Randy writes, “God’s goal is that your life would be lived by the grace of Jesus.” When we are so captured by that grace, it’s not a chore or burden to give–it’s pure joy. 

We commend your and your husband’s desire to fully participate in the life of the church you are attending. While we can’t provide definitive answers to your questions, we can provide some follow-up questions for you both to reflect and pray through.

We often think of the Apostle Paul as the Lone Ranger, gallivanting solo about the empire, leading everyone to Christ, never afraid, never struggling, often alone, but never lonely. Scripture corrects this impression as Paul recounts for the Corinthians one of his recent stresses.

Vince Greenwald, assistant pastor at Immanuel Nashville, has written a great and helpful article for those starting college, and he includes advice on finding a healthy church. If you have a young person in your life who fits that category, I encourage you to share this article with them!

I’m sorry to hear about the hurts you have experienced (and it sounds like, are experiencing). Every church is made up of people just like us—messy and imperfect, forgiven but still sinners this side of Heaven.

We received this thought-provoking letter from a reader named Richard Higby. As you read, consider what it might look like for your family and church to implement his idea of a day celebrating and looking forward to Christ's return and the coming New Earth.

In this audio clip, Randy Alcorn talks about how his church community has been a major part of the healing process since his wife Nanci died.  

We have all been hurt by churches, and we have all hurt others, whether or not we know it. At a time when it is common to disparage churches, it’s good to celebrate the oneness many of us have so often felt in the presence of other believers.

As Dan Darling points out, there’s much criticism online that is actually rooted in bitterness rather than seeking to build up the church. (People who are critical often fall into referring to church members as “they.” But where is the “we”?)