The Bible – Opened

Humility and Lone-Ranger Christians

Young woman reading bible

I’m reading Romans and am continually blown away by it. What an amazing book. I’ve read Romans before, but something is clearer this time. Its teachings are profound and challenging, and so relevant to all believers. Romans 12:3-8 is important as we consider how Christians should engage in fellowship with one another and serve one another. Let’s hear from Romans 12:3-8,“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather … [Read more...]

The Bible IS Inerrant and Other Thoughts About the Bible

Holy Bible - Inerrant?

Recently this site published an article by Daniel Scholl where he said he “does not believe in the inerrancy of the Bible.”  To say that readers reacted to this article would be an understatement.  Many had strong reactions and voiced their views either as public comments on this site or as direct e-mails to the ministry.  The overwhelming majority of views expressed were not in support of Daniel’s position. … [Read more...]

To Begin Reading the Bible, Start With a Good Plan

The Bible...Opened

Reading the Bible So you’ve decided to read the Bible. Perhaps you are new to Christianity or are interested in why this book holds such power for so many. Or maybe you have been on your journey for quite some time but have been unsure and uncertain about how to start reading this sometimes enigmatic tome. Regardless of your reason you have taken this first step only to find that step one leads to many paths. So let’s talk about how to read the Bible. … [Read more...]

An Inerrant Bible – Truth or Fiction?

Holy Bible - Inerrant?

Editors Note: Biblical inerrancy is an important topic. We've asked a few people to write on the topic (one supporting inerrancy and one rejecting inerrancy). This article is NOT a position statement on behalf of Changing the Face of Christianity. It is intended to stir your thoughts and engage you in discussion on this incredibly important topic. Read the PRO-Inerrancy article here, and please share your comments on whether you agree or disagree and why. I hope everyone is having a blessed … [Read more...]

The Bible Can Be Intimidating

The Bible, for many, stands as the cornerstone of their faith, be they Christian or Jewish. I have led Bible studies at my church, taken several hours of Bible study in seminary and read the Bible, yet not as often as I should. Through all this interaction with the Bible, several things have jumped out at me. One in particular is the fact that the Bible can be very intimidating. New and old Christians alike can be intimidated by this collection of books for several reasons: … [Read more...]

Psalms Teach Us How To Pray

The Psalms can teach us how to pray.  I started re-reading Psalms this week and was blown away by King David, the author of many of the Psalms in the Bible's Old Testament. As an example, let's look at Psalm 6:6-8. "I am exhausted as I grown; all night long I drench my bed in tears; my tears saturate the cushion beneath me. My eyes grow dim from suffering; they grow weak because of all my enemies. Turn back from me, all you who behave wickedly, for the Lord has heard the sound of my … [Read more...]

What is the Faith of a Mustard Seed?

Luke 17:5-6 What IS the faith of a mustard seed. I always thought this meant having only a tiny faith. e.g if you had even just a little itty-bitty bit of true faith, you could do x. But reading it this time, I'm seeing it differently. Put  yourself in the position of BEING a mustard seed. What sort of faith must you have in order to simply survive and live? You must have faith that you will be blown in the wind to a beneficial spot, that you won't be eaten by the birds or bugs, that you will … [Read more...]

Go beyond WWJD – What Would Jesus Do?

Article re-printed with permission from Changing the Face of Christianity. You've heard the phrase. You may have even seen it on a billboard: WWJD - "What Would Jesus Do". It's a great way of saying, "I don't know what I should do in this situation...but no matter, I should do what Jesus would do...so WWJD." So, we see a car stranded. Or we see a person in need. Or we have a conflict with a friend or family member. And we ask WWJD. It's great advice. Jesus is our role model...and it IS HE … [Read more...]

Love Others by Looking Them in the Eye

Have you ever met someone for the first time and felt like Mr. Cellophane from the musical Chicago? I have felt this way more often than I care to admit. In other cultures, it might be the norm, but in America, not looking someone in the eye sends a message: ''You aren't very important to me''. Forget about trying to remember someone's name; the eyes come first. God commands us to love one another (1 John 3:23). Love can be communicated in many different ways… by listening, by helping, … [Read more...]

Servant Leadership – Modeled by Jesus Christ

Philippians 2:7 (NIV)  "...but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" This verse frames servant leadership perfectly. It's a model we can follow at work, at home, and in ministry. A true leader is not the one calling the shots, making the demands, and extracting sacrifices from others...all so the LEADER can benefit. A true leader is the servant who thinks of others first, encourages, motivates, inspires, and helps people achieve great … [Read more...]

Joseph’s Journey – Leadership Lessons

I recently read the story again about Joseph (Genesis 37-47), and how he grew from an immature teen into the leader that was handed the keys of authority in Egypt and who saved the entire Israelite population from starvation during a seven year famine. You are surely familiar with Joseph (the coat of many colors, dream interpreter, thrown into a well by his brothers, sold into slavery, etc...) What can we learn about Godly leadership through the life story of Joseph? Leaders are … [Read more...]

Seek First His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33)

Why is it so hard to put God first? Is it just pure selfishness? Is it forgetfulness? Does it just boil down to the fact of our sinful nature? Honestly, I believe it's all of the above. When I have a decision to make, such as something I want to buy, or maybe changing careers, or maybe choosing between working and spending time with family...it always seems to be difficult. Selfishly, I find that I want to buy something...well just because "I" want it. Or I'm thinking about what career would … [Read more...]

1 John 1:1-4

1 John 1:1-4 (NIV) 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with … [Read more...]