“Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me” (Ps. 23:4, CSB). The most disconcerting thing about walking through the valley of the shadow of death is the uncertainty. When you’re walking … Continue reading 4 lessons from the valley of the shadow of death
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching …” (Acts 2:42). This tells me two things about the early church: (1) members were hungry for teaching; and (2) leaders taught. We have a pretty good idea about what they taught. … Continue reading 5 reasons the church must teach the Bible
The condition of a church can be accurately determined by its prayer meetings. Charles Spurgeon called the prayer meeting a “grace-ometer” from which “we may judge of the amount of divine working among a people.” More recently, Vance Havner said that “the thermometer of a church … Continue reading Whatever happened to prayer meetings?
What sometimes passes for Christian fellowship is about as nourishing as the doughnut you ate in Sunday School last week. Though enjoyable, it brings little spiritual benefit. To fellowship is to share. That’s the basic meaning of koinonia—sharing. But it’s a sharing … Continue reading Beyond the coffee and doughnuts
“I have never yet known the Spirit of God to work where the Lord’s people were divided.” Like D.L. Moody, neither have I. Instead, most of us probably have seen too often how disunity hinders the Spirit’s work in the church and damages the … Continue reading 5 ways to destroy church unity
In Psalm 119:24, the psalmist called God’s decrees “my counselors.” Let God’s Word counsel you by asking yourself these questions in your moments of decision. 1. Can this be done to the glory of God? (1 Cor. 10:31) “Therefore, whether you eat or … Continue reading 10 questions for discerning God’s will
If the kinds of people with whom Jesus associated came to your church, would they be welcomed? Consider carefully before you answer (1) the kinds of people with whom Jesus associated and (2) the meaning of welcomed. The People Who … Continue reading the [un]welcoming church
