Nowhere in the Bible does it say that Christians have to be church members. Hebrews 10:24-25, verses that are often quoted in discussions of church attendance, does specifically tell us not to “[give] up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing” (NIV). That is a clear direction to gather regularly with other […]
FROM THE CHURCH OF THE PAINFULLY IMPERFECT
The word community was never disputed. When the church I was a part of was undergoing the process of changing their name, nearly every potential word or phrase was scrutinized and debated. There was even disagreement over whether the word church should be included in the new title. Yet, nobody ever questioned the inclusion of […]
THE BEAUTY OF COMMUNITY & THE BEAST OF ISOLATION
Have you ever felt like you wanted so much more than your provincial life has to offer? We are all searching for happiness and for significance in life. The feeling of happiness alone is not ultimately satisfying, as we know that it will fade or flee amidst our ever-changing circumstances. And why would we spend […]
THE LOST VIRTUE OF BEING THANKFUL
While I was in seminary, I lived with a very nice family in a very nice house rent free. Not only will I always be thankful for their kindness, generosity, and hospitality, I also learned a profound lesson about gratitude through my experience. On the face of it, the idea of gratitude seems a simple […]
MORE THAN POTS
Being God's Image Bearers
I’ve been living on my own for almost two years now, and one of the hardest yet rewarding things I’ve learned how to do is cook. That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, I’ve evolved from cereal artistry to legitimate home cooked meals. Honestly, the hardest thing to learn was understanding when to use certain herbs and […]
IDENTIFY: Advice On Life, Faith & Relationships
Learning to have and enforce boundaries
Dear Lindsey, I’m in my late 20s, and have lived away from home for almost 10 years, while getting my undergraduate degree, going to graduate school, and beginning my career. I recently moved back to my hometown for a great job and to be closer to family. But now that I’m back, they’re driving me […]
IN THE BEGINNING…
A look at the magnitude of Genesis 1:1
Reading prologues was never a habit of mine. I always figured that whatever the author really wanted to say would come out in the following chapters. When I got to college, I soon realized that these sections are crucial for understanding the rest of the story. They introduce the reader to key themes and characters […]
IDENTIFY: Advice On Life, Faith & Relationships
How do I be there for my friends and not go broke?
Dear Lindsey, Several friends recently asked me to be in their weddings. I’m in my mid-20s and I’m trying to be financially responsible, but I don’t want to turn any of them down or hurt their feelings. I’m starting to feel the stress of school loans, car insurance, rent, and life in general. How do […]
BRIMSTONE AND BEDTIME STORIES
Exploring God's Just Judgement
Imagine a children’s storybook filled with images of chaotic carnage, of bodies strewn across the damp hills and burning cities crumbling under the weight of molten brimstone. Imagine tucking a child into bed after recounting these gruesome stories and then simply telling them that God loves them. With no further explanation than moral directives, the […]
IDENTIFY: Advice On Life, Faith & Relationships
How can I tell others about Jesus in a world that seems so hostile toward Christianity?
Dear Lindsey, I recently started going to church regularly and now consider myself a Christian. I keep hearing how important it is to tell others about Jesus, but I’m wondering if I can do that in a world that seems so hostile toward Christianity? —Afraid to Come Out Dear Afraid, The fact that you even […]
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