The Gospels tell us that Jesus chose twelve disciples and sent them out to preach (Mark 3:14). This was not a temporary calling. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus confirmed it: “You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in … Read the rest
The thought was there when I awoke. Even after school lunches were packed, breakfast served, and three kids kissed out the door, it lay in my mind like a stone. I sipped coffee, read a book, and tried to ignore … Read the rest
We say it at the end of every prayer, often with little reflection on its meaning — like saying “goodbye” at the end of a conversation. But what if these were the four most powerful words we speak? Would it … Read the rest
When God called me to ministry, it came as a shock to me and, undoubtedly, to everyone who knew me. I had spent years rejecting God and His Word, although I had been raised by a devout Seventh Day Adventist … Read the rest
Now, more than in any other epoch, the church needs to reorient her understanding of doubt. James K. A. Smith has noted that in our modern age, “We don’t believe instead of doubting; we believe while doubting.” And so, rather … Read the rest
Corporate worship should be dynamic and life changing, not mediocre and boring. Such worship doesn’t just happen but results from deliberate and purposeful planning.
If corporate worship is truly a meeting between God and His people, how the worship service … Read the rest
(Matthew 28:17)
In my previous article, I talked about my transformation at age 14, when I gave my life to Jesus. I didn’t understand justification and sanctification; I just knew I’d been forgiven. But what about the things I … Read the rest
In January, I resolved to read through the Bible. My journey began well. I cruised through several chapters each day, visited many strong characters en route: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua. Naomi, a bitter woman turned sweet, grabbed my attention. As … Read the rest
I worship every week in a contemporary church. Hymns occur infrequently during the worship service, but they remain an integral, daily part of my life. That’s because in my youth I acquired (and have since retained) the habit of using … Read the rest
Worship isn’t just something we do in church. An Old Testament ritual of worship, held in various ways and places from the beginning of the Bible, illustrates the point well. If we comprehend its symbolism, we will have a better … Read the rest
