Blog
Blog
The Struggle is Real, But So is The Help of God
In the heart of all humans lives the desire to be fully, truly free. I well remember standing in my packed closet, staring at all my clothes, feeling like my shopping addiction owned me. It is a humbling feeling to be a Bible teacher with harmful...
Transformation. Better Together
Sometimes I wonder what the real problem is. I know the presenting problem is often a constant and subtle feeling that I don’t really belong, or that I don’t deserve things, or shouldn’t want things, or well, pretty consistent thoughts that I’m not...
Don’t Pet the Peeves
If only people would stop behaving like people. If only people would use mouthwash, close their mouths when they chew, quiet their screaming babies, and clean up their trashy lawns. There is a way the world should run. And when others behave in...
Help Your Church or Group Master the Basics of the Bible
In a Breakpoint Commentary titled, “Americans Fail Theology 101” * Eric Metaxas wrote, “Could you pass a basic theology quiz? Several thousand Americans just tried. Uh-oh! Too bad God doesn’t grade on the curve.” Then he commented on a LifeWay...
You've Got What It Takes
Do you ever feel like an imposter? Like someone else would be better suited to live your life? Like God accidentally drew the wrong name and it turns out you aren’t qualified enough, or smart enough, or strong enough or beautiful enough to do what...
Listening to the Right Voice
Sin, our choice not to trust God, will never change into a desire to trust him as long as we are listening to all of the other voices telling us who we should be, how we should live, or what we should do. Rules, rituals, religion, tradition, and...
Three Ways Pastors Can Help Parents Pass on Faith to Their Children
Some research suggests that 40 to 50 percent of students transitioning from the home to young adulthood are experiencing a faith that does not last.
So how can we as pastors, help parents “pastor” their own families? Let me offer three simple ways that we as pastoral leaders can help families pass on faith to the next generation.
4 Steps to Meet as a Bible Study Group Virtually
It is easy to feel disconnected, lonely, and unmoored in this new reality of social distancing and shelter-in-place due to the novel coronavirus. Churches and small groups are not able to meet in person, but it’s still true that the best way to...
Your negative self-talk is holding you back.
Here’s how to break free. Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your Instagram feed and hopelessly comparing yourself to the people you see there? I look at them and think, I’ll never look that good while I’m working out. Or I’ll never be...
Once upon a time in first-century Roman-occupied Palestine...
…an itinerant Jewish teacher began to attract attention for his surprising statements about God, his radical approach to religion and politics, and his healing care for the poor, lonely, and sick. His message offended the ruling authorities, and he...
The God-Stopped Moments
Dear Pastor, Though the title of my latest book, When God Stops , is somewhat tongue-in-cheek, we all need “God-Stopped” moments, to receive special attention from God, in areas where we are hurting. These moments are paramount not only to our...
4 Virtues That Fuel God-Honoring Cultural Engagement
One of the first virtues necessary for the believer who seeks effective and God-honoring cultural engagement is diligence . The Bible describes diligence, in fact, as the foundation for the other virtues (see 2 Peter 1:5-8). No one can be an expert...
It's Never Too Late for a New Beginning
I am a Texas boy. Born here. Educated here. Texans are known for many things — most of them true — but one thing stands out more than any other: our love for football. The Greatest Comeback in College Football Bowl History I was in the stands and...
3 Steps to Navigating Homosexuality in Our Churches
Step 1: Have Your Conviction s Settled On Sunday, September 20, 2009, I walked into an evangelical church in Hollywood called Reality LA as a self-proclaimed atheist and a gay man; two hours later I walked out a born-again Christian who no longer...
Interview with Costi Hinn
An Insider’s View of the Prosperity Gospel Interview with Cost Hinn, nephew of televangelist Benny Hinn and author of God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel: How Truth Overwhelms a Life Built on Lies Q: Why do you feel you need to warn people...
When to Try Door Number Three
THERE’S A THIRD DOOR Weariness had set in and I was ready to throw in the towel. The organization I started wasn’t growing and disappointment and stress had taken their toll. So, I sought the counsel of a well-known minister. I asked one simple...
Free Resources
Using How (not) to Save the World with your church or small group?
Here are some tools to help:
The Small Group Tool Kit includes two mobile-friendly invitation cards, reflection cards to enhance your small group experience, and a worship song playlist curated by Hosanna Wong that can beplayed during small group meetings or personal Bible study time.
The Church Tool Kit includes a downloadable poster, bulletininsert, invitation card, and Power Point slide.
Is your church talking about anxiety, depression and mental health issues? You should be.
Shawn Johnson, lead pastor of Red Rocks Church, gives a
searingly honest portrait of anxiety and depression and shows readers how to fight back and live free. He also has put together three free tools pastors can use to help their congregation have a productive conversation around mental health, including a discussion guide, sermon notes and key Scripture verses.