What’s ‘Good’? And How Do We Know It?
What makes something “good”? We say things like “sex is dangerous,” “marijuana is evil,” “the soul is the real you,” “the earth is disposable” — but we rarely stop to ask, What does God call good? Genesis doesn’t start with rules. It starts with delight. A physical world declared “very good.” Maybe what we call “worldly” is where we were always meant to begin.
The Cracks That Let In The Light Of God
Some weekends just catch you off guard — not with fireworks, but with God showing up in quiet, unexpected ways. A biker rally. A conversation about grace. A priest who met God on mushrooms. The Spirit moves how he wants, through whoever he wants. None of us sees the whole picture, but sometimes, through the cracks in this world, the light gets in. And that’s enough.
Why Do Our Bibles Keep Changing?
Bible translations don’t change because the message shifts, but because language does — and so does scholarship. New discoveries and evolving usage lead to periodic updates. That’s not a threat to Scripture; it’s part of its careful preservation. Even Crossway’s English Standard Version, once declared “final,” is now being updated again. These changes remind us how God’s Word is both rooted in history and actively stewarded in the present.
How Come Some Catch the Spark of Faith and Others Do Not?
Some people get knocked sideways by hardship and walk away from faith. Others get hit harder and lean in. Their trust deepens. They hold fast. It’s always made me wonder — why them? Why does the spark catch for one person and not another? Maybe grace has a mind of its own. Maybe some just catch a glimpse of God so real, they never forget what they saw.
Some Churches Are Driven By Fear, Others By Love
Some churches teach us to fear — fear the world, fear sin, fear those who are different. But Jesus taught something else entirely. “They will know you by your love.” Real faith means loving our neighbors, not condemning them. Fear breeds fury. Love brings healing. As David French writes, we need churches that act as a balm, not a blowtorch.
Small Things & Great Love
In a world obsessed with applause, two men have stayed faithful where few were watching. Maybe that’s what the kingdom of God mostly is: quiet faithfulness for the glory of the One who never forgets.
Where True Joy Comes From
We chase joy like it’s something to catch, but maybe it’s something to release. The more we try to fill ourselves up, the emptier we get. The more we give ourselves away, the more God fills in.
What is Your ‘Christian Witness’?
Your life speaks louder than your words. Your Christian witness is about living with Christ so clearly that your kindness, humility and Spirit-shaped character actually point people to him.
Reviving Mission: Jesus’ Holistic Approach
Jesus didn’t just have a mission — he was the mission. Sentness shaped his identity, his actions and his authority. He washed feet, healed the broken and called the forgotten — not just to do good, but to live from a place of divine sending. That same calling is ours. To follow Jesus means stepping into his mission, letting his Spirit move through us, shaping how we live, love and lead.
Gut-Wrenching Love: The ‘Good Samaritan’
The Good Samaritan isn’t just a feel-good story — it’s a radical challenge. Jesus describes a love so gut-wrenching it demands action, a love that sees, stops and sacrifices. It’s not about efficiency or obligation. It’s about breaking past barriers and loving beyond convenience. In a world obsessed with self-interest, what does this kind of love look like? And are we willing to live it?
We Are Way Too Trusting
We trust lies too easily. “You’re not enough.” And we believe it. But God says something different — something truer. You’re his child, loved and seen. Created with care. Walked with daily. Maybe it’s time we stop agreeing with everything else and believe him instead. Real freedom begins when we trade the whispers of doubt for the steady voice of truth.
Our Neighbor Galaxies Suggest a Creator’s Mind
When Edwin Hubble revealed the vastness of our universe nearly a century ago, he forever changed how we view the cosmos — and our place within it. From his discovery of distant galaxies to the awe-inspiring images from modern telescopes like Hubble and Webb, our expanding understanding of the universe reveals intricate order, fine-tuning and an origin point. Could such vast complexity arise by chance, or does it suggest the hand of a Creator?
The Story of Silent Night
At the heart of Christmas traditions lies “Silent Night,” a carol that has transcended centuries, cultures and languages to become a global symbol of peace and hope. Its origins in a small Austrian village — crafted by Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber — carry a quiet magic, blending lullaby-like melodies with profound theological depth. Whether sung in a candlelit church or played in bustling malls, “Silent Night“ invites us to pause, reflect and long for tranquility.
Religious Traditions Help With Holiday Blues
The holidays can stir a mix of joy and challenges, but faith traditions offer a unique lifeline. From “Blue Christmas” services to moments of communal singing, shared meals and acts of giving, faith communities provide meaningful ways to navigate grief, loneliness and stress. These gatherings remind us we’re not alone and offer a chance to rediscover hope and joy — even in the midst of life’s heaviest seasons.
Charles Dickens Changed How We Celebrate Christmas
Charles Dickens transformed how Christmas is celebrated, shaping it into a season of generosity, connection and hope. “A Christmas Carol” isn’t just a tale of one man’s redemption — it’s a challenge to rethink what we treasure. With its vivid characters and timeless lessons, Dickens’ work asks whether the holiday is about what we gain or what we give, a question still worth exploring today.
The Struggle Between The Kingdoms Of Empire and Peace
Jesus stood before Pilate and declared a kingdom unlike any other — a kingdom not of this world. Where empires conquer and dominate, his kingdom calls for love, humility and mercy. Yet throughout history, the kingdom of heaven has been mistaken for the kingdom of empire, blurring lines and betraying its radical nature. The question remains: can we live by Jesus’ kingdom today, knowing it may cost us everything?
The Advent of Humility
Humility was at the heart of Jesus’ life, and it’s the foundation of true Christian faith. But humility isn’t something we achieve by effort — it grows only as a byproduct of marveling at God’s grace. The gospel frees us from self-focus, replacing pride with self-forgetfulness. In a culture bent on proving itself, the quiet strength of humility points us back to the life Christ calls us to live.
Creation, Fall, Redemption — And Your Money
From recognizing God’s ownership to navigating the pitfalls of greed and embracing the joy of giving, finances become a means to serve God’s purposes.
Augustine Can Offer Wisdom on Our Political and Cultural Division
As we face deepening political and cultural divides, Augustine of Hippo’s ancient wisdom offers a surprising path forward. Drawing on his experiences in a fragmented Roman Empire, Augustine sought peace through shared values, civic harmony and mutual respect. Today, his insights on building common ground — while acknowledging differences — remind us that, even in times of conflict, unity is possible when we focus on our common good.
What is Common Grace?
Common grace is God’s generosity toward all humanity, believers and non-believers alike. It’s what allows for cultural achievements, artistic beauty and the wisdom we find in the world around us.