Two Key Advantages of Community We Benefit When We Share Our Joys and Burdens with Others When God created us in his image, he put within us a desire for community. Just as God lives in community with himself—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—he wants...
Are You One of God’s Chosen People? Isaiah tells the people that God will choose them again, but did he ever stop? One phrase jumps out from today’s passage in Isaiah’s prophecy to God’s chosen people: once again he will pick Israel. God, through...
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...
Do You Criticize What You Don’t Understand? Peter returns to Jerusalem, amazed at what God has shown him: God doesn’t just want to save Jewish people, but non-Jews (Gentiles), too. He has a heart for all people. Imagine that. The Jewish...
The Bible Tells the Church to Meet Together, Worship, and Witness How can we go and be witnesses for Jesus when we sequester ourselves on Sunday mornings? Just before Jesus leaves this world to return to heaven, he instructs his followers to go...
Breakfast and a Doubleheader (Visiting Church #45) Today is a doubleheader: a traditional service followed by a contemporary one. Aside from an older crowd, there’s little to suggest a traditional service is about to occur. Everything gives off a...
A Familiar Place (Visiting Church #44) We’ve discussed whether we should visit today’s church because we went there fifteen years ago. Although they have a different pastor now, we know many of the people, some from our prior involvement and some...
Making Personal Connections (Visiting Church #41) “Hi, are you the DeHaans?” The usher’s question surprises me. “Yes, we are.” I nod, a bit confused, but pleased at his acknowledgment. “I’m Greg.” Then gesturing towards Candy, he explains, “I...
The Benefits of Group Bible Study We Should Study God’s Word in Community and Expect Significant Outcomes Have you ever been part of a group Bible study? Over the years I’ve experienced many, but they always felt lacking. I never stuck with them...
I Want to Learn More (Visiting Church #28) Sunday we visit another small church. I expect a traditional, liturgical service. The sanctuary is simple, filled with color and symbolism. Several lit candles mesmerize as incense fills the air. A...
