The pandemic lulled me into a new church rhythm. The kids slept in, and I slowly sipped coffee. They eventually woke up and we logged into YouTube from our smart TV to watch the livestream for the second service. Months later, when the church...
What does the Bible have to say about the church, that is, the community of faithful believers, of whom Jesus Christ is the head? 1. Romans 12:4–5 For just as in one body we have many members, but all the members do not have the same function, in...
In February, 2022, we talked with African American authors and pastors in celebration of Black History Month. Enjoy two on-demand videos with Dr. Eric Mason. Then read the excerpt below and consider how Christian history—God’s kingdom—isn’t a...
Defining your church’s brand is about helping people find their place in the body of Christ. It’s an expression of how the passions your people carry collide with the community you inhabit. It’s a physical reflection of the...
"While the Handbook is hardly a substitute for the real thing, Barth is a fairly intimidating author."
"If we truly believe that the church is one body, then we ought to be aware of what is happening in the rest of the world. After all, our scholarship ought to serve the Church and society. This is the concept of unity in diversity and the...
"The reason that the work of Barth on the Word of God is so important for the evangelical church today is because it is essentially (and practically) where it already stands."
"Within Barth, there is a fresh and vibrant way in which to view revelation as well as better understand the human element within the text itself."
"Education needs to recenter around the idea that every human’s primary calling is to put God on display and that our workplaces are simply one of many contexts for doing so."
1. John 17:11 And I am no longer in the world, and they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given to me, so that they may be one, just as we are. Read John 17:11 2. Acts 2:44–45 And...
In a nondescript yellow brick building in SE London last weekend, two unassuming pioneers in the fight for autistic people held a workshop considering the question of autism and the church. In this post, I interview both Grant Macaskill (Kirby Laing...
Introduction The history of biblical exegesis and hermeneutics is not without controversy, and the apostle Paul’s Epistle to the Romans is no exception. It has more allusions and quotes from the Hebrew Bible than any other New Testament work, but is...
Throughout the New Testament, “family language” is used to describe the relationship of believers to God and Jesus. The Lord’s prayer instructs us to address God as “our Father” (Matt 6:9). Hebrews 2:11–12 reveals that Jesus considers believers his...
By Douglas Estes Describing Ben Witherington III as prolific is like saying water is wet. Over the past thirty years, he has written commentaries on all twenty-seven New Testament books—plus dozens of other volumes. He is currently working on a...
It’s that time of year when churches kick things up a notch. We’re celebrating God’s greatest act of mercy: sending his Son to redeem the world. And since a multitude of angels sang at his appearing, it’s right that churches celebrate with at least...
The church in Corinth had a problem. One of their own was actively engaging in sexual sin that went beyond the immorality of non-Christian Corinthians (1 Corinthians 5:1). This person was choosing to live in sin, despite being part of the body of...
There are 3 kinds of preachers in the world. Those who have been interrupted in the middle of a message. Those who will be interrupted someday soon. Those who are being interrupted right now. Murphy’s law tells us that service interruptions...
Over the last decade, media has played a more prevalent role in the church than ever before. And it shows no sign of slowing down. By media, I mean everything from websites and worship presentations, to bulletins and podcasts. That flyer your...
The night before he was crucified, Jesus prayed for the unity of his followers. And I do not ask on behalf of these only, but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, that they all may be one, just as you, Father, are in me and...
In the new issue of Bible Study Magazine, we sat down with Mark Dever to learn how to put our churches on the road to spiritual health. But where to start? Read on to discover the first steps every church must take. You can read the whole interview...
Some Faithlife Groups are just for you and a handful of other people—like your small group, or you and an accountability partner. But not every group needs or wants complete privacy. You can join Faithlife Groups that use unique document-sharing...
Jimi Hendrix. Heath Ledger. Whitney Houston. Cory Monteith. Philip Seymour Hoffman. And countless others. The drug culture that so often surrounds celebrities is tragic from every angle, and too often deadly. These men and women live in the...
Who would dare criticize the Charles Spurgeon, the great prince of preachers? Maybe more people than you think. The Spurgeon Commentary: Galatians opens with a brief biography of his ministry. This passage might surprise you: When 19-year-old...
In Matthew 7:13, Jesus describes the Christian life—the path to spiritual freedom—as being a narrow road that’s difficult to find and follow. He said that most people take a different road—a road that is wide and flat, a road that is easy to...
John Wesley said, “Christianity is essentially a social religion . . . to turn it into a solitary religion, is indeed to destroy it.” But living as part of a faith community can be difficult. Differences in personality, upbringing...
Since its founding on the day of Pentecost, the church has been characterized by both diversity and unity. Unfortunately, modern ministry practices like age segregation and demographic targeting have homogenized many churches. Here are four ways to...
Today’s guest post is written by Michael L. Brown, author of Revolution: Jesus’ Call to Change the World and Revolution in the Church: Challenging the Religious System with a Call for Radical Change. “We socialists would have nothing to do if...
Join us for the Pastorum Live conference in Chicago April 11–12, 2013. At Pastorum, Bible scholars and pastors will unpack the mission of the church as displayed in Scripture, starting at the very beginning. You and your peers will overview God’s...
Becoming a disciple of Jesus requires sacrifice, difficult decisions, and a willingness to be transformed—again and again. Putting on the new self in Christ demands change and perseverance. No one knew this better than Jesus’ mother, Mary. Mary’s...
As believers, we all have a part in the story that God is telling, the great drama of redemption that he is unfolding. But sometimes we struggle to understand: What is my role in God’s story? We know now that Mary, the mother of Jesus, had a pivotal...