Recent statistics show that cohabitation before marriage is a growing trend in the United States. 48% of women, ages 15 – 44, move in with their mate before getting married. Because the Bible doesn’t specifically address this cultural subject, there are Christians who feel that living together before marriage is NOT living in sin. Without … More Cohabitation: Is It Okay for Christians?
Isn’t it easy to take the people in our lives for granted? It is not that we are unloving or that we don’t appreciate the relationships we have. No, I believe the problem is simply we are not intentional enough about considering and expressing appreciation for others. I recently read a story of a young man … More Intentional Kindness
If you are like me, when you see a red, Folgers coffee can, in your mind you immediately hear that catchy jingle with the words, “The best part of waking up, is Folgers in your cup.” You know you just sang it! By nature, I am not a morning person (and that is a vast … More The Best Part of Waking Up…
Last week in my post, “Beyond Forgiveness,” I argued that when conflict arises between Christians, that our aim should be— not just to forgive— but to be reconciled with our brothers and sisters in Christ. One of the necessary steps in reconciliation is confrontation, which seems to be avoided like the plague in most … More The Road to Reconciliation: How to Address an Offense with Another Believer
We live in a fallen world full of imperfect people, thus, every single one of us will experience conflict with others. We will offend people, and people will offend us. It is important to remember that the church is not immune to these relational difficulties. Positionally, real followers of Jesus are saints, yet practically, the Scripture makes … More Beyond Forgiveness
It is important to make the most of reading time by choosing carefully what to read. In my opinion, it is good to study a variety of genres. At any given time, I have around five to seven books going. Here are my top seven categories for reading: Scripture – The rest of this list is not necessarily in any order … More What to Read
Last week, in my blog post, I made a case for why, I believe, that everyone who is leading, should be reading. It is no secret that every leader should constantly be learning, and one of the best ways to learn is through disciplined, purposeful reading. As I stated in my last blog, I have … More Some Thoughts on the Reading of Books | Part 2
“Leaders are readers.” When I first heard that statement almost two decades ago, I thought it to be a dubious assumption at best, but over the years, it has proven to be quite accurate. One consistent trait— which I have seen evidenced in the lives of all of the great leaders that I follow— is the discipline … More Three Benefits of Reading Books
As I sit in my new office, preparing to lead an amazing church, I can’t help but marvel as I consider the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord. I am amazed at His perfect timing and the way that He has orchestrated my life to prepare my family for such a time as this! God … More
Last month, the infamous snake-handling preacher, James Coots of Middlesboro, died from a rattlesnake bite received in church. Coots was deeply convicted by what he considered to be a literal translation of Mark 16:16-18. The Lexington Herald Leader published a quote that Coots gave National Geographic regarding this text: “To me it’s as much a … More Does the Bible Really Say That? A Call to Biblical Truth
Chris May 