by Scot McKnight
The Paul of the letters to the Corinthians is a vulnerable Paul with emotions and transparency. Read the following lines, mostly from 2 Corinthians, from Paul carefully. As you do, let your imagination seek an image of his face. What did it look like as he said these words, as his words matched his emotions, as he rehearsed his experiences and responses? As you read these verses, you may not be able to resist making the face you imagine he had. Go ahead, no one’s looking.
Continue reading “The Heart of Paul in the Book of 2 Corinthians”
by Margaret Feinberg
When it comes to rock climbing, I’m still a beginner. But I love watching skilled rock climbers scale rocks. They remind me of the importance of courage and commitment, no matter what challenges we’re facing in life.
A while back, I remember that I was feeling like I had hit a rock wall with God. I was still carving out time to spend with God each day, reading the scripture, praying, asking God to lead, direct, speak into my life. And all I heard was silence. When I face times like those in my life, the only thing I know to do is not give up. Stay courageous. Stay committed. Keep pursuing God and his love, even when I feel like I’m struggling to find the next handhold of faith.
Well, the weeks rolled into months. And I remember thinking, maybe it’s time to go back to the beginning. I opened my Bible to Genesis 1 and began reading. And for the first time in a long time, I felt that spark of connection with God. I kept reading morning after morning. When I finally finished those 50 chapters of Genesis, I returned to the beginning and read it again. That tiny spark became a steady flame.
Continue reading “Pursuing God’s Love in the Book of Genesis”
by Anne Graham Lotz
Our world is in a mess. Our nation is imploding. But what difference can you and I make? What difference can one person make? You know what we can do? We can pray. Pray in such a way that heaven is moved, and our nation is changed. But if you are like me, you feel like even you can’t do that because your prayers seem hollow and anemic.
The Daniel prayer is a no-holds-barred, go for broke, nothing held back praying until heaven is moved and whatever it is you are praying about is changed or until God answers. It is a not a prayer necessarily that you pray every day. It is a prayer that is born out of desperation, just a heart’s longing, a heart’s cry.
Continue reading “Preparing for Prayer from the Book of Daniel”
by Pastor Matt Chandler
Friends,
In an overwhelming world, we can be overcomers!
For the last 2,000 years, the book of Revelation has given courage—not fear—to Christians around the world. In The Overcomers 8-session video Bible study, pastor Matt Chandler explores the book of Revelation and what it’s teaching us about the days we live in now, about the body of believers, and about Christ, our King.
You’ll visit each chapter in Revelation, discovering how Jesus, on His throne, has already secured the victory over the enemy and what that means to our generation today.
As a member of the church that carries on the mission of the first churches, you are an overcomer—a believer who is empowered by the work and authority of Jesus Christ.
Continue reading “God’s Vision for You to Thrive in an Age of Anxiety in the Book of Revelation”
