God is faithful; do I believe? That is what Jesus asks of each one of us.
Sometimes when you first start out as a leader it can be tempting to look at the people higher in leadership over you and think to yourself, “I can’t wait to be in that position. I’ll be able to do what I want and I’ll have lots more flexibility. The more authority and responsibility I have, the more freedom I’ll have to do what I want.” But that’s not how it works—and especially not in Christian leadership.
Eight studies from the book of Colossians.
We’re preaching through Hosea at our church, and studying it mid-week in our Bible studies and youth groups. My group and I grappled with Hosea 6:6. In the NIV it reads “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings”.
This week: public acknowledgement of media bias against those who don't want marriage redefined; what to say to your spouse when you have nothing nice to say; the advantages of consecutive expository preaching; the intolerance of tolerance.
A new anti-religion-in-schools billboard, what has happened to penal substitutionary atonement, the darker side of predestination, a reminder to keep evangelism on the table, and a Psalm of encouragement for those who are suffering.
When Protestants describe the Roman Catholic Church as ‘Trinitarian’ and ‘creedal’, it can obscure the differences between Catholics and Protestants, confuse Christians, and inhibit evangelism of Catholics.
Leaves are essential to plants. But leaves aren’t fruit. Leaves aren’t what the vinedresser comes looking for. Leaves aren’t what he puts in his basket. Yet, in our Christian lives, I think we often mistake our leaves for fruit.
Sometimes prayer seems like a joy. But quite often it doesn’t; it feels like hard work and it is tempting to skip it. That’s why Colossians 4:2 is such a useful reminder.
4 interactive Bible studies for small groups and individuals