Hope for Stubborn Sins
No one enjoys feeling trapped. When you feel trapped, you feel suffocated, pressed in, like there’s no way to escape. Many Christians live feeling like they are trapped in sin. While we experience the joy of Christ changing us through the power of the Spirit, there always seems to be certain sins from which each…
Thoughts on Empathy and the Love of God
*This post is by Stacy Thorpe, Ministerial Coordinator for Care & Counseling, South Campus (Bethlehem Baptist Church). Empathy is being talked about a lot in our culture right now. It is simply defined as the ability to understand and share in the feelings of others. This sounds like a good thing, yet as Christians, how…
The Staggering Numbers Behind Abortion
In the next two weeks, I am spending some time reading various things on abortion. As I’ve read thus far, I’ve been (once again) absolutely appalled at the numbers behind this evil and lamentable reality. Given the current moment we live in, and the approaching presidential election, I thought it would be worthwhile to cite…
The Anatomy of Adultery
Neglect. Unintentional neglect of each other in your marriage. Both the friendship & physical intimacy begin to wane. Affirmation. Someone of the opposite sex is really kind to you. She notices you, compliments you, affirms you & you feel respected. Enjoyment. The compliment turns into a conversation. Maybe a lunch together. Your time feels good…
The Sentence of Death
I sat down in the hallway, exhausted. I had finally put all four children down for a nap after a very difficult morning. One child was screaming and crying in protest, throwing things at me from his bed. I released a deep sigh, trying to shut out the screaming, and opened my Bible. I sat…
Why Do I Feel Like I’m Missing Something?
Do you feel like you’re missing something? Just below the surface but constantly there, we often feel as if we should be more, have more, accomplish more, prove more, or get more to show that we are complete. The question, “Am I enough?” echoes through the chambers of our hearts as we face each day. You…
One Calling, A Diversity of Callings: Reflections on John 21:17–25
One of the things I like to do in my sermons is provide ways for my hearers to think about who they (we) are as Christians. To do that, I often lean into specific words or phrases that helpfully paint the picture of Christian identity. For instance, a couple of weeks ago I pressed home…
Church, Walk in Right Fear and True Comfort
By Dave Zuleger So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. —Acts 9:31 The book of Acts is always an encouragement to me. As we’ve walked through 1…
Emotional and spiritual abuse from a pastor? Nah, that never happens.
In walks Mr. or Mrs./Ms. Narcissism. I’m wise. You’re not. I’m in charge. You’re not. Shut your mouth while I’m talking. Don’t ever talk to me that way? Do you know who I am? You don’t have the right or freedom to ask me questions or question my authority. Intimidation. Threats. Long stares. Biting sarcasm.…
Theology Along the Way 