Christians are sometimes baffled after presenting what they take to be knock-down arguments against Mormonism, only to hear the Mormon double down about how they know it is true regardless, as if they are saying, “Never mind the facts; I’ve got a feeling.”... continue reading
Some buoyant personalities can celebrate Christmas even in hard seasons of life, seemingly unfazed. But for others, all the talk of joy and merriment at Christmas can make our sorrows feel all the more acute and our pains all the more painful. Normal life is hard enough. It’s even harder when all the world seems to be singing, ringing bells, and pretending everything’s suddenly merry.... continue reading
A short while ago I announced to my church that we were going to study Ruth as our church’s Advent series. Several people cheered! We are not an overly expressive church, and so this vocal celebration struck me. Why are Bible readers so drawn to the book of Ruth?... continue reading
Read a preview of The Christmas We Didn't Expect, new Advent devotional from David Mathis, executive editor for Desiring God. These reflections help us to lift our eyes to wonder of the incarnation and worship the one who came to save us and make our futures certain. The following extract is a devotion for the first day in December.... continue reading
We spend a lot of time teaching our children how to listen. We warn about hot stoves, dangerous dogs and road crossings because it will save their lives. But learning to listen to God, and to trust his word over what our eyes seem to tell us is soul saving.... continue reading
This is the real key to the secret. Christ was the most important thing in Paul’s universe. Whatever his personal achievements or failures, his triumphs or his challenges, they were like garbage to him (which is a polite English translation of the original word, which meant something more like sewage!). Paul wanted to pursue Christ.... continue reading
In the spring of 2017, I realised that my prayers around my singleness had changed. I was no longer begging God to come through for me and give me a husband. Nor was I praying, as I had for a season, “Lord, I do want your will, but if that could include a husband, I’d really appreciate it. Any time…” I knew I’d still love to be married, but I also realised that God had given me a deep, satisfied, joyful contentment with where I was.... continue reading
We want to share with you a preview of A Better Than Anything Christmas, a new Advent devotional for families from Barbara Reaoch. As you read together, your family will get more excited about Jesus than anything else Christmas has to offer. The following extract is a devotion for the first day in December.... continue reading
Tim shares an outline for a Christmas talk, which you are free to use and make your own. If you are using it in the open air at a street carol service, remember to keep it short!... continue reading
Amber and Nate did not grow up in the church. As new followers of Christ, the church gave fresh hope for their lives. It became their haven. They relied on the church to teach them and their children about God and his Word. Enter—the pandemic! Everything changed and keeps changing. Along with many parents, Amber and Nate wonder, “What will happen to our kids?” They miss the church’s support in discipling their children. How can it be, that even in the lockdown the world keeps on shaping our kids into its mold?... continue reading