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How to Do a Bible Study

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Many people choose to learn about the Bible by starting with Genesis and reading forward until they finish Revelation. The problem with this is most people don’t make it to the end; they often get stuck in some of the Old Testament books and lose interest with who begat whom. Another problem I’ve heard, especially among non-Christians, is refusal to finish reading the Bible out of frustration with God—typically by the book of Job, where the hardships people faced don’t seem to make much sense. The Bible is so much more than a history or story book. To retain what … Continue reading →

Coasting In Life

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You go to church, you read the Bible a few years ago, you are generally a good person and most importantly you have asked Jesus to be Lord of your life. Now it’s smooth sailing, except you can’t help but feel something’s missing… While I was in church one Sunday, our pastor said something that really stuck with me. He said, “When coasting in life, you are always going down hill.” He continued by reminding us we need God’s help to go up. Indeed, heaven is up, not down. You would not eat one good meal and suggest you never … Continue reading →

Getting Teens Involved in Church

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My husband and I have the privilege of working with the Youth Group in our church. For several months when we first began this ministry, our focus was on serving them. We planned events that would entertain and encourage them, and spent much time deciding on games and activities that we hoped they would enjoy. While it is good to plan activities for the youth in the church, it is equally important to get the youth involved in the ministries of the church. My husband and I caught this vision and began planning service ministries in which the teens in … Continue reading →

Works and Grace

Until recently, I wasn’t aware of the many misunderstandings people have in regard to salvation through grace rather than works. Those who have not been raised in the Christian church or have not read what the Bible has to say about being saved by grace rather than works, I can now understand why this part of Christianity has been so misjudged. I’d like to clear up some misconceptions. First of all, just because we don’t believe we’re saved by our works does not mean that good works are in vain or invalid! What the Christian faith teaches is that none … Continue reading →

Who’s Really Happy?

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A study was conducted early in 2006 by Pew Research Center to determine which people were happiest. Though the study finds that most people seem to be happy (84 percent total), 34 percent in the study were said to be very happy which is what the following percentages will reflect within. No surprise to me, the happiest people seem to be those who are married, have children, attend church regularly, are Conservative, and have a middle class or higher income. The study was conducted by over 3,000 telephone interviews across the Untied States in both English and Spanish. The margin … Continue reading →

The Body of Christ

The body of Christ is a wonderful metaphor used by Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 to describe the church. He shows that each body part has a role. Each one of these parts is useful in helping the body of Christ function properly. “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another … Continue reading →

Pornography and the Christian

Recently I’ve been hearing of more and more churches offering small group settings for men (especially) so they have a place to fellowship with other believers who are fleeing from their addiction to pornography. The issue of porn is not exclusive to men; there are some women who struggle with it as well. So why is this such a big deal—especially in a marriage where both husband and wife consent? As Christians we are to be sober minded and be watchful of the liar and thief which is Satan. In thinking back to my Marriage Series introduction blog, I share … Continue reading →

Raising Hands

I’ve been asked before why there are some people who raise their hands in church. Growing up seeing this often I’d never really thought anything of it. It wasn’t until one day when the Lord touched my heart in such a way that I lifted my hands in praise submitting all of myself to Him. After the first time of doing so, I no longer felt uncomfortable. There are two main purposes I see when people raise their hands in praise and worship to God: Surrender: This is often subconsciously shown by the person’s palms facing outward—though I should make … Continue reading →

Do You Serve Religion or Christ?

This is a really a topic that you must know I write with the best intentions. I’ve blogged such topics as Religion vs. Faith, False Teachers, Sunday Christians and The Occult, just to name a few. But today I really want to view a slightly different facet; I want to address the definition of Christianity and touch on people’s fascination with religion. There is real danger in getting wrapped up in a religious mindset. Consider this blog the tie that binds the blogs I’ve mentioned. To be honest with you, I’m not sure what to even call myself anymore. I’m … Continue reading →

Halloween: Fun or Flee?

If you grew up like me, as a child you eagerly anticipated sunset so your costume could go on and you could go door to door hoping your bag or bucket would be filled to the brim with sugary delights. So what’s wrong with that? I think it just depends on who you are and exactly what you are participating in on that 31st day of October. Romans 16:19 tells us, “…but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.”(NIV) What is secularized Halloween about; fun, scary things? Are we justified to … Continue reading →