Bible, Christian Living

One Reason God Is Not Answering Your Prayers

Chris

Are you waiting for God to do something in your life? Is God providing in your time of need? Is He intervening in your relational problems? Has He brought healing to your life?

desperation

You have probably heard of various reasons why your prayers are not being answered. Some typical answers from Christians are, “It just isn’t God’s time,” or, “God is waiting to see if you continue to trust Him, praying until you receive.” Some harsher reasons might be, “You don’t have enough faith; you have to really believe,” or “There is sin in your life and you have to get rid of it first.” We also hear more biblical reasons such, “You aren’t asking for the right things.”

Jesus told His disciples about one key to answered prayer. If we are crying out to God and aren’t seeing results, we take a moment to see if this key is part of our lives.

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Christian Living

So, You Call Yourself A Christian?

Chris

Do you believe that you are a Christian? If so, 33 percent of the world’s population would agree with you, based on research by Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2006.

CROSSES

How do you know that you are a Christian? What truths make an impact on your life to the point that you call yourself a Christian? There are four basic points we must understand, believe and live in light of before we can claim the name “Christian.”

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Christian Living

Are You A Fact Checker Or A Weed Spreader?

Chris

While preparing for Sunday’s message, I am researching the biology of a biblical plant. I want to make sure that I don’t get stuck saying something about this plant that isn’t true, especially if I am gleaning a spiritual message from it.

In our social media crazed age, how quick are we to check facts before we share the latest news or information with someone? Are we really interested in knowing and sharing the truth, or are we too moved by emotion to take a few minutes to see if our what is in front of us is verifiable?

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Book Reviews

Book Review: “MacArthur: America’s General” by Mitchell Yockelson

Chris

MacArthurWhen it comes to leadership, in the church as much as the secular world, a lot can be learned from the great leaders of history. Most of us know General Douglas MacArthur for his leadership during World War II. MacArthur may have been one of the greatest leaders of the twentieth century, but there is far more to his story than the Pacific Theater in WWII. In MacArthur: America’s General, author Yockelson helps show us what experiences built the man who defeated imperial Japan and built democratic Japan, friend of the United States.

If you are hoping for a detailed account of the Pacific campaign during WWII, this book will disappoint you. While there are a couple of chapters about the Pacific war, they are more rapid-fire than they are exhaustive. This is just one sign that there is more to MacArthur than most know him for.

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Book Reviews

Book Brief: “Unconditional?” by Brian Zahnd

Chris

zahnd_unconditionalToday’s Christians really have little understanding of the concept of forgiveness. The scars of unforgiveness mark our individual souls, as well as the collective histories of our churches.

In “Unconditional? The call of Jesus to radical forgiveness,” Brian Zahnd provides a challenge to those who call themselves Christian. He paints a biblical portrait of radical forgiveness. It is an end to personal vengeance. It is the key to peace in this world. It is not forgetting, but releasing. It is not cheap justice or weakness. It is the beauty that saves the world. Forgiveness is not easy. It is the cross of Christ that we are called to bear.

You will be challenged by “Unconditional?” You will also be deeply enriched by the theology in the later chapters. It seems as if Zahnd strays from the topic of forgiveness, but his words are so rich that you will not be able to put this book down.

Christian Living

New-Fangled or Old-Fashioned Temptations?

Chris

We love to look at what is new. What’s the newest technology? What are the latest features that come standard on a car? What’s the newest popular hairstyle or brand of jeans? Our eyes are constantly scanning what is new and fresh.

We also like to know what it is new when it comes to the spiritual life. What’s Max Lucado’s newest book? What is the latest sermon series from Andy Stanley? Did you notice the new single from Steven Curtis Chapman? We again look for the newest, the brightest. We look for fresh revelations from God, and we watch out for the latest temptations.

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