Resources by Topic: Christian Life

Everyone has priorities. In moments of perspective, some of us realize we haven’t been living by the right ones, and need to change our priorities. Others of us have long known the right priorities and need to rediscover them.

When Jesus Christ came to Earth, one of the names given to him was Immanuel, which means “God with us.” The Incarnation means that God came down to live with us.

Question from a reader: I’ve been visiting a church with biblical teaching that focuses on missions and evangelism and other good things. But I don’t think I agree with how they practice baptism. What is the difference between Credobaptist and Paedobaptist? Should beliefs about baptism keep me from belonging to an otherwise biblically solid church?

In this video, Randy Alcorn and Pastor Greg Laurie discuss Heaven, happiness and the holiday season at Harvest Christian Church in Riverside, CA.

We should seek to please our Lord, to meet the needs of the poor and needy, to be an encouragement to others, etc. But if we “believe that He is a rewarder” (Hebrews 11:6), then it is right, not wrong, to also want to get God’s blessing and reward.

From mid-November to early January, our lives change, bringing many things that are delightful, but which increase our pressure and fatigue! May this article remind you to focus on what’s truly most important in this season, and to take time to sit at Jesus’ feet.

A reader asks, "I was sprinkled as an infant and still have my certificate. What is your understanding of baptism? Is a sprinkling at that young age as significant as full immersion? I’m puzzled."

A reader asked me, “I often hear the saying ‘I want to be ready to meet my Lord.’ Can you explain what exactly you mean by this, please?” First of all, and most importantly, being ready to meet the Lord means you’ve made sure of your relationship with Jesus Christ, and are trusting only Him to save you.

For those who are in Christ, God’s discipline is an act of love. I appreciated these thoughts from Ray Ortlund about how Scripture demonstrates that God can be both for us, and against us.

On Monday, Nanci and I received some challenging news about the results of her recent CT scan. Two different surgeons believe her cancer, which they saw no more sign of until recently, has spread to her lungs. While Nanci and I are disappointed, of course, we had talked beforehand and were prepared to accept this from the hand of a sovereign and loving God. God is in control, and we really are at peace. 

In the wake of Jarrid Wilson's death, much has already been said about suicide and mental health and the need to address them within the church. But I want to highlight some things Greg Laurie, the senior pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship, has said, and also share some more thoughts related to suicide.

Many people have asked me how Nanci is doing since our last update in early September on her CaringBridge page. There has been nothing new to report since the outcome of her last test, but she'll have another test soon. I rarely repost the latest updates and prayer requests from CaringBridge on my blog, but since this test is significant, I’m posting this one since we would love your prayers.

Time with God is the fountain from which holiness, joy, and delight flow. It reminds us who we are and whose we are.

I really appreciated this article by Joe Rigney, assistant professor of theology and literature at Bethlehem College & Seminary and author of The Things of Earth: Treasuring God by Enjoying His Gifts.  It’s a great and practical explanation of what it means to obey the command in James 1:22 to be a doer of God’s Word.