Embrace Scripture as Present, Available, and Relevant In most of my books and a lot of my blog posts I write about the Bible in present tense. This is an intentional effort to remind us that the Bible is not only an ancient text but also one that’s present, available, and relevant to us today. […]
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Today’s passage: 1 John 4:16–18 Focus verse: There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. (1 John 4:18) In the Old Testament of the Bible, we read the command to “fear God” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). In the New Testament we see the principle to “love God” (1 Corinthians 8:3), and we read that God is […]
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Reflections on 52 Churches
Wrapping Up Our Year of Visiting Churches Our journey of visiting fifty-two churches is over, though the memories will last forever. With much to consider, this wrap-up pulls together key elements of our adventure. I hope this helps you and your church better interact with and respond to visitors, as well as find new ways […]
We don’t know the name of Jephthah’s daughter, but we do lament what happened to her, all the while applauding the honorable way she accepts her fate, showing her faith and confidence in God in the process. Here’s her brief story: When the elders of Gilead ask Jephthah to lead them into battle against their […]
Move toward a Biblical Approach of Speaking the Truth in Love In a world as divisive as ours, can Christians ever find middle ground on LGBTQ+ issues? Perhaps, if you’re willing to marry Biblical truths with grace and love in a nonjudgmental way that the extremes on both sides of the aisles have failed to […]
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The Friendly Church
Retired and Welcoming This church has an innocuous name, giving no clue about who they are. But this is precisely why I didn’t dismiss it or the people who go there. Besides judging churches by their affiliation—or more precisely applauding their lack of a denominational connection—I realize I’ve also begun judging churches by their websites. […]
Confronting Status Quo Christianity I follow Jesus with a passion. He’s the key to my faith—and life. Everything else is secondary. Religious labels don’t matter. Jesus does. That’s why I call myself his follower, a disciple of Jesus. More About Peter DeHaan The Bible is my most cherished book. It isn’t a rulebook, a formula, or a […]
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The Simulcast Church
Two Options in One Building The budget program I’m involved with on Wednesday mornings also has a Thursday evening option. Though I’m not a regular volunteer on Thursdays, I help from time to time. It’s bigger, with more classes, more clients, and more volunteers. The Thursday evening budget program meets at a different church, and […]
Today’s passage: 1 John 2:3–6 Focus verse: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (1 John 2:6) Today’s passage talks about knowing God and keeping his commands. If we claim to know God and don’t do what he says, we’re only deluding ourselves from the truth, and our claim is false. But when […]
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Are You a Wise Guy?
Are You a Wise Guy? Are you wise? A wise guy? Do you possess wisdom? According to The Free Dictionary, Wisdom is “The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight; common sense; good judgment” That sounds a lot different, doesn’t it? However, according to the Bible, Wisdom—that comes from God. […]