What is envy? More importantly, how can we stop envy from stealing our happiness? Recently, I wrote about the difference between envy and jealousy. While we sometimes use the words interchangeably, there is a difference between jealousy and envy. The difference: Jealousy is wanting to protect what you have. Envy is wanting what someone has. If…
The thought of paying thousands of dollars to go through years of seminary education is scary, to say the least. So I was excited to talk to the President of Redemption Seminary, John Schwandt, to share the innovative approach he is taking to help students overcome the biggest challenges to theological education. We also talk…
When you think of some of the defining attributes of who God is, what words come to mind? You probably think about God’s love, mercy, grace, omnipotence, justice, holiness, righteousness, or something along those lines. Did you think about how God is jealous? You know what’s odd to me? If you run in Christian circles…
Every athlete must train to win. Nobody can sit on the couch eating Cheetos for months and hope to compete. The best athletes are intensely disciplined. They follow strict diet and exercise regiments to beat their body into peak physical condition, so when the game is on the line, they are ready. We know this…
A sermon without the gospel is like a boat without water. It may sound and look good, but you’re going nowhere. The gospel is what separates Christianity from just good advice. I was reminded of this recently when I heard a veteran pastor preach. His sermon style was great. His illustrations were on point. But…
How can we spot a strong church? How do you know if a church is good or not? What signals should we look for to avoid unhealthy churches? Most people looking for a new church search for a pastor they like, a nice building in a convenient location, good music (however they define that), or…
Many people have heard Bible stories, but few know the story of the Bible. It is often noted that the Bible is a collection of 66 books of multiple genres, written by 40 authors over 1,500 years in three languages, telling one great story. The Bible is not a story in the fictional sense. It…
On the desk in my office at my Church, I keep an old, orange sticky note where I once scribbled in ink “2 Tim 4:2.” It’s not much to look at, but it is a constant reminder that my primary calling as a pastor is the same as Timothy’s. Paul gives marching orders to his…
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