God and Free Will

Read: 1 John 4:8, Genesis 2:16-17 Do you remember the Genie from Aladdin? He had all this incredible power, yet even he had a few rules. One of the most famous ones was that he couldn’t make people fall in love. Why? Because love can’t be forced. It has to be freely...

Why Do We Ask “Why?”

Read: Job 7:20, Psalm 42:9 There are traits you can see in others that are so different from your nature that they seem like magic. For me, that trait is extreme generosity. I know a woman who would give you the jacket off her back. That’s not an exaggeration. I...

The Power of Prayer in Community

Read: Acts 2:42, James 5:16 I have a good friend named Chris who loves to run marathons. He asked me once if I would volunteer to pass out water at one of the markers. I said that it really wasn’t my thing and felt like four hours of standing in one spot probably...

The Centrality of Scripture

Read: Acts 2:42, Psalm 119:105 The ocean is big. I know you know that, but as a novice sailor, I can tell you that being on a sailboat with nothing but 180° of sky above you and 360° of water around you is simultaneously the most exciting and terrifying experience you...

Following Jesus in Every Situation

Read: 1 John 2:6, Philippians 2:5-8 In the ‘90s, the hottest trend in popular Christian culture was the WWJD bracelet. These things were everywhere. The WWJD bracelets were intended to provoke thought and reflection among wearers, encouraging them to consider their...