In a country that has seen a sharp rise in people identifying as non-religious over the past years, a recent survey found people responding with a surprising openness to going to church this Christmas, if they are invited.
The proverb, “Sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never harm you” has been proven wrong too many times as words have traumatized people, whether or not the speaker/writer intended to. The internet has lifted restraint on our communications and words are being easily weaponized. Here are seven disciplines to help followers of Jesus to use their words with Kingdom-minded intention.
Conservatives and liberals in the United States (and increasingly elsewhere in the world) are accusing each other of creating an environment that contributes to political violence. We need to be very careful about making cause-effect connections. However, if we legitimize violence as a way to solve problems, we should not be surprised if others turn to violence also. If we sow the wind, we should not be surprised about reaping the whirlwind.
Evangelism can become little more than a sales formula, with such evangelists nicknamed "The Jesus Guys" in Asia. This style can inoculate people against Jesus. Mr Huang testifies that a more effective method is to build long-term relationships while sharing biblical values, principles, and truths in a natural setting such as while conducting business.
As challenges increase in the world, knowing that facing struggle does not mean that life is out of control or terrible can provide great hope. It is hopeful to remember that a cold dark night on the side of Everest isn't a destination, it is a means to an end. Similarly, the stuff that life throws at us is a pathway to growth in Christ for the follower of Jesus.
Christians will congregate worldwide in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Christ who face persecution and even death for their faith this Sunday and next Sunday in observance of the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.
Hundreds of thousands of students are expected to participate in the nationwide "Bring Your Bible to School Day" on Thursday, led by Focus on the Family, to get kids talking about Jesus.
As mass baptisms continue to break out across America, some are naturally asking an important question: Is revival in the air?
Churches are being encouraged to get involved in the fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery.
Rev. Dr. Richard Howell, former General Secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India and the Asia Evangelical Alliance, warned at the All India Congress on Church in Mission (AICOCIM) that pastors often struggle in deep isolation and urgently need safe spaces to share their burdens.
