Does God play favorites? The Sunday school answer seems like it should be “no.” After all, Peter says in Acts 10:34 that God is no “respecter of persons.” Yet Mark 7:24–30 gives us an encounter that complicates the answer. Jesus says in John 4 that “salvation is from the Jews,” and Paul follows that in … Continue reading The Humble Will Be Heard
The Kind of Revival We Should Pray For: 4 Traits
True revival only takes place when those guilty of sin plead for mercy on the basis of the once-for-all atonement of Jesus Christ. Cultural reform profits nothing unless those whose hearts are revived cling to the cross of Christ.
5 Ways to Pray Missionally
We restless North Americans struggle immensely to prevail in prayer. I struggle in prayer. I see impoverished, persecuted believers in other parts of the world praying with fervor, corporately and individually, and I marvel at my own ineptitude when it comes to conversation with God. Yet prayer is an inescapable concept. Desperation of any sort produces dependence … Continue reading 5 Ways to Pray Missionally
Burdens Worth Casting
Psalm 55 contains a great promise—one which can far too easily become domesticated.
One Thing American Christians Won’t Do
There was a big problem in Malachi’s day. The people had stone cold hearts. The Levites—the priests, unique men called to represent the entire nation before God—was asleep at the wheel, mistreating their wives and withholding tithes. Worst of all, they were questioning God—not humbly or sincerely, but as if to challenge him. The people … Continue reading One Thing American Christians Won’t Do
Tasting God in Your Food
Do you ever doubt God's goodness? He's filled the world with proof—if our eyes are open to it. Imagine you're in a city full of pagans who have little concept of an ultimate Creator God. Instead, they pay their dues to countless deities whom they believe have the power sustain them. There's a god for fertility, a … Continue reading Tasting God in Your Food
The Secret to Satisfying Rest
Saturday. A much-needed day off. Saturday means sleeping in, sipping coffee, picking up a book, and spending quality time with my wife. But somehow, Saturday can become one of the most unrestful, dissatisfying days of the week. Boredom emerges out of relaxation, breeding conflict and discontentment. Hours spent lazing in front of entertainment feel painfully … Continue reading The Secret to Satisfying Rest
