Six Prayer Principles
Six biblical prayer principles include faith, persistence, right motives, zeal, and obedience. Intercede for spiritual growth and evangelism.
Six biblical prayer principles include faith, persistence, right motives, zeal, and obedience. Intercede for spiritual growth and evangelism.
Christ received His authority and power from His Father. Our authority as believers is through the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name. We operate in faith, love and…
Three parts of the Lord’s Prayer are discussed: daily bread (God’s provision through Christ), forgiveness out of grace, and resisting temptation. We learn that prayer requires humility and persistence. Prayer…
The disciplines of reverencing His Name, pleading for His kingdom to come and submitting to His will should impact our passion for the world, our intimacy with God, and our…
Believers pray understanding there is one True God who is personal, living and hears their prayers, who is caring and involved in their lives, and who wants to have the…
Dear Roger, Regarding physical healings—Does God gift people with the ability to heal physical ailments today? Thoughts on “healing”? Revivals? Thanks! Question from Casas’ “What’s Next Class” Dear Ms. WNC,…
How do you develop a healthy, balanced life style and manage the stressors of life well? Let’s look at three different aspects of your life: emotions, relationships, and spirituality. First…
Sometimes there are compelling realities to life that move us to action. The resurrection should move us to take a risk with no reserves, no retreat and no regrets.
Each of us has a race to run and everyone of us can finish well. Great racers strip down and develop endurance.
Children can learn to pray as they observe God in nature. Here are three examples of ways you can teach your child to speak to God as they enjoy His…
The first pillar in the Biblical foundations of instrumental music in worship is the Psalms. When considering the Psalms and instrumental music, most instrumentalists think of Psalm 150, but there…
As believers, we are on the “winning side.” God sent His prophetic messengers to prepare our hearts to receive His grace. Don’t live with a short-term view of God’s plan.
We need to be reminded of the grandeur and holiness of an infinite God and His abilit to transform our ordinary lives.
The apostle Paul is so precious to us because he was Christ-centered, a steward of God’s grace, a messenger of the mystery, a champion of the church, and a recipient…
Jesus not only proclaimed Himself to be our shepherd, king, the Way, Truth and Life. He also chose to call us friends. A friend is someone who knows all about…
A Barna research report this week revealed that 58% of American Christians don’t believe the Holy Spirit exists. “Fifty-eight percent strongly or somewhat agreed with the statement that the Holy…
Dear Roger, If you have never accepted Jesus and then something happens to you and you become a “vegetable” (ie. brain damage), can you ever get a chance to accept…
Leah, wife of Jacob and sister of Rachel, was switched with her sister on Jacob and Rachel’s wedding night. She lived in a loveless marriage, unappreciated and unsupported. We can…
Faith is the secret ingredient to life that explains the extraordinary behaviors of ordinary people and the supernatural events that surround them.
Paul challenges us to live as good citizens of heaven while we are still on earth. We are to stand in one spirit with unflinching courage for the cause of…
God loves us unconditionally and simply asks us to love Him intimately, humbly serve Him, and to walk with Him in submission and obedience.
How do we survive in an unstable economic environment as we plan for the future and invest in God’s Kingdom?
Christian financial analyst Bob Henry gives a clear overview of what is happening in the American economic climate today and how the story of Joseph lends insight into our response.
You can teach a child to pray in many creative ways. Here are just a couple: Prayer Picture Cards Things you need-Index cards, photos of people, pictures from magazines, glue,…
Our children need to develop healthy, functional relationships by practicing self-awareness, self-management and social awareness. As Joseph’s story unfolds in the Old Testament, we see how these characteristics lead him…
Dear Roger, If Adam and Eve had only boys, how did their children reproduce to create the world’s people? Incest? Sincerely, Questioner in Casas’ “What’s Next Class” Dear Q, According…
The Messiah was broken and battered for the souls of mankind. Mary of Bethany’s broken bottle of perfume symbolized her unconditional love for Jesus and her unconditional acceptance of His…
Three categories of tests from God are described in Scripture. Temptations come to all believers from Satan. Trials are used by God to refine our faith and make us look…
Jesus calls us to a lifestyle of serving, making disciples, evangelizing the world and reflecting the right view of the real God to those around us.
Unless we become like children-humble, teachable and trusting-we will never grow into the spiritual people God intends for us to be. The intellegencia in Athens were too proud to receive…
In previous discussions about admonishing others, we’ve talked about two important issues. If we’re going to love someone thoroughly, we must be willing to admonish if necessary. On the other…
iSight gives you a clear perspective on God’s plan for successful relationships with significant others in your life.
In a previous blog, I was thinking about our responsibility to admonish one another based on our history of loving that person. While it might not take much planning to…
The most vital relationship we can help our children develop is with the Lord. As parents, grandparents and other family members, we are called to invest in our children the…
Cultivating an intimate relationship with Christ, investing in loving relationships, following God’s plan, and pursuing heavenly rewards are the things that matter most in life.
Years ago I learned a valuable, but painful lesson about admonishing the ones we love. I had befriended a young businessman who aspired to the ministry, and for several years…
The quality of our relationships with our children determines the weight of our influence. Regardless of their ages, we must never lose this influence to nurture and guide them. Children…
Dear Roger, How were years determined in Noah’s days? Sincerely, Member of Casas’ Discovering Christianity Class Dear Member, You are obviously referring to the genealogies in the early part of…
Genesis 42 chronicles the expedition of Joseph’s brothers to Egypt, the interrogation of the brothers by Joseph, the introspection of the brothers before Joseph, and the report of the brothers…
De-stressing essentials include cultivating true spirituality, developing a positive self-image and focusing on positive dreams and goals for your life.
It is important to reduce stress by setting a wise balance in this imbalanced world and by being proactive in preventing disease.
To reduce stress, you have to be intentional about changing your lifestyle. Here are some practical tips that will enrich and de-stress your daily life. Never borrow from the future.…
Trusting Jesus is more than having our sins forgiven. It is life with God. Faith in Jesus is the best way to live, and the only way to die.
Genesis 41 describes Pharoah’s problem and Joseph’s promotion. Pharoah’s dream has religious overtones because the Nile and cattle are worshipped as gods. We are challenged to emulate Joseph’s mature character…
To continue with my theme from the last week’s series of blogs about the resurrection, there’s one more entry I’d like to post about what the resurrection does for us.…
You’ve had a bad day, and you’re exhausted. You worked as hard as you could at your job, but your boss still wants more. The traffic on the way home…
Dear Roger, Do you have to publicly become a Christian or can you do it in private? Sincerely, Anonymous (from Casas Church Discovering Christianity Class) Dear Anonymous, When I was…
What happens to you when you read the scriptures or go through a Bible study? Many people take their time with the Word as a perfunctory ritual to assuage a…
John used this miracle to drive home the point that Jesus is the Bread that satisfies mankind’s deepest spiritual longings. He also was careful to record the line that Jesus…
Jesus’ resurrection of Lazarus was the final sign that preceded His own resurrection from the dead. A brief study of heaven, hell, death, and resurrection explains the unique perspective of…
The first miracle sign Jesus performed was at the wedding feast in Cana. Changing water to wine is a sign of the lavish lifestyle that Jesus offers to all who…
“The Lord was with Joseph” is a repeated phrase throughout his story. Chapter 40 discusses the detention of the King’s cupbearer and baker, their dreams and the decrees of the…
Dear Roger, I have experienced depression often and my Christian friends have told me that truly spiritual people are never “down.” How should I handle my depressed feelings? Am I…
It was after dropping off my car at the repair shop that I looked around the neighborhood I was in and wondered out loud in which nearby restaurant I would…
We must invest care and compassion into the lives of those who need to know Christ, and simply invite them to experience Christ with us in church.
The man at the pool of Siloam needed rescuing. Helpless, desperate people find the healing power of Christ in this gospel story. The allure of grace is in stark contrast to…
Dallas Seminary dialogue features Mark Yarborough, Don Regier, Wayne Walker and John Dyer discussing blogs, podcasts, social networking, texting and video in today’s ministry settings.
I was thumbing through Brennan Manning’s book The Ragamuffin Gospel earlier this evening, finding myself completely enveloped in an oversized Barnes & Noble reading chair: the kind that never get…
Joseph is described as a trusted slave, a tempted slave and a trusted prisoner. His purity is contrasted with the immoral behavior of his brother Judah. We must withstand temptation,…
Whose job is it to convict a lost world of its sin? It is the work of the Holy Spirit. Confrontational approaches to sharing our faith violate the relationships which…
Herod’s steward walked 20 miles to ask Jesus to heal his ailing son. Besides finding healing for his boy, the steward found faith in a miracle-working Savior.
I stopped off at a local bookstore with my daughter yesterday and picked up two seasonally published magazines about the Bible. One was published by U.S. News and World Report. The other…
Paul encourages young pastor Timothy to pray always for those in authority so that the Gospel may be propigated throughout the world. God wants to seek and save the lost.
Dear Roger, My kids are growing up to be teenagers. The way I have been disciplining them does not seem to work. They tell me I treat them like babies…
Children have an incredible knack at comforting. One mother tells of her little Tina coming home late from school. “Where have you been, Tina?” her mom asked.“Lisa dropped her best…
Jacob’s dysfunctional family is jealous and angry with Joseph, the favored son. Genesis 37 relates details of the conspiracy against Joseph and his consignment to slavery in Egypt.
I recently read an interesting quote about Buddhism’s impact on real world problems. Check this out. “Christmas Humpreys, an influential Western Buddhist, admits…’It may be asked, what contribution Buddhism…
I recently read an interesting quote about Buddhism’s impact on real world problems. Check this out. “Christmas Humpreys, an influential Western Buddhist, admits…’It may be asked, what contribution Buddhism…
Global outreach is not just for missionaries. Casas Church sent over 400 members on short-term trips this year. God has commissioned us to bring in His kingdom. Make your church…
Arzi never expected to be a dynamic force in his part of the world, but God had other plans. He grew from being a young Muslim boy to a man…
Dr. Doug and Cheryl Derbyshire lead clinics in Thailand where thousands come to receive medical care and comfort. The patients not only found physical healing, but spiritual healing by meeting…
Christ taught that He was one with God the Father, the only way to heaven, the Truth and the Life. Though man would insist that there are other ways to…
В течении этого интервью, вы услышите свидетельство пастора Арзи о том, как он пришёл к Христу из мусульманской культуры и как он чувствовал призыв Бога к служению. Он расскажет о…
Teacher Jane W. shares Christ in the classroom in Tanzania. She soon travels to one of the war zones where poverty and chaos reign. Where does she get her courage!…
John and Valerie spend their days in northern Alaska flying across the Bering Sea into Siberia to provide humanitarian aid and a heaping portion of the Gospel. Children’s ministries, discipleship…
Ron S. tells his story about receiving God’s call shortly after becoming a believer. He prayed for God to call his wife as well, and she never expected to go…
Christ not only wants to save our souls for eternity, but He longs to redeem our lives here on earth by giving us a purpose in living. We can bring…
Cherie G. relates the unique challenges of refugee families seeking asylum in America. Our churches can adopt these families by supplying food, housing, baby clothes and a lot of love.
I was thinking recently about an article I wrote about Buddhism and morality nearly two years ago. In that article, Void or Victory: The Higher Nature of Christianity Over Buddhism,…
I was thinking recently about an article I wrote about Buddhism and morality nearly two years ago. In that article, Void or Victory: The Higher Nature of Christianity Over Buddhism,…
President of Eagle Television in Mongolia shares his story-his call to missions, the open door for the gospel and how we can be involved.
David, in the midst of his troubles, had learned the “golden secret.” He taught that we must be stirred to love God and focus on Him, and He will not…
We can be free from anxiety and aloneness because we have access to the throne room of God and His gifts of peace and joy. We must live with the…
In this troubled world, we don’t have to look far to see hurting souls suffering from frustration, fear, loneliness, embarrassment, deception, grief, humiliation, disappointment or betrayal. Jesus even warned us…
Light and darkness in the material world provide powerful metaphors for the revelation of Christ’s glory and man’s response. For whom is the Light and how do we receive it?
Dear Roger, My mother died this week. I’d like to know what the Bible teaches about what happens after death. Love, Roger Dear Roger, Death and dying is a subject…
Paul encourages us to finish the race with the strength and power only God can provide. Our hope is in heaven, not here on earth.
What happens to us when we die? Paul teaches we have an earthly, temporal tent that will be transformed into an eternal, durable building from God. Paul is confident that…
Statistics indicate that at least one in every ten babies is lost through miscarriage. Many mothers hide the sorrow inside themselves and never talk about it because they have found…
Christ saw the Sabbath (and by extension, all of life) as being a time of restoration and connectedness with God. The Pharisees viewed the Sabbath as a day to prove…
In our overworked, hurried, and self-focused culture, it’s easy for us to go days at a time without having a substantive conversation with another human being. The phrase, “How are…
Dear Roger, Why did Jesus call himself “Son of Man” and then call God his father? What did he mean when he called himself the “Son of Man”? Sincerely, Jonathan…
Paul warns young Christians to be wary of legalistic pretending instead of grace-filled discipleship. Being obedient to the Holy Spirit means serving with a loving heart. We can do so…
Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the king in the Persian winter palace in Susa. The king of Persia had previously stopped the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, possibly perceiving…
1. Gold and Honey – Psalm 19:10 Here, the psalmist declares that the Word of God is more desirable than the finest gold and sweeter than honey. I believe that…
Our purpose is to live for Christ, a life of noticing others so we can minister the encouragement, compassion and comfort Jesus first showed us. As our love shines in…
How well do you know God? Has it ever occurred to you why we are able to know the depths of God’s character? We all have people we know better…
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so…
Paul poses four questions. If we are encouraged by Christ, can we give that same encouragement to others? If we are comforted by Him, can we comfort others? If we…
There’s an important page in your Bible that, if you are like most people, goes completely unread. Chances are, you are like most Christians who rip past this page without…
Paul, in Philippians one, didn’t just make the best of a bad situation, he actually saw the positive results of his imprisonment. We must recognize God is working in and…
Paul teaches the Corinthian believers about the transforming glory of the new covenant with the all-encompassing Savior, the unveiled glimpse of God’s glory, the transforming power of God’s glory and…
Believing the best is a challenge. It is so easy to focus on what’s wrong with someone rather than on what’s right about them. It’s the natural human response. But…
What is the Christian’s relationship to the Law of Moses? There are three views: the Christian’s interface with the ceremonial, civil and moral law. Each view reflects the responsibility of…
How long must I call for help and you do not listen? How long must you tolerate injustice? You don’t seem to care that the Babylonians, a wicked and perverse…
Dear Roger, I really struggle with anger. It seems like I just can’t keep it under control. I know it’s not Christian to be angry, so what advice would you…
Paul’s companions, Timothy and Epaphroditus, epitomized godly character: compassion, loyalty and integrity. When people see authentic faith in God’s people, they are drawn to the Savior.
2 Corinthians 1 deals with the defense of the apostle Paul for his blameless conduct and his confidence. God affirms him in his stability, commission, security and guarantee of salvation.
The men and women of Hebrews 11 demonstrate dynamic faith which encourages and motivates us to follow their lead. In Hebrews 12, Christ inspires us to live out the Christian…
Living a life of integrity and honesty brings freedom to our lives and to our relationships with God and others. God accepts us just as we are, and those who…
We are in the middle of an important Muslim holiday called Ashura, recognized by Shiite Muslims only. It is not so much a holiday as it is a remembrance of…
Forgiveness is possible when we mourn the hurt we have received, understand the truth of what is happening and forgive the offender. We heal the hurts we have inflicted on…
Surrendering to God’s will, re-assessing our strengths and weaknesses and discerning the passions God has given us enable us to recover from failure and loss.
As pastors and leaders, we must know ourselves well, understand our audience (congregation) and determine what success would look like. Pastors can learn much through studying basic business principles of…
Implementing change in your church is an art. An effective communication plan is needed, every level of leadership must take ownership in implementing change, and the effectiveness of change should…
Dear Roger, A friend asked me a question I could not answer as I have never seen the play called “Jesus Christ Superstar.” How does it relate to the Bible?…
Hebrews 11 is the “Hall of Heroes”-portraits of faithful men and women like Moses, Noah, Abraham and Sarah. Their lives inspire us to emulate their obedience and trust in God.
I’ve been reflecting back upon Christmas in a way that most people tend not too. I’ve decided that I’m all for the commercialization of Christmas. In fact, during a time…
Only by having a proper view of God can we comprehend the reason for suffering. Suffering allows us to comfort others, to learn our own insufficiencies and God’s sufficiency. When…
Pastor Bob Robinson, founder of Parenting Alone, gives practical, helpful information to pastors and church leaders upon developing single-parent ministries in a church and community setting. He also highlights valuable…
I am sure we have all been asked, or pondered the question on our own, “What would you do differently, if you knew you only had 6 months to live?” …
Lately I’ve become increasingly more aware of the enemy’s subtle tricks and deceptions in my life. As someone who works in ministry as a vocation, it is easy to get…
The top ten health crises in the world are refusing aid. In Somalia, violence is worsening and healthcare has collapsed. Fighting in eastern DR Congo and north-west Pakistan has left…
Do we have to abandon reason to have faith? Science, philosophy and anthropology point to the existence of a Master-Designer.
Mary asked the angel two questions: Is this Jesus worth it, and can God do this? We ask the same questions every day. Is following God worth the sacrifice, and…
Christmas is one of those holidays that is often misunderstood. Perhaps it’s because of the way that we have trivialized what the holiday represents. We hang stockings, decorate trees, arrange…
For the Buddhist I want to look at “The Seen and Unseen World of Merit and Rebirth.” Rebirth and Merit are two important concepts in the Buddhist way of life.…
God’s presence with man revealed in Christ is traced throughout scripture. God’s call in the Garden, the Tabernacle, the Temple, and the saints remind us that He is with us…
The speakers in the mall are playing sleigh-bell songs, Santa is in his grotto with a long line of children waiting to stroke his whiskers and the media is…
If God, Joseph and Mary went to such great lengths to bring salvation to us, so should we take the trouble to share the gospel with those around us.
God must exist because every effect has a cause, every design a designer and because men universally believe that He exists. The universal moral code is stamped on the hearts…
God longs for us to put our hope in Him. His hope can heal you from your past, give you endurance for the now and security for the yet to…
It’s December. Perhaps you are scurrying around searching to find just the right Christmas gifts for loved ones. Do you find yourself so consumed with holiday preparations that you don’t…
Last week, the Dalai Lama, Buddhism’s spiritual leader made this astounding quote, “Too much attachment towards your children, towards your partner,” was “one of the obstacles or hindrances to peace…
Living by faith is the lifestyle guaranteed to please God. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. God rewards our…
God calls us to be clothed in humility just as Christ demonstrates when He washes the disciple’s feet at the Last Supper. The humble recognize that their abilities are not…
Dear Roger, Did you always know that God wanted you in the ministry? How did you balance the feelings of what you knew to be the desires of your heart,…
Abel’s blood sacrifice pleased God because only a blood sacrifice can forgive sin. Jesus’ work on the cross is our only hope of salvation. Every other religion rests upon the…
Wycliffe missionaries Larry and Nancy Hagberg share their story of the joys and challenges of translating God’s Word and evangelizing an unreached people group.
Life sometimes hurts. We heal hurt with comfort, anger with forgiveness, guilt with confession, fear with perfect love and condemnation with God’s unconditional love and acceptance.
A list of common misconceptions about forgiveness is discussed, forgiveness is defined and a step-by-step process for forgiving is included.
A satanic foothold is established in our minds when we embrace deception, bitterness, rebellion, pride and habitual sin. Generational sin and involvement in occult practices can also cause strongholds in…
“The Temptations” lesson includes a discussion of sin and human nature, the temptation of Adam and Eve and the temptation of Christ. Satanic temptations include doubt, vulnerable times of fatigue…
Spiritual warfare is an essential component of our discipleship. Spiritual warfare and a Biblical world-view are defined.
Spiritual warfare is part of every believer’s journey to spiritual maturity. As the Word of God dwells in us, Jesus empowers us to resist the enemy and exercise authority over…
Jesus came to destroy Satan’s work and seal the devil’s destiny. Believers can draw upon Christ’s power and authority to battle Satan because He has won the victory over the…
The armor of God consists of the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. Each piece…
The detestable nature of rebellion is contrasted with submission. Pride’s destructive nature is weighed against humility.
The personality, position, power, purpose and destiny of Satan is carefully studied. His demonic forces are described, and the victorious power of God over the Adversary is taught.
This is usually an “Ask Roger” question. But this time, I have a question, and I am going to ask my resident Thanksgiving expert, Tom Terry. Dear Tom, What is…
Wycliffe missionaries Larry and Nancy Hagberg relate a remarkable story of faith in the midst of cancer, a near-fatal car crash and floods. God’s Word is the powerful, sustaining force…
I’m convinced that we must be continually reminded of the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this world, we face a great a great accuser (Rev. 12:10), an…
Dear Roger, I am a pretty new Christian. I have some Bible studies that help me know about the facts of the Bible, but I am not sure how to…
A great leader has a clear vision, an awareness of the needs of the people he leads and a clear communication plan for implementing change. The goal is to bring…
The first part of the Hebrews seminar covers Christ’s role as king and priest after the order of Melchizedek. We are encouraged to grow up in the faith and encourage…
Jesus Christ, as our High Priest, made a once-for-all sacrifice for our sins. As we experience His complete forgiveness in our own lives, we should extend that same forgiveness to…
The test of faith is to stand firm and follow in the footsteps of Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 11 gives us a litany of faithful…
The book of 1 Peter deals with the issue of the discipline of suffering. In chapter five, Peter teaches the importance of good leadership and followship in the church. He…
The scene: A bunker on the front lines. Artillery shells are exploding all around. Machine-guns lay down a blanket of tracer rounds overhead. The drone of enemy dive-bombers is increasing…
The prophet Habakkuk longs to know God’s timetable for justice among His people, but his Creator is teaching him patience. Waiting does not mean a plan is flawed, idle or…
Buddhism, as a system, requires its adherent to be devoted to exploring a set of principles that will earn him or her an enlightened state that they hope will lead…
The four gospels present distinctive portraits of Christ: Jesus as King (Matthew), Jesus as Servant (Mark), Jesus as a Man (Luke) and Jesus as God (John). In the Old Testament,…
Session Two describes Jesus’ preparation for ministry during the “silent years,” His early ministry and the Messianic secret. During these years, Christ’s mission and vision is crystallized.
Christ’s preaching to the “spirits in prison” between His death and resurrection is interpreted in four possible ways: Jesus ministers through His disciples to the lost on earth (Ephesians 2:17).…
Nationally-known church and business consultant Tom Lutz discusses the importance of prioritizing relationships, responsibilities and roles. We must allocate our resources wisely and learn to delegate successfully.
iPods, iPhones, text messaging, e-mail, social networking, video and audio input are all screaming for our attention. It’s funny how the absence of something in your life causes you to…
Our handicaps, or “thorns” as Paul dubs them, are no accident. God can use them for spiritual service. We must stop window-shopping for what we don’t have and learn to…
Peter emphasizes the paradox of experiencing joy in the midst of suffering. We can know God’s grace and peace when we suffer for His name and live in the hope…
Nationally-known business and church consultant Tom Lutz teaches that great leaders innovate, develop, inspire trust, think long-range and make wise choices. Great managers administer, maintain, control resources and develop systems…
“Thorns in the flesh” contemplates Paul’s struggle with handicaps and his healing through the grace of God. No matter what obstacles we face, God is there beside you to carry…
Here are thirteen sure-fire ways you can enrich your quiet time every day.. www.deborahhaddix.com.
Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of God provides many lessons for His followers. The parables of the sower, weeds, mustard seed, yeast, hidden treasure, pearl of great price, and the…
We endure persecution for doing good when we suffer as a citizen of the Kingdom. We endure persecution for bearing the name of Christ as a saint. We must live…
Every pastor’s wife deals with pandemonium. The day-to-day challenges of family, work and ministry demand patience, grace and strength. Proverbs 31 was written by a mother to express the inestimable…
Peter learns to trust Jesus in a new way when Jesus calls him out of the boat to walk on water. Kingdom living requires faith. Faith leads to risk. Risk…
We all have up and down days. God wants us to rejoice together and comfort each other when we are hurting. Comforters come uninvited, openly express the depths of their…
Pastor’s wives are often great givers-serving everyone else-but poor receivers. The key to avoiding burnout in ministry is learning to receive from God and others.
Session one of Dr. Toussaint’s seminar introduces the theme and the purpose of the book. 1 Peter was written to encourage suffering saints who were being persecuted for their faith…
The parable of the vineyard contrasts the hearts of two sons. One is rebellious but repents; the other is compliant but fails to follow through. Actually doing what God desires…
Ananias and Sapphira, whose names mean “grace” and “beauty” were not who they seemed to be. Hypocrise begins with false pretense and brings turmoil and chaos. Hypocrisy purged produces power and…
Nationally-known church and business consultant discusses the role of a manager: to supervise people and to obtain and allocate resources. The supervising manager knows how to recruit, organize, utilize, develop,…
There is great treasure when we do our jobs as unto God. The book of Proverbs tells us in Pr. 12:24, “The hand of the diligent will rule…” and in…
Christian financial consultant teaches three principles for financial success: God owns, I manage, God provides. For Budget Workbook, click here. For Budget Workshop Powerpoints, click here. For Budget Workshop…
Bob Henry, expert financial consultant, gives us a comprehensive look at how to develop a practical budget for our daily living. Net worth guide is included in the notes. For…
Bob Henry, Christian financial consultant and systems analyst, gives valuable insight on the traps most families fall into with their financial management. He also gives several tips on ways to…
Every Christian will eventually be wounded in church. How do we heal? By recognizing Satan’s schemes, facing issues with honesty, comfort, forgiveness and love.
Grace can be defined as an undeserved gift, that which is given, not because of any attribute of the receiver, rather out of the pure joy of the giver. It…
The parable of the “treasure hidden in a field” teaches that receiving Christ’s free gift of salvation is worth all that we have. Outward kingdoms only offer an illusion of wealth, power…
In his discussion of the Lord’s Prayer, Dr. Toussaint defines prayer and its primary goal. Christ commands us to pray for His kingdom-plan to be realized on earth, and our…
In light of recent economic events, my natural instinct has been to find ways to cut expenses, and try to save as much money as possible. This is good, but…
We all deal with feelings of anger. In Matthew 5, Jesus gives us a model for handling anger. We must not belittle others, we must reconcile with those we have…
We learn much about the compassion and sympathy of Christ in the story of the feeding of the five thousand. The account, recorded in all four gospels, demonstrates its importance…
God forces Peter to face his prejudices and surrender them to the Lord. Mankind has a history of prejudging others based on superficial characteristics. Instead God asks us to look…
When we’ve been there then thousand years,Bright shining as the sun,We’ve no less days to sing Gods praise,Than when we’ve first begun. This last verse, from John Newton’s familiar hymn,…
The parable of the ten virgins teaches us that we must focus on one thing: preparing for God’s kingdom. When we discover the value of a life, we recognize that…
We can build walls or we can build bridges. We can start with all the reasons why our religions are different and why we have different god’s and why what…
Paul teaches us there are four kinds of men: the natural man who does not receive the things of God, the baby Christian who is not ready to receive the…
No matter what kind of pressure we are under, the Lord understands and comforts us. Even while being stoned, Stephen sees the glory of God and testifies of his Savior.…
A few years ago when I was working to re-establish the ministry of Eagle TV in Mongolia, I spent some time looking at the ministry of the Apostle Paul in…
Drs. Roger Barrier and Steve Dowdle discuss how to identify addictive behaviors, how to do an intervention for a loved one, and how to cope with a family member who…
Jesus does not emerge to start a new religion. He comes to offer us life in His kingdom where we can live free of guilt and shame because of His…
The story of Lazarus and the rich man teaches us that temporal rewards are far different than eternal rewards. Lazarus finds comfort and rest in the afterlife while the rich…
Stephen is one of God’s overlooked, unsung heroes. But the New Testament is born because Stephen lives and dies for the glory of God. Being persecuted for our faith is…
Dear Roger, Why does God Tell us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem? With everything that is taking place in the Mid-East, it is easy to see Bible prophecy…
Dr. Toussaint teaches on the meaning of the filling of the Holy Spirit, the actual filling of the Holy Spirit and the manifestations of the Holy Spirit.
We witness at every stage of our spiritual growth, but we evangelize more effectively as we mature in Christ. Fishing for lost souls looks like accepting the rejected, supporting the…
Humility is the antidote for pride. We surrender to God’s refining work in our lives, resulting in obedience and faith.
Pride is deceptive. A proud attitude can cause us to be self-reliant, and to steal God’s glory for our own self-aggrandizement.
Humble men like Moses see Gods power and glory and are empowered to serve Him as kingdom priests in this world.
Pride is an over-concern with self, self-condemnation, and selfishness. We must learn to express our needs in a healthy way.
Pride can cause us to miss God’s blessing in our lives when we refuse to depend on Him. We must find our identity and value in Him.
God’s Word tells us when we are sick to give thanks in all things, look for God’s refining work in our lives, seek to have His heart and pray in…
Many of us analyze the Bible to resolve doctrinal and behavioral questions instead of immersing ourselves in a story that is intended to saturate our heart, soul and mind. To…
Christ’s arms were outstretched to the weak, the poor, the despised and the unlovely. Matthew and John described the call of Christ to people who rejected Him.
How is it that I can believe something to be true, yet behave in a way that is contrary to that belief. For example, I may believe that exercise is…
Church is never a perfect place. The closest to perfection the church will ever become here on earth is described in Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost. A great…
Anytime two Christians are mad at each other, the church splits. The Body of Christ was supposed to be beautifully and perfectly one (according to Jesus in John 17), but…
Amos chides God’s people for living in luxury and apathy, and refusing to have compassion upon the poor. He encourages them to wake up and see the needs of others.
Wellness tools such as diet, exercise, cognitive therapy and rest are recommended for mood disorder patients. Discerning behavioral and chemical issues is emphasized. Resources are recommended.
Four personality disorders (histrionic, dependent, anti-social and borderline) receive detailed examination because they are among the most commonly encountered in church ministry. The challenge posed by these difficult personalities force…
Dr. Steven Dowdle, well-known pastor, psychologist and educator describes four personality types that are resistant to counseling and church ministry. How does a pastor handle these difficult cases?
Since moving to Mongolia six years ago I’ve had to give a great deal of though to the issue of Christian unity. In Mongolian culture the idea of unity is…
Symptoms for basic mood disorders such as mania, depression and bipolar disorder are discussed. The critical nature of diagnosis and treatment is emphasized. Support teams consist of a psychologist, a…
Why should Christian leaders know about brain chemistry issues? What should they do with the information? One pastor tells his story, and basic brain functions are described.
Life is a continual process of letting go. It seems that an important element of growth is learning how to let go gracefully. As babies, we are not very good…
Hi Roger, I am intrigued with your “One-Sentence Sermon.” I remember hearing about it but I was not there. I would like to hear the story and I’m sure others…
What is authentic life change? What I say I believe will not change me. What I think I believe will not alter my lifestyle. What I reveal I believe, my…
God’s love for us is completely unselfish. Christ modeled such sacrificial love while He was on earth. The apostle Paul paints a picture of agape love in 1 Corinthians 13…
Three things are going on in the Acts ministry of Christ today. Christ is coming as the spirit to dwell in His followers. Jesus is engaged in His greatest work of…
Complaining makes life miserable. Complaining causes us to miss what God is doing now, damages the gifts He gives us and hurts our testimony. If we speak instead with gratitude…
Marilyn Morris, founder and president of Aim For Success, Inc. and author of Teens, Sex and Choices and ABCs of the Birds and Bees for Parents of Toddler to Teens…
Dr. Brad Tuttle shares his colorful testimony beginning with his daring days as a Navy deep sea diver and nationally-known power lifter. He shares his journey around the globe as…
A life script is an ongoing program for our lives that we act out automatically. The script can be constructive, destructive, non-productive or a combination of all three. Family, culture…
The Olympics are the perfect time to talk about humility. People around the world rally in support of their country and each individual swells with pride at the accomplishments of…
Paul gives us three pictures of the church in this passage. As members of the family of God we have the privileges of belonging, companionship, provision and protection. We also…
To walk by the spirit is to live with a moment-by-moment dependency on, and sensitivity to, the initial promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit intends to produce in…
The Lord’s Prayer is the blueprint for every believer’s prayer life. By personalizing this model prayer, we learn how to be genuine with God and bring His will to bear…
We are stewards of all the earthly possessions God has given us — our mates, children, homes, cars, education, skills and more. Because of His great gifts, we must be…
God is greater than any distance we create. He is all-knowing, all-powerful and everywhere all the time. Even though our inclination is to wander, God focuses on proximity. Jesus came…
Disappointment is part of the cycle of life. Sometimes disappointment comes from our own faulty thinking, foolish choices or from vulnerable moments following great mountaintop experiences. Asaph pens words of pathos…
Pastor Brad Tuttle teaches the value of integrity in the life of the believer. Integrity may be defined as “wholeness” or “authenticity,” unity between what we say and what we…
Knowing how many chips you have can win or lose the game of ministry. Leading people is about choosing your battles wisely and navigating change well. Valuable relationships that foster…
In our modern, democratic, sensitive age we have crafted a church that for many people emphasizes love, acceptance, grace, mercy, and the more friendly aspects of the Bible and Jesus’…
In our modern, democratic, sensitive age we have crafted a church that for many people emphasizes love, acceptance, grace, mercy, and the more friendly aspects of the Bible and Jesus’…
King David experienced rejection, heartache, disappointment, and difficulty. How did He survive? When we study his prayers, we know he was deeply connected to God. Psalm 139 is a love…
Psalm 32 and 51 are twin poems that describe David’s prayer of brokenness and repentance. Psalm 32 paints a portrait of his emotional pain and how he became healed in…
God never simply sees us as we are, but who we can become. When we place our hand in His, He guides us to greatness. Jacob, the Old Testament patriarch,…
King David began to doubt God when his life was falling apart. Asaph began to doubt God when his world fell apart. Some of our doubts are rational. Many are…
Praying the powerful names of God is the way Jesus prays. He is intimately connected with His Heavenly Father, so He knows both the Father’s heart and the Father’s will.…
Far too often, the church has adopted a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy when it comes to the devastating epidemic that is pornography. Granted, it’s not a particularly easy subject…
Prayer is a constant communion with God. We must catch His heartbeat and purposes, access His kingdom power and provisions for life and submit to His will. As we make…
Dear Roger, I moved to a new place a year ago this past June 11th. Since I moved here, I have met many people and have friends that don’t believe…
I hate to pray. There. I said it. I know that there are times in my life when I pray that the Lord will confront me with something that needs…
The ability to work is a gift from God. We should do our work as unto Him, reverently, diligently, loyally and with excellence. God will reward our labors. For more…
On a recent trip to the States I had the opportunity to teach about how Animism and Buddhism have influenced Mongolian culture. Mongolia, my home for the last six years,…
The contextualization of Christianity in a culture is a controversial work. How much of the presentation of the Gospel must be adapted to a culture, and honor the culture? When…
Dr. Weld discusses the negative messages we receive in our growing-up years, how to process them and how to discover our true identity in Christ.
Satan’s objective is to block us from closing the gap to the abundant life God intends for us to enjoy. Satan steals us from intimacy with God by keeping us…
The key to abundant living is to abide in Christ, to drink of His “living water.” Many see life filled with scarcity, stagnation and misery instead of a life with…
True spirituality results from an intimate relationship with God, not a set of rules. We don’t bear fruit being religious laborers whose lives are defined by works. Our beliefs and…
Closing the gap in our spiritual lives means moving from where we are to where God longs for us to be — experiencing the abundant life. It is possible to…
King David’s prayer of repentance and restoration models what we can do to overcome failure and sin in our lives. Honest confession, brokenness and an assurance of God’s grace can…
The Psalms of Ascents are fourteen poems that depict the pilgrimage of faith for abeliever. As the spiritual child grows to maturity, his worship of God will change dramatically. He…
The “Indescribable” companion devotional addresses the importance of praising God in our everyday lives. We are given a garment of praise by God, and when we wear it, we grow…
We often cruise through life without asking for directions. Often we rush to make decisions without the GPS of God’s Word and will. Instead, we strike out on our own. We haven’t…
Women were not honored in the known world during the time of King Solomon’s reign. Unfortunately, women were considered property or second-class citizens. Israel’s idolatrous neighbors based their value of…
A wife should be a safe place for her husband. She should be a trustworthy and supportive confidant. Her husband should also praise his wife and be her spiritual leader.…
Reading the list of character qualities in Proverbs 31 can be daunting. No one person could possibly embody all of these traits or perform all of these tasks. Proverbs…
A “God-fearing” woman is not a terrified woman, but a wife and mother who lives in joyful intimacy with God. Reverence and respect for the God who loves her guides…
Godly wives and mothers are as priceless as rubies. Their quiet acts of love and service to their families deserve praise and heart-felt appreciation. God demonstrates His high regard for…
I heard an interesting story recently about a Mongolian businessman—a Christian—who was finalizing a business deal. After meeting with the another Mongolian gentleman over the details of their arrangement he…
Matthew Henry’s biblical commentary might be the most widely distributed commentary on the planet. Matthew Henry lived just around the turn of the 18th century and was an upstanding minister…
Leaders must have a place to lead their followers. Such direction is usually called a pastor’s vision or mission. Whatever the name, church leaders must have a goal, a destination to…
Leaders must have a place to lead their followers. Such direction is usually called a pastor’s vision or mission. Whatever the name, church leaders must have a goal, a destination to…
Holy living is not self-promotion, but devotion to the audience of ONE, our Father in heaven. Jesus decries the Pharisees’ ostentatious display of religious practices as He continues to teach…
Christians have victory over every assault and scheme of the devil, but we must arm ourselves with the proper armor that is described in Ephesians 6:10-18. In spiritual warfare as in…
Christ warns us in Matthew 24 that one of the prominent signs in the last days will be the rise of the “deceiver,” the antichrist. Deception of mankind will not…
What was the Star of Bethlehem and what did it signify? Nine points of the star’s meaning are revealed in Matthew 2. The light of God’s glory not only appeared…
Every pastor needs safe people in his congregation to listen, love and support him. Ralph Tacker, father-in-law of Roger Barrier, chats about the pastors he has loved and the ways…
I went to a great church right after college. With great worship and gospel-centered, challenging teaching it was a no-brainer choice for me and my new bride. We settled into…
Two messengers–Isaiah and John the Baptist–prophesied the coming of the Messiah. For those who had ears to hear, their lives were transformed even in the midst of captivity and uncertainty.…
We’re starting Capital Stewardship Campaign soon. In process of starting the campaign up, I pulled together a Stewardship team. I intentionally tried to bring an eclectic group together: some with…
King Solomon was the consummate diplomat. His valuable advice on assuaging anger is both practical and profound. Eight proverbs give us insight on how to subdue antagonistic people, how to…
Anger is a legitimate God-created emotion. God expressed His righteous anger toward sin and injustice. Our Heavenly Father’s love and forgiveness is only understood in the context of His holiness…
Anger is healed by a repentant heart. The dedicatory prayer King Solomon prayed on the Temple mount reveals the king’s clear understanding of the nature of man and the ways…
King David, Solomon’s father, gave us a powerful model for handling anger. Because the shepherd-king was called the “man after God’s own heart,” he had profound insight into God’s character.…
Jesus, the Master-Teacher, taught us how to handle anger and proffer forgiveness from His beatitudes, His parables and His example. Forgiveness must come from a grateful heart. Paul teaches us…
When God makes you responsible for disciplining others, you are accountable to Him. Such discipline and discipling will require tremendous thought, time, and energy on your part as you invest…
We learn that God provides a place for His children, gives His laws, explains the benefits of obeying His laws, explains the punishment of disobedience, explains the process of restoration,…
Gods discipline of His children takes a paradigm shift in our thinking to understand that discipline is good, and the results are holiness, righteousness, and peace. It takes years of…
God knows what is best for us. He created us (Psalm 139:13). He is omniscient and eternal (Isaiah 46:10; Revelation 21:6a). God is love (1 John 4:8); therefore, all He…
Before Adam and Eve sinned, they existed in perfect harmony with each other and with God. But when sin entered the picture, their purity was replaced with the bent for…
People have different priorities and expectations; so evaluate criticism in light of your purposes and calling in life. Recognize that your critics can often see your blind spots objectively, and…
JESUS THE TRUTH The culture in which we live would like to convince us that truth is purely subjective. If we are to distinguish between valid criticism and unjust accusation,…
Even though words can hurt, the tongue can bring us and others great blessing and delight. According to Proverbs 25:11, well-spoken words reflect beauty and value: A word aptly spoken…
In Proverbs 18:21, Solomon teaches The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Wisdom is described as a person who…
Broken bones heal more quickly than wounds inflicted by a malicious tongue. Lying words, hypocritical words, and thoughtless words can destroy lives. Conversely, timely words aptly spoken can contribute to…
King Solomon and James both warn us that our words are extremely powerful, and he reminds us that living the righteous life God desires includes carefully managing every word we…
The book of Proverbs adds a unique perspective to the body of literature we now call the Old Testament. The Law and the Prophets warned that Gods people should hear…
We need to train our children in Gods wise way, and when the child reaches maturity, he/she will not turn from it. God intends parental instruction to be more than…
Parents need to establish consistent set of family rules that will ensure the safety and well being of all. In short, a good parent will train a child so that…
Paul gives a startling insight into the dynamic of the parent-child relationship. He states that there are certain barriers to child-rearing that must be considered. If a child is provoked…
God the Father is both holy and loving. King David, along with his son Solomon, tells us the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10). We…
I thought about this today…I hate doubt, don’t you? It hits us at different times, but especially in the midst of taking the next big step in our life. We…
Many people presume the Christian life can be compartmentalized. Church is church and work is work. Such a philosophy is a dichotomy that leaves room for the Christian to compromise…
Seven biblical foundations for successful marriage include courtesy, romance, esteem, communication, time, and conflict resolution.
Daniel and Joseph became rulers of great nations because they beseeched God for wisdom. But let us not forget that when they first asked God to speak, they were lowly…
Every one of us struggles at one time or another with the desperate need for direction in life. What should we do? David’s answer was simple. He prayed. And we…
Solomon teaches us that wisdom will make us wise, discreet and discerning. The structure and meaning of Proverbs is discussed. We can learn from this wisdom literature to be mature,…
Foolishness can destroy lives. When we are unwise in our choices, we can hurt not only ourselves, but everyone around us. God is faithful to forgive and give us grace…
Motivation-a passion to get wisdom, acquisition-a careful study of God’s Word, application-a pragmatic integration of truth into daily life, and persistence-a continuous pursuit of truth will bring depth and grace…
After five years of leading a fast-paced and growing ministry in Mongolia I’m just beginning to learn what may be my most important lesson in leadership;how to take a back…
FRIENDSHIPS ARE ESSENTIAL TO LIFE From the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, God declared, “It is not good for man to be alone” even though He walked in fellowship…
Friends Tell Us The Truth Friends who have our best interest at heart can confront us when we need it. Solomon penned this powerful proverb about loving confrontation in Proverbs…
Friends, no matter how close, will hurt each other. Learning to be offended and still forgive is part of spiritual and emotional maturity.
Leaders must have a place to lead their followers. This place is usually called a vision or mission. Whatever the name, we as leaders must have a goal towards which…
Leaders must have a place to lead their followers. This place is usually called a vision or mission. Whatever the name, we as leaders must have a goal towards which…
This week’s study from the book of Proverbs will examine one of the most well-known verses in the Bible regarding God’s guidance. In four simple phrases, King Solomon records three…
I just shoved another new book on the leadership shelf of my library. Just to the right of center (kind of like me!) on one of my most brightly arrayed…
The life of King Solomon teaches us the context for his wisdom literature. The life lessons the wise king learned are practical, powerful examples of how to live a godly…
King Solomon built a magnificent temple for God and an even more splendid palace for himself. Instead of increasing his devotion to God, he began to love foreign women and…
King Solomon experienced God’s revelation in a powerful way. We can also learn insight, discernment, and guidance by studying God’s Word.
King Solomon learns life lessons from his experience as King of Israel. We glean wisdom from his allies, his enemies, and his choices to follow God.
Fear is the antithesis of faith. Examples like the terrified Hebrews spying out the Promised Land, David facing the giant Goliath, the disciples panicking on a stormy boat, illustrate the fact…
In spite of our fears, Jesus says we can handle the truth and it will set us free. God used Elijah’s fears to deepen Elijah’s faith and distinguish his spiritual…
The ten lepers are healed because God’s love extends beyond explanation and expectation. But one grateful leper who reaches back to God is twice blessed. He is also saved from…
Are you a penny picker, passer or partner? Christ’s story of the widow’s mite teaches us that God can use our gifts and talents to bless Him. God will use…
Faith triumphs over fear when Peter walks on the stormy water to meet Jesus. Like Peter, God has extreme adventures planned or us if only we will get out of…
King Solomon has it all — wealth, women, power and pleasure. So, why does he lament? These earthly pleasures fail to fill the void that only intimacy with God can…
God always has time for us. Do we have time for Him? Most of us suffer from hurry sickness. It diminishes our capacity to love God and others. When we…
Jesus Christ is the embodiment of Divine wisdom. Through the person of Christ, we live in power, seated in the heavenlies, protected by His armor. To choose truth is to…
In a world where spiritual warfare seems to be heating up… And opportunities for distractions are so readily available at one swipe of the finger… And pressures and situations seem…
1 Corinthians 6 – Skip Heitzig Calvary Church is dedicated to doctrine, and we want you to experience the life change that comes from knowing God’s word and applying it…
Today, we will speak about one of the most overlooked chapters in the book of Genesis – Chapter 16. This is the chapter when Sarah’s Egyptian slave Hagar became pregnant…
We gain momentum in our spiritual lives when we take the Bible to heart. Jesus teaches how to have a receptive heart in the parable of the soils. Jesus puts…
We want to do amazing things for God, but that isn’t our job. God is the One who does amazing things for us. Our job? To consecrate ourselves to God.…