Discipleship

When Familiar Becomes Careless

God wants to be in a relationship with his people that’s not marked by fear but love. Not apprehension, but an appreciation of his great grace and compassion.

There’s No Contradiction Between God’s Empowerment and Our Efforts to Battle Sin

The Christian life is not a choice between loving and trusting Jesus, and making an effort to avoid temptation and sin. It is not either/or—it is both/and.

Are You Reading the Bible the Wrong Way?

It is possible to read the Bible and misunderstand the point of what God is saying.

Why Do Some Christians Make Such Lousy Human Beings?

"A large part of the reason is a faulty, compartmentalized understanding of what it means to follow Jesus."

If You Don’t Care for the Poor, You Don’t Understand the Gospel

"Amos said, 'Woe to those who are at ease in Zion'—those who are playing through life when so many around them are suffering."

5 Myths About Forgiveness—And 6 Ways to Deal With the Pain

"The God of the universe promises to take care of us, to be by our sides, to rescue us, if only we’ll get to know and trust him."

5 Ways to Raise Spiritually Resilient Kids

"Call it grit. Call it resilience. Regardless, our kids need it. And as parents, we play a big role in making sure they get it."

8 Reasons Members Don’t Give Sacrificially and Cheerfully to Your Church

"My experience is that many, if not most, believers will support God’s work when they know the immediate needs."

7 Ways Pastors Can Navigate the Pain of Rejection

"Rejection actually physically hurts. It’s an automatic response to rejection that God wired into our bodies."

6 Traits of a Church Disrupter

"The disrupter is just that: He disrupts the unity of the church. He disrupts the outward focus of the church."

Where Do 20-Somethings Fit in Our World—and in the Church—Today?

"When we accuse young people of 'leaving church,' we often misinterpret what might actually be occurring."