Resources to help you understand Scripture, grow in faithful habits, and discover more favorite passages.
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It’s the Most Wearisome Time of the Year
Christmas is called the most wonderful time of the year, yet many of us feel more worn out than lifted up. Here is how the Savior meets weary people with real rest.
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Don’t Mail Ministry In
It is possible to serve God with your hands while your heart drifts into autopilot. Before you mail ministry in, take a moment to remember why faithfulness still matters.
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Every Promise Kept
Luke 1:26-56 – When Gabriel announced Jesus’ birth, Mary trusted that God would fulfill every word He had spoken. Her surrendered faith reminds us that we can live confidently knowing God keeps every promise He makes.
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Kindness in a Culture of Cruelty
Kindness isn’t just about being nice; it’s about being intentional. The Holy Spirit grows kindness in us so that our lives can reflect the compassion of Christ in practical ways.
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Seeking the Wonderful Counselor
Many believers are overwhelmed not because God is silent, but because they’re listening to too many voices that don’t align with Him. Jesus offers something far better than the world’s conflicting counsel: perfect wisdom.
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Christmas Is Good News
A woman who fled religious oppression was shocked to find that Christmas in America often feels anything but peaceful. Her honest question leads us back to what the angels actually announced, and why it still changes everything.
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Bad Covers of Christianity
Pastor Travis Agnew shares how his heart for discipleship began, and why so many believers in the Bible Belt have been evangelized but never discipled. He explains why conversion isn’t the finish line, how evangelism and discipleship work together, and what’s fueling today’s distorted versions of Christianity.
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When God Orchestrates the Ordinary
When God interrupts what feels ordinary, He often reveals a far greater plan unfolding behind the scenes. Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story reminds us that what seems routine or delayed is actually being orchestrated by a God who is working in every detail.
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Patience in a Culture of Hurry
Waiting isn’t easy, but it’s often where God does His deepest work. The Holy Spirit grows patience in us when we stop demanding perfect timing and start trusting perfect wisdom.
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Navigating the Empty Chair
Thanksgiving joy is real, but so is the ache when someone isn’t there. Join me as we explore how to walk faithfully and tenderly through that empty space at the table.
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What’s Descriptive for One is Not Prescriptive for All
While God does use our vast corporate attempts, we discover within the biblical narrative and within our particular experiences that God moves uniquely with each specific person. What is descriptive in the life of one is not necessarily prescriptive in the lives of all.
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You Shouldn’t Steal Goats While Translating the Bible
Through Bike for Bibles, we are attempting to fund a translation of Scripture for the Arbore people of Ethiopia. This story shows how the Bible should affect every interaction we have.
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Tozer on Spirit-Quenching Churches
A.W. Tozer has a way of speaking from the heart to the heart of things. In this excerpt from The Counselor, he describes how churches can be busy without the Holy Spirit’s power.
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You Can’t Follow Jesus if You Don’t Know Your Bible
If you dare to follow Jesus where He leads, one thing must be immediately clarified in the first place: the direction He is going. We discover the will of God in the Word of God.
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3 Reasons People on Your Team Annoy You
Show the type of patience to people on your ministry team that you desire they would show to you. We’re all different, and that’s not a bad thing.
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Register for Bike for Bibles
Bike for Bibles is a charity ride designed for everyone: all ages, all skill levels. From April 5-12, you’ll bike miles to support the translation of the Bible into the Arbore language.
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4 Signs of a Humble Worship Leader
Whenever we seek attention for ourselves, we attempt to rob God of his glory. People called to lead others in worship must fervently attempt to lead humbly before God and his people.
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You Are a Work in Progress
You are a work in progress. So if you aren’t what you hoped to be, be encouraged that God isn’t done with you yet.
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Galatians (Series Overview)
The Apostle Paul had many enemies in his ministry, but none were as dangerous as legalists. In his letter to the Galatians, he reveals how the gospel is sufficient for our salvation and lives.
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Making a Spiritual Growth Plan for 2021
You will not grow by accident. To have the blessed life that Jesus spoke about in the Sermon on the Mount, we must follow Him on the path of discipleship. We must keep growing.
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Intro to the Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount is the greatest sermon in the history of the world. It has been translated and quoted and treasured more than any other. Before starting a thorough study, here is some information that will help you grasp the truth contained within the sermon.
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The Power of Humility
When it comes to governmental leadership, we often believe that most is accomplished through some type of conquering force. Jesus was a different type of King and setup a different kind of Kingdom.
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The Ending of Hostility
As the United States continues to further the philosophical divide, the greatest point of conflict has to do with how all citizens respond to God. As all nations rage against God, He has a sovereign plan to deal with every single one.
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The Changing of Majority
While the standard of morality within the United States continues to drift, Christians are left facing a different spiritual landscape. With the changing of the majority’s beliefs, we must adapt to ensure biblical faithfulness in rebellious times.
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The Slide of Morality
Our culture changes the standard of what is acceptable by the year. As our culture moves further from biblical morality, the church must clarify the ideal and define our approach.
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The Loss of Civility
With growing political animosity, authorities and citizens alike have discarded common civility. As tempers flare, insults fly, and resistance increases, Christians must stand out as people who can disagree respectably.
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The Pressure of Popularity
With increasing pressure to fall into particular political camps, how are Christians supposed to navigate faithfully? We cannot give in to any cultural system, no matter how widely accepted, if it contradicts the truths of Scripture.
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The State of Disunity
As we navigate this contentious election season, how are Christians supposed to respond? In light of the state of disunity within the United States of America, disciples of Jesus must prove themselves to be different from society.
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Crucifixion
While Jesus’ death seemed like a shocking defeat to his followers, the crucifixion of Christ was God’s plan all along. By studying the context of the event, we can understand what Jesus truly accomplished.
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Formed & Filled
You were created by God for a certain purpose. And every person in this world will either encourage you to fulfill that purpose or discourage you from that calling. Out of all your relationships, there is none more serious than your spouse.
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Engaged & Unprepared
Next to your decision to follow Jesus, there is no more critical of a decision than if and who you will marry. While you may find yourself lovestruck at some point in your life, it is essential that you have considered God’s role in your potential marriage.
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Evaluating Margins
If you are at the place in your life where you have so much to do that you don’t know what to do next, it’s probably because you aren’t doing the important work of evaluation. You must ensure that you can step back to get a handle on your chaos.
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Redirecting Anxiety
So many Christians feel tremendous guilt for the level of anxiety they struggle with on a daily basis. You need to realize that you haven’t sinned when anxiety hits, but you could sin by the way you address it.
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Engaging Teenagers
People often talk about the unique challenges that teenagers bring. Whether you are a parent, mentor, or church leader trying to invest in the student generation, you must prioritize that which can inspire them to be all God has called them to be.
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Fighting Temptation
Each of us experiences temptation throughout our lives. We have an intentional enemy who knows where, when, and how to attack us in vulnerable areas of weakness. Ignoring his tactics will not make you impervious to personal setbacks.
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Unlikely Contributions
We often categorize people’s skills by those which can serve sacred situations and others which can work in secular environments. To our detriment, we wrongly characterize the majority of how God has equipped people to a point of no usability.
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Premarital Preparation
You might be going to the chapel, but are you prepared for the marriage? So many people spend an unthinkable amount of time planning a 30-minute ceremony and a 2-hour reception but fail to prepare for what should be a lifelong marriage.
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Negative Influences
The people we allow in our lives will have a major influence on the directions we take. If you surround yourself with godly people, you have a better chance of becoming godly. But beware of the negative influences that can entice you to change course.
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Relational Environments
In church, we often talk about the need to devote ourselves passionately to Jesus. While that is true, you rarely find someone doing that if they aren’t surrounded by other people with a similar pursuit.
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The Unexpected & Unstoppable Plan of God
Exodus 1:1-7 – As the Book of Exodus commences, God reminds us of how He kept His promises to an unlikely family to fulfill an uncommon calling. God sets the stage to use His people to accomplish His purposes, and nothing can stop Him.
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Fear Not – There Is Good News
Luke 2:1-20 – The angels announced the gracious and glorious arrival of Jesus to a group of panicked shepherds. The gospel emboldens our lives once we comprehend that Jesus actually came for us.
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Fear Not – You Are Favored By God
Luke 1:26-38 – God graced Mary so she could carry Jesus in her womb, and she was willing to follow His plan no matter the cost. The favor of the known God should also diminish the fear of unknown circumstances in our lives.
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When the Compromises Come
Nehemiah 13:1-31 – Nehemiah left the city for a short time, and opposing voices emerged in an attempt to change direction. When compromises come among the people of God, we must commit to rerouting to God’s expectations.
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When We Celebrate God’s Work
As the people dedicated the wall’s completion, a joyous celebration commenced. When we celebrate God’s work, we should be known by sincere thanksgiving.
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When We All Know Our Roles
Nehemiah 11:1-36 – The people of God organized their efforts and installed leaders in critical areas. When we all know our roles, we are better if we serve according to our giftedness and others’ requirements.
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When We Give Together
Nehemiah 10:1-39 – As the people commit to keeping the covenant, they also agree to fund the temple’s financial requirements. When we give together, we join our generous offerings and stand amazed at what God does through aligned efforts.
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When Conviction Comes
Nehemiah 9:1-38 – After listening to the Word of God, the people were aware of their sins and repented. When conviction comes, we must humbly approach God with a restorative desire.
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When the Word Is Central
Nehemiah 8:1-18 – As the people gathered together, Ezra, the scribe, read God’s Word to the assembly to obey it. When the Word is central among the people of God, we can better operate the way God intended us to live.
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When Everyone Is Accounted For
Nehemiah 7:1-73 – As the workers prepared to settle into the land, Nehemiah assembled them to ensure all were covered. When everyone is accounted for among the people of God, we can rest knowing that we all have others watching out for us.