Book Review: De-sizing the Church by Karl Vaters
When you believe in what you do and feel seen and respected, you’re able to enjoy the work of others without envy or cynicism.
When you believe in what you do and feel seen and respected, you’re able to enjoy the work of others without envy or cynicism.
Excessive use of smartphones has been linked to anxiety, depression, and sleep issues among teenagers.
We live in a world that recognizes and loves kindness but struggles to actually be kind.
Learning about the lives of those who’ve faithfully followed Christ offers real-life examples of godly perseverance and courage.
Praying with the Bible is an important practice for many Christians as it allows them to connect with God through scripture.
Obedience deepens our relationship with God and opens our lives to the fullness of His presence and blessing.
The way to true happiness isn’t material blessings, health, fame, or getting your way. It’s living out the principles of God’s Kingdom.
Jesus intends nothing less than a complete reformation of your character, lifestyle, thought patterns, and relationships.
We should focus on nurturing a vibrant, supportive, and interconnected faith community.
Wesley continues to stand firmly with all the Reformers on the enablement of faith by God’s power, not ours.
Being a disciple means walking with Jesus, learning from Him, following His way, journeying with Him, pursuing holiness, and growing spiritually.
The ultimate goal of engaging with the Bible is transformation, not just information.
This Psalm is a song of lament to the Lord, it is also the first imprecatory psalm.
This psalm is historically known as the “evening psalm” and was a prayer of trust offered to God at the end of the day.
Psalm 3 is a psalm of individual lament, written to provide a clear example of what triumphant faith looks like when it is put to the test.
Praying this Psalm is powerful in times of national turmoil, difficult news, and concern about political upheaval.
Praying the Psalms is a practice that takes a few minutes to learn, and a few days to feel comfortable, but then yields benefits for years.
Wesley viewed sanctification as inseparable from salvation itself, indeed as its “end” or goal.
This is a great opportunity to be honest about who you were as a sinner so that you can be honest about who Jesus is as a Savior!
They leave their nets behind and wholeheartedly respond to Jesus’ invitation, becoming His devoted disciples.
Prayer is great but must be combined with an active faith that is ready to move forward.
God’s intends for baptism to serve as a sign of unity in the church.
The clearest reason you should get baptized is because Jesus said so!
While salvation is the entry point into the kingdom of God, discipleship is the path we walk as we seek to become more like Christ.
Nathaniel goes from skepticism about Jesus’ origins to a profound declaration of Jesus’ divine nature and kingship.
Jesus intends nothing less than a complete reformation of your character, lifestyle, thought patterns, and relationships until you are utterly like him.
A call to discipleship is a call to die with Jesus and be raised with Him.
Holiness is both “timeless” (historically valid) and “timely” (currently relevant).
As we grow in our faith, we are called to love and serve those around us, just as Jesus did.