"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:8 ESV What we read matters. What we study matters. What we watch matters. Who we listen to matters. Therefore, what we teach matters, perhaps most of all. The importance of choosing biblical curriculum is something that every pastor, elder, minister, teacher, and parent should care ... continue reading...
Protecting the Church from Doctrinal Drift and Culture Creep
"You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump." Galatians 5:7-9 ESV I've seen it more times than I can count: formerly solid churches seemingly suddenly finding themselves in a place they never planned on being. These churches may have had the best of intentions. They may have had good men at the helm. But they weren't on the lookout for 2 of the most dangerous ways a ... continue reading...
Church History Week: An Alternative to Halloween
"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old." Psalm 77:11 ESV I've been sitting on this one for a while, friends. In recent years, the Halloween debate has gotten quite horrifying among Christians. It's crazy to me how a cultural day can cause so much division among believers. Both sides have strong opinions, reasons for their claims, and troops in their corners. And while I have my own beliefs (not a fan), I'm not going to use this article to state my ... continue reading...
Tips for Getting in the Word
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Romans 15:4 ESV As the wife of a pastor, I could seriously write a book of all the excuses people give my husband and me about why they're not getting in the Word of God regularly. And as an imperfect person, I'm sure I've used many of them in my life as well. But all of these excuses are just that- excuses! We make ... continue reading...
What is Theology?
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV Why does theology matter? Theology. Sadly, it's a word we don't hear too much about in modern churches. But does that mean it doesn't matter? I argue it matters greatly. It matters because what we believe matters. And if our entire faith is based on what we ... continue reading...
How to Vet Christian Books and Authors
"Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." Acts 17:11 ESV How to vet Christian books and authors Have you ever heard the phrase "be a Berean?" If you're not familiar, it's based on the above verse in the books of Acts and describes the Jews in Berea who didn't just take what they heard as truth, but instead weighed what they heard against Scripture, making ... continue reading...
Are you even a Christian?
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith." 2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV Are you a Christian? I went through a season of Holy discontent last year. Much of it stemmed from a tough few years of ministry, I know. That, coupled with the turbulent times our country has been facing has left my heart hurting more often than not. I write this knowing my audience is made of self-proclaimed Christians. I write this with 18 years of ministry experience and a lifetime of church ... continue reading...