The relationship between joy and happiness continues to be a commonly discussed topic. Some say they are the same thing. Other say they are quite different. But those who say different cannot agree in what way they are different. Let's explore that together.
Central to the Christian faith is the doctrine of resurrection. We profess and believe that Jesus Christ died and was raised from the dead. We further teach that this truth is foundational to what we believe. Why is that? What is it about Jesus' resurrection that matters so much?
You know that God's all powerful and all good. Yet, sometimes life hands you rotten eggs. And you wonder why the good, powerful God allows such things to happen. You might even wrestle with how you should respond to Him. God has an answer for that.
Followers of Jesus are called to GO and to GATHER. However well known these callings are, churches today have to admit that it has also become a lost art. How do we redevelop our focus on reaching the lost and gathering them into our space?
The Bible lists nine spiritual fruits, qualities that all of us can be on board with as it relates to living better lives. But if they're so good, why is the world so full of cruelty and the opposite of these traits? How can we grow spiritual fruit, anyway?
Storms can be scary business. They're often loud, disruptive, and even destructive. Often, we pray to be delivered or rescued from storms. But there is also a case to be made for asking God for storms to come our way.
As a pastor of a smaller church for close to the past three years, I have learned that many people live in constant fear. This is surprising to me when you consider all the Bible has to say on the subject of fear for those who believe in Him. So, how can people break free from their fears?
