And Now for Something Different: "Christian Exiles"and More

Christian Exiles

In a profound sense, this world is not our home. When we are away from our bodies we will be “at home with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). We are not to be “conformed to this age” (Rom. 12:2). Our lives “are hid with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3). We have been “transferred out of the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of his beloved Son” (Col. 1:13). We have “passed out of death and into life” (1 John 3:14). We are exiles and strangers here. Read More

Don't Despise Small Beginnings

God’s great works often have humble beginnings. Read More

8 Vital Insights for ‘Pregnant’ Church Planting

God desires to see every person come to know him. He’s waiting for a church planter to step out and start a movement. Read More

8 Types of Church Foyers

By design, the church foyer (also called the “vestibule,” “entrance,” or “lobby”) is one of the first places we see when we enter a church building. For that reason, it should be warm, inviting, and welcoming. Instead, I’ve seen these kinds of foyers in too many churches. Read More

Six Practical Reasons ‘Free Will’ Matters

In “A Beginner’s Guide to Free Will,” I tried to explain the various meanings of free will and what the Bible has to say about it. Depending on which definition you refer to, we either do or don’t have “free will.” Here again are the three definitions. Read More

The Best Definition of Sin in the Bible

There is one single verse which, in my opinion, captures the essence of what sin it. It’s the last verse in the book of Judges, a book which chronicles the downward spiral of disobedience of those that were called to be radically different as the people of God. Read More

4 Groups to Whom A Leader Should Listen To

As I recently shared, wise leaders ensure they are hearing the right voices and listening to people who display humility, wisdom, and commitment. Read More

10 Common Complaints about Leaders

I believe I am less likely to improve where I don’t know I need to improve. Compiling this list became an awareness exercise for me as much as anything. Read More

7 Things Pastors Should Never Say

There is too much pain in the world today. Let’s not add to it with our words. Read More

3 Kids Ministry Facts About the Graduating Class of 2028

How can we make the most of the days we have until our current children are standing in front of our churches in their caps and gowns announcing their college plans? Let’s take this year’s new first-graders, the class of 2028, and calculate how much Scripture we could teach until the day they are shopping for dorm room furniture instead of cartoon-character-blazoned lunchboxes. Read More

One Checkpoint to Help Know If Your "Good Kid" Believes in the Gospel

There are checkpoints or guideposts that I think are helpful for parents to consider when trying to discern the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of their mainly good kids. Read More