Halloween cookies. (Photo by Monstera Production from Pexels)As autumn leaves start to fall and pumpkins appear on doorsteps, Halloween often becomes a point of discussion within Christian communities. For some, it’s a time for harmless fun filled with costumes and candy. For others, it carries a spiritual weight that cannot be easily dismissed. How should… Continue reading How Christians should view Halloween
Month: October 2023
Lamentations Chapter 1: Lamenting and Mourning for Zion
The Book of Lamentations reflects the experience of an individual who had seen and experienced the violence and the brutality that occurred in Jerusalem during its conquest by the Babylonian army in 587 BCE. He probably lived in the city during the long months of the siege, a siege that deprived the people of the… Continue reading Lamentations Chapter 1: Lamenting and Mourning for Zion
Jewels #3: Rubies
By Elizabeth Prata The Bible makes mention of many precious and semi-precious stones. I mean, who isn’t curious about the giant pearl as a gate to the heavenly city, said to be over 200 feet high? (Revelation 21:21). Or the foundation of the heavenly city studded with these: The foundation stones of the city wall… Continue reading Jewels #3: Rubies
Come Before God in Community
Prepare for Lesson Read 1st Peter 2:8b-12 to prepare for today’s lesson. If you’re new to this community, please read the Reading Plan: Your Identity in Christ, Conduct Before God (Parts 1, 2, and 3). Focus As you come to Him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves, like living stones,… Continue reading Come Before God in Community
“Son of man” — the backstory of Jesus’ authority
I’ve been meditating on why Jesus described himself as the son of man. It’s the simplest and most profound self-designation. It redefines us all. Linguistically, the phrase means nothing more than a human being — a descendant of humanity. Calling himself human doesn’t make Jesus special; it makes him one of us. What is special about a human… Continue reading “Son of man” — the backstory of Jesus’ authority
Live in the moment: How to let go of social media obsession
In today’s fast-paced world, social media has woven itself into the very fabric of your daily life. Escaping its reach and influence is a challenging task. You might not have noticed it at first, but it quietly tugs you away from the precious moments right in front of you. This article is here to help… Continue reading Live in the moment: How to let go of social media obsession
Unwelcome Titles — Grateful, yet Grieving
We use labels and titles frequently to describe people: my mechanic, my friend, my pastor, my co-worker. We refer to people we love by calling them son, daughter, sister, mother, father, husband, or wife. These titles identify what kind of relationship we have with someone. What about a title we don’t want to be identified… Continue reading Unwelcome Titles — Grateful, yet Grieving
How does the Bible describe Weak Women? Strong Women?
By Elizabeth Prata We need godly examples of women who are strong in godly ways. These women who are strong in the right ways aren’t seen by many. This is either because the culture tries to hide them from us, or because they are truly godly, and thus are doing their work in humble, background… Continue reading How does the Bible describe Weak Women? Strong Women?
Pray And Believe For Anything?
I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. Mark 11:24 Mark 11 records the triumphant entry of Jesus entering the city of Jerusalem. This began His final week before He gave His life on the cross for us. And it turned out to be very… Continue reading Pray And Believe For Anything?
Complain Less
Where does negativity come from in a church setting? Church fights, like most fights, often come from the tension between two parties. For example, in Ephesians 2, the issue is between Jews and Gentiles. Sometimes the rift is more contemporary, like Democrats and Republicans in a modern church. Other times the point of friction is between… Continue reading Complain Less