The Origin of Purim Early each spring our Jewish friends celebrate Purim. The origin of Purim is found in the book of Esther, which is a beautiful and moving story: In a rags to riches manner, Esther was whisked from obscurity to become queen. ...
Dear Theophilus, Acts: 40 Devotional Insights for Today’s Church Does your church function like the early church in Acts? Doubt it. Yes, you may see snippets of similarities, but if you look closely, you’ll find huge gaps. Don’t believe me?...
Does God Receive Our Actions as a Memorial Offering? Cornelius is a commander in the Roman army; he’s also a man of faith, who prays often and gives to the poor. One day, during his afternoon prayers, he has a vision. An angel appears to him and...
We Must Avoid the Love of Money How We View and Handle Money Matters to God—and to Us Paul writes to his protégé Timothy, warning him that the love of money is the source of all manner of evil. An unhealthy preoccupation with wealth is especially...
Who Was Supposed to Build God’s Temple? Nathan’s Prophetic Words May Carry a Double Meaning Once King David has his kingdom established, he wants to build the temple for God and tells the prophet Nathan. Nathan gives him his blessing to proceed...
The 52 Churches Workbook: Becoming a Spiritual Community that Matters What would you learn if you visited 52 churches? How might that change the way you treated visitors at your church? You don’t need to go to a boatload of churches. Peter...
The Early Church Had a Great Reputation. What Happened? In the Bible, Dr. Luke notes that the gathering of folks who follow Jesus (aka, the church) enjoy the goodwill of all the people. In another place he records that all the people have a high...
How Soon They Forget God and the Things He Told Them to Do So, Moses receives ten commandments from God and teaches them to the people. God gives other directions and instructions, too, which Moses also passes on. But the people begin to...
Discover How to Grow Spiritually Our Spiritual Health Should Be Our Most Important Healthcare Concern Many people today worry about their health. This can relate to their physical health, mental health, or emotional health. They have less...
The Friends and Foes of Jesus: Discover How People in the New Testament React to God’s Good News Jesus Was Loved. He Was Hated. But He Was Never Ignored Some people think Jesus was easy-going. Hardly. Everything he did and said sparked passionate...
