Jesus has entrusted us with a critical rescue mission where eternal destinies hang in the balance. Most of us realize we let Jesus down. Our lack of faithfulness reflects our lack of love. My purpose isn’t to immerse us in guilt — that’s self focused; but to help us see how much we’ve been forgiven […]
The 2000 movie Pay It Forward tells the story of a seventh grader named Trevor, whose new social studies teacher issues an assignment to think of something that could change the world, and then put it into action. Trevor comes up with the idea of doing big favors for three people that are not intended […]
The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible is designed to lead believers into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ, and to help them experience the good news about God’s mighty kindness and love. Built around 30 Life Principles Dr. Stanley has gleaned from Scripture during his fifty years of teaching and pastoral ministry, this Bible is […]
On Sabbath morning you’ll find Karen Stacy in her classroom captivating the group of busy, bustling children around her. Though small in stature herself, she maintains a balance of gentleness and command. Occasionally she’ll throw in a little song to help her students focus as they learn. Her goal? That each child will develop a […]
He was not just a good man who happened to do miracles. Jesus broke with all conventions, doing the unexpected, associating with the downtrodden, ignored, and forgotten outcasts of the earth. Reaching down, lifting up, He did not fill the role assigned Him by the Jews. They figured a proper Messiah would behave far differently […]
Chalkboards, classrooms, and open books dominate web search results for teaching-related imagery. When we include the word Christian, then pulpits, pews, and Bibles join the mix. Because we are heirs of the Enlightenment and citizens of the Information Age, our concept of discipleship and teaching is often conflated with the notion of sharing information. We […]
Jerusalem, ad 33. The fledgling church had been given a mission, a call that would challenge social norms, upend religious traditions, and identify her members as a group of radicals. It was a call they ran from. Yes, the disciples had seen Jesus resurrected. They had heard Him speak and watched Him ascend. But that […]
Discovering God’s gifts and calling over a lifetime.
My church is not an ordinary church. If you’ve never been to a prison chapel to hear the inmates testify and sing about God’s amazing grace, you’re missing something. Many volunteers have told me they came to give but left having received. They came thinking they knew a lot about God’s grace but left knowing […]
“You’ll never manage on your own. Is there someone who can help you after surgery?” I live alone. These words from a spine surgery veteran stripped away my protective layers of independence and lay bare my deepest fear: What will I do if I’m unable to take care of myself? I’d dealt with other health […]
