Even as we come to an understanding that reading the Word aloud is an important aspect of gospel-centered worship in our groups, many of us struggle with how this works. To help, let us walk through a few common – or not so common – questions: Do I have to sound like James Earl Jones? Please don’t. You needn’t adopt a deeper voice, Hamlet pose or British accent when reading Scripture ...
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How do I raise my daughter to know the true definition of beauty in a culture such as ours? How do I cultivate an image in her that is rooted in the beauty of Jesus and not the allure of a distorted sexuality? Here are three points that I have found helpful in my journey:
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Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain ...
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At the heart of the word “courage” are ideas of boldness, fortitude and resolve. These three closely related words together provide a robust understanding of courage. Boldness is the confidence to take a risk – initial courage. Fortitude is the firmness of the mind without retreat – sustaining courage. Resolve is the determination to reach the end goal – persevering courage.
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Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:4-5. The Psalmist displays a posture of worship reflecting the full spectrum of human experience – he calls God’s people to praise Him for His faithfulness and grants the ...
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As a general rule, if something can be made more convenient, we opt for it. If there is a device that facilitates that convenience, we buy it. If there is a program to sustain that simplicity and shallowness of effort exerted on our part, then we call it productive, efficient and welcomed. However, for all the convenience, our lives are no richer. Some say the quality of your life is ...
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Bible reading, meditation, journaling, meaty theology books – they are crucial and quite individualistic. And while there is a place for your personal, passionate pursuit of God, the Bible was never meant to remain a solely singular endeavor. The Word of God was and has always been a community experience.
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What does Alexander the Great have to do with your unbelieving family? In 334 B.C. the people of God longed for the Messiah, hoped for His appearance, craved His deliverance. Instead, they got Alexander the Great invading Asia Minor, which began a 10-year run of violence that had him reigning over the Mediterranean world.
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