Struggling to Focus

If you are anything like me you may struggle time to time with keeping focus during worship to God. I am not sure what it is, but sometimes my mind really gets to wandering and the next thing I know I am not thinking about what I am singing or reading or listening to, but rather what I am going to eat for lunch, the afternoon baseball game (yes, I am a baseball fan), or how long of a nap I might get that afternoon. I absolutely hate that I allow my mind wander and it is one of the … Continue reading →

The Body of Christ

The body of Christ is a wonderful metaphor used by Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 to describe the church. He shows that each body part has a role. Each one of these parts is useful in helping the body of Christ function properly. “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another … Continue reading →

Focusing During the Worship Service

Children (including teenagers) struggle to pay attention and focus during the worship service where Christians have gathered together to worship God and learn more about Him. It can even be difficult for some adults (I will admit I have struggled with this) to focus on the sermon, song service, prayers, the Lord’s Supper, or giving to the work of the church. How can this problem of focus be overcome? I think the key to learning to focus during the worship assembly is developing some good habits (the younger this begins, the better). Here are a few habits I think can … Continue reading →

Denominational or Non-Denominational?

What is a denomination? For those that don’t understand the difference between a denominational church and a non-denominational church; The American Heritage Dictionary gives a good definition of what a denomination is: “A large group of religious congregations united under a common faith and name and organized under a single administrative and legal hierarchy.” What are the benefits of attending a denominational church? Though churches under any specific denomination can vary greatly in style from one congregation to another, their core beliefs are typically the same. A denominational church is held accountable to a head of the denomination so should … Continue reading →

False Teachers

This world is full of false teachers that deceive the minds of many. Some say they come in the name of God for a divine purpose gaining followers, some boldly speak of things contrary to Christian beliefs, and some even claim to serve the same Christ yet twisting scripture to justify their motives. The book of 2 John gives us warning regarding those who reject Christ and those who stray from doctrine. Romans 16:17-18 starts out telling us to be aware of people who are divisive and go against doctrine and to avoid them because they are not serving Christ … Continue reading →

Trials and Faith: Jesus Freaks

I’m not here to write about the song “Jesus Freak” by Christian band DC Talk or even the Jesus Freak movement of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. I’m here to talk about the book put out by DC Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs entitled, Jesus Freaks: Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus: The Ultimate Jesus Freaks. This book is so much more than just a creatively antique-looking book with its grungy cover and torn parchment-like pages. Inside this book lie the stories of many faithful who put their faith in Jesus, even as it meant their … Continue reading →

Finding the Right Church

Many have trouble finding the right church for their family. These include people who are new to the Christian faith, people who’ve grown up in religious homes and want something different, those who have located to a new area looking for a place to connect, and those who are unhappy in their current church. So when looking for a new church here are some things to think about: • Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a good church. Asking other Bible believing Christians about their church or churches they’ve attended is a great way to … Continue reading →

Songs Every Christian Should Know

In my previous blog I wrote about Bible school songs that I think every child (as well as adult) should know. But what are some “adult” (for lack of a better word) songs which everyone should know? When discussing this topic I think it is important to note the purpose of singing given in the New Testament. In Colossians 3:16 the Bible states: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” The songs which we sing to … Continue reading →

Don’t Feel Like Going to Church?

It’s Sunday morning, you’re waking up in your nice comfy bed, the house is quiet, kids are still sleeping and this is your last morning to sleep in before the Monday morning work day. You have a mountain of clothes to fold and dishes to do, and the last thing you want to do is get up to make yourself presentable enough to go to church. Many of us, if not most, have been there at one point or another. It’s not always about being disinterested in worshiping God; often it’s about feeling tired, or even a bit lazy. You … Continue reading →

Sunday Christians

Sunday Christians, by my definition, are those who put on their Christian face to attend church on Sunday morning, but tend to forget it on their way home. I’ve sadly seen this with many who’ve been raised in a church but have never really sought out a personal relationship with God. I see it with others too though. Perhaps some of these people may believe going to church is their way of paying respects to God. While that is good too, it’s really important to get connected so you can be effective for Christ 7 days a week. My understanding … Continue reading →