If we don’t know God’s heart, we’re less likely to go to him when times get tough. But if we do, we can find grace and help in our urgent times of need. That’s what this sermon explores on Hebrews 4:14 – 5:10.
Tag: spiritual growth
Conscience, the Puritans, and forming our minds today – a talk with Richard Topping
In this podcast episode, I talk with Richard Topping, professor and principal at VST, about conscience, the Puritans, society, and forming our minds today.
Courage and holy boldness no matter what (Growing Deeper with Acts 4:1-31)
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast I give an in-depth look at Acts 4:1-31, a story about the disciples faith in the face of threat as a part of the young church; I stress 3 takeaways for our situation today.
How to grow wiser—with thanks to J.I. Packer
Wisdom. What is it? How do we get it? With help from theologian J.I. Packer, this podcast shares 3 insights. Information can fill the head; but wisdom can fill the heart.
Pray—as a first resort [Sermon]
We know prayer is important, right? But let’s be honest. It’s easy to get in a rut. Here are three helps from Luke 18:1-8 and some practical tips.
Better Than Before? [Interview]
I hear a lot of people saying something like this: ‘I really want things to go back to how they were before COVID-19.’ I get
How Trials Can Make You More Resilient [Sermon]
Trials are tough. But they can actually make you more resilient. This message is about how.
Proactive Partnership [Sermon]
This sermon is Part 1 of 4 in a series called ‘Mature: 4 things mature people do on the path of joy.’ It’s about the much-misunderstood but important role ‘fellowship’ plays.
5 Helpful Study Bibles
Reading the Bible is important — and it can also be hard to understand sometimes! So here are 5 Study Bibles that can help.
Asking God to establish your plans [Sermon]
Welcome to a new year, to a new decade, and to the next chapter of your life! At this time of year, a lot of
The Courage Equation [Sermon]
What are you facing in the next year? This Christmas Eve message explains ‘the courage equation’ and four ways to draw closer to God in the pursuit of courage.
A Dummies Guide to the bazillion translations of the Bible
Wonder what to make of the bazillion Bible translations? This blog explains the 4 main types, and gives some advice. Enjoy!
Help When It Hurts (summary video, links)
Here’s a video that summarizes my 3-part teaching series called “Help When It Hurts.” It includes the rationale for the series (hint: hurt is a
But Deliver Us From Evil: Understanding the spirit-world battle you’re already in [Podcast]
What do you mean about a “spirit-world battle”? I know, I know. To a lot of people, it sounds pretty crazy. It sounded crazy to
Spirituality for Normal People – The Podcast
When you hear the word “spirituality” what do you think about? There was a time in my life when that word made me think about incense and mellow
Introducing TheUpDevo.com, your daily partner for a practical faith Today
Life is tough. So do you want to get up, look up and be up? If so, the “Up!” daily devo can be your daily partner for a more practical faith Today.
Prayer Advice from Martin Luther. Boom.
Anthony Ross was a rugged Scot known for eloquent speech. But an illness took his voice. He would never speak the same way again—but he
The 10 Things I Get Asked Most as a Minister (And How I Answer Them)
Einstein said that “curiosity has its own reason for existing.” As if wonder has its own self-propelling magnetism. Curiosity and questioning are daily menu items
