Whereforth Art Thou, Jabez? Philip Yancey declares that Alcoholics Anonymous may well be closer to New Testament Christianity than most churches. His reasoning is that perhaps all Christians would find worship more meaningful and God-centered if we began every service with... ( added 1 year 41 days ago.)

Reflections of An Antique Youth Speaker I have spent over three years of my life as a camp speaker something like 165 weeks over the past three decades. Even though I'm older than dirt I am hopeful I get to continue speaking at youth camps until the Lord calls me home or He returns. As... ( added 1 year 42 days ago.)

Hard to Brag About Jesus if You Don't Know Anyone Outside the Body of Christ According to surveys by Ellison Research of Phoenix, 36 percent of Americans polled indicate that they have no idea "what an evangelical Christian is" in the first place. Only 35 percent of all Americans believe they know "someone very well who is... ( added 1 year 52 days ago.)

Speak Kindly - Especially to Your Family Okay, let's get uncomfortable. Think back to the last time you remember speaking roughly, unkindly, or rudely to someone. Didn't take long, did it? Now, who was the receipt of your deadly barrage (because, after all, the old rhyme is a liesticks... ( added 1 year 54 days ago.)

Three Verses Most Christians Don't Believe I spoke to over 1,200 teens in six weeks of camps this summer. The Lord graciously brought many to Himself, and scores of young people made a variety of commitments to follow Him in discipleship. Twice I preached a message titled "Three Verses... ( added 1 year 54 days ago.)

A Technique that Will Keep People From Spreading Gossip to You Scripture links it with evil, depravity, murder, deceit, God-hatred, heartlessness, and ruthlessness (Romans 1:29-31) and with disorder, arrogance, slander, and anger (2 Corinthians 12:20). The Word of God states it shatters friendships and fuels... ( added 1 year 54 days ago.)

Road Sign Theology Back in May a friend emailed me and reminded me that "it's almost over." He wasn't an eschatological-maniac date-setter. He was referring to his rapidly approaching graduation. Reminded me that the correct term for the ceremony is "commencement,"... ( added 1 year 54 days ago.)

"Grace AND Truth", not Grace VERSUS Truth It usually doesn't take long to find out what offends an individual Christian, or an individual church, or an individual ministry/organization. Picket, boycotts, letter-writing campaigns and rather ferocious oral comments clearly define lists of... ( added 1 year 57 days ago.)

What does a Christian Soldier Need? REST! When I look at my calendar I anticipate its busy-ness. I know there will be places I want to go, parties I want to attend, services I wish to be involved in, and a host of other "stuff" that I won't be able to do. That is frustrating! But I also... ( added 1 year 57 days ago.)

Michael Jordan's Vivid Example of Discipleship It would seem he is from another planet. That could explain his impossible ability to stay in the air for such extensive lengths. But more than obviously he is a human being created in the image of God just like any other human. But Michael Jordan... ( added 1 year 58 days ago.)

What Have I Learned in Thirty Years of Ministry? Three decades ago I was in Bible school. At the same time I began working with a large youth ministry. Thus for thirty years (what is such a young guy doing in such an old body?) I have been vocationally involved in ministry. God has opened doors... ( added 1 year 59 days ago.)

What Are The Non-negotiables of Christianity? Very often Christians speak of "when I found Christ." The intent is good, the theology is not. Christ finds us! I certainly was not looking for Him, or for salvation, or even for hope in 1973. I had just been arrested and was awaiting extradition.... ( added 1 year 59 days ago.)