Monday's Catch: 'Should Churches Meet in Houses?' And More

Should Churches Meet in Houses?
James Emery White identifies the major hermeneutical error behind the belief that churches should only meet in houses.

The mainstream psychiatrist who confirms demonic possession is real
In the modern world, belief in Satan or evil spirits is usually ridiculed or completely ignored. Scientists often assume such ideas are delusions – symptoms of a psychiatric illness or psychosis. Some Christians even dismiss the idea, even though they feature prominently in the gospel accounts of Jesus's life. So when a distinguished expert in mental illness, Dr Richard Gallagher, wrote a book describing his own personal encounters with people who are possessed, it received a lot of media attention, with TV appearances, newspaper interviews and appearances on many podcasts.

A Christian Response to Polygamy, Incest, and Pedophilia
In 1964, Supreme Court justice Potter Stewart defined obscenity, or hardcore pornography, by simply stating, “I know it when I see it.” Perhaps this was true for Stewart, or even the average American before the sexual revolution. Yet after decades of increasing promiscuity in media, fashion, and other cultural activities, we’re deeply desensitized to sexual immorality. We see it. But we don’t know it.

Faith Hacking: The Swedish Method
The Swedish Method is one super-simple way to read the Bible with others, and may be especially effective for reading with small groups of teens or with individual new Christians. One of the advantages is that it requires few resources and little planning, but can still be very rewarding.

Also See: The Swedish Method and Origins of the Swedish Method

6 Things that Happen when You Know Prayer Warriors “Have Your Back”—and a Challenge for You
I have several prayer warriors (actually, I have 20 on my list today) who intercede for me regularly. Some pray for me and Pam every day. Others pray when I request it. I know it sounds cliché to say, “Prayer really matters” . . . but, I continue to learn how much it does. In fact, here are some ways the prayers of my support team have changed my life....

Why Does God Say No to Good Things?
Why would God say no to prayers for a loved one’s salvation, sanctification, or healing? For a stable job? For reconciliation in a broken relationship? For a godly spouse? Blake Glosson shares five responses he has found useful in his season of waiting.

This is how to use the Swedish Method with kids
Is it really possible to explore the Bible with kids in a way that keeps them involved and engaged? Annemarie Rivers shares one way she has found that is surprisingly simple.

5 Innovative Prayer Ideas for Your Children’s Ministry
Trying to find ways to incorporate more prayer in your children’s ministry? Look no further! Here are five unique ideas to get you started.

4 Resources Small Churches Can Put Toward Discipleship—Today
When it comes to building a strong discipleship culture, resources are exactly what you have—more than you realize.

Failure Happens Slowly Before It Happens Suddenly
Moral failure is rarely an event. It’s more of a slow process that can be stopped if we catch it early enough, but that will become catastrophic if we let it go.

3 Reasons to Be Gentle
Despite our best efforts, we get disappointed. And in light of that, whether you’re 7 or 70, here is what seems like a good principle to remember: Much of life is about what you do next.