated with campaign signs, slogans, brochures, and TV ads. Candidates are making promises, doing their best to make their competitors look bad, and trying to convince the public that they are the right person for the job. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. Serious disagreements erupt in the public arena, and even believers get caught up in the drama. But how are we, as Christians, supposed to politely express our political opinions without offending others? Good Manners Had Bad Results Etiquette books fascinate me. I read them and study how
February 8, 2015
What Would Jesus Do (with My Sex Life)?
By Casey Tygrett Some won”t at first be comfortable with the question. But those who want to live more like Jesus will always think about Jesus at the same time they think about sex. It is something that”s enjoyable, even when it”s difficult or awkward. It can be enjoyed on every continent, in every country, in any place and””with a few exceptions””at any time. It involves all the senses, exploding into brilliant concert together at just the right moment. Some would say it is a God-given right, and discourage efforts to prevent it or regulate it. Some, of course, take
February 6, 2015
A Time to Reset
By C. Robert Wetzel “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3). As the technologically challenged among us fumble with our computers and related products, we often create problems with the very devices meant to help us. Rather than following prescribed procedures, we simply press buttons, as though the more commands we send, the more likely we will secure
June 1, 2011
Same-Sex Marriage””What Should We Do?
By Ben Cachiaras Editor”s note: As the Maryland state legislature considered a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, earlier this year, Ben Cachiaras encouraged his congregation, Mountain Christian Church, Joppa, Maryland, to respond in a way that honors Christ. (The bill ultimately died without being passed.) Below is an excerpt from what Ben wrote in March. Christians need to think carefully about this issue. Here are a few incomplete thoughts and observations, offered humbly into the discussion: “¢ The landscape in America has changed. Recent polls confirm what we already know””that a growing number of Americans are prepared to recognize gay
February 9, 2011
For Valentine”s Day . . . a Command
By Mark A. Taylor As churches everywhere capitalize on Valentine”s Day, all of us can ponder a biblical mandate more serious than hearts and flowers. Sweetheart dinners, couples retreats, and sermons about love are all great, as long as they move us beyond the frivolous expressions typical of our culture”s shallow take on deep issues. When it comes to marriage, God has spoken. His command comes three times in Paul”s epistles, twice within a few phrases of each other. “Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,” Paul tells the Ephesians. “Husbands
September 28, 2008
Let”s Bring Back Kindness
By Victor M. Parachin A woman wrote an advice columnist to share how a simple act of kindness prompted her to seriously change her lifestyle. Signing herself as “Slimming Fast in Florida,” the woman explained she is one of those “oversized” people who more than fills an airline seat. While on an airplane that was filled nearly to capacity, a “good looking gentleman” sat down in the seat beside her and greeted her with a friendly, “Good morning.” As he buckled his seat belt, he said to the woman, “I always feel cramped in these seats. Would you mind if
May 6, 2007
Demas Has Forsaken Me
A reflection on Demas’s desertion, Paul’s final imprisonment, and the quiet pull of “the world.” Learn why setting heart and mind on things above is essential—and how John Mark’s story offers hope.
September 24, 2006
Why the U.S. Will Never Win the World Cup (and Why This Matters to the Church)
Using the World Cup as a mirror, Rick Grover challenges the church to move beyond preferences and short-term thinking toward a lived, sacrificial faith that shapes disciples and reaches the unchurched.
