The Next Right Thing: A Book Review
The Next Right Thing: A Book Review

When I first stumbled upon Wall Street Journal bestselling author Emily P. Freeman, it was on her podcast. I saw it linked and shared somewhere that my mum brain can’t recall, and the title of it resonated with me. I was in a space that I’d never been in before, unemployed in the traditional sense of the word and at home with two littles. I finished up my paid ministry role in 2019 knowing that I wouldn’t be returning, so I was at a loss as to the ‘what now’ for my life. I was looking to find my Next Right Thing - I was looking for a new beginning.

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WorkGuest Userbook reviews, decision making, life as a prayerComment
Be Holy
Be Holy

If there is ever a time to be holy, it’s during Holy Week. It’s a time to repent and reflect on the most transformative week in history. We respond to the week with remembrance and reverence. But before we approach the week with efforts to attain our highest level of holiness, we need to reflect on our call to holiness: not only what it means to be holy, but how we are to be holy.

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TheologyGrace Wilsonholy week, be holyComment
Romans: Abraham Justified by Faith
Romans: Abraham Justified by Faith

Paul knew his audience - we see that as he regularly references the Jewish law and, this week, he brings in Abraham and David, both of whom would have been acclaimed as founding fathers for Paul’s intended audience. Like a lawyer presenting his case before a jury, Paul builds on his earlier points by bringing in influential witnesses to prove his points. So, let’s see if we can follow Paul’s case here.

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TheologyGuest UserRomans, Bible study, theology, justification, sin Comment
Studying The Scriptures: A Review Of NIV Verse-Mapping Bible
Studying The Scriptures: A Review Of NIV Verse-Mapping Bible

Verse Mapping. It’s the latest fad in Christian Bible study. I personally love it. This new method of exegetical (verse by verse, in-depth) study of the Bible is a new way for many to explore the Bible. The James Method was the first group to introduce me to this method. When I heard a publisher was reaching out for reviewers for this Bible, I snatched up the opportunity to join. The Bible did not disappoint.

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DiscipleshipAlycia Mariebible, scripture study, verse mapping, exegesisComment
Will You Wait For Me?
Will You Wait For Me?

I remember exactly where I was the day my season of waiting began. It was 2014, summer, right in the middle of hot, sticky July. My mother, sister, brother and I were standing in a department store waiting to check out just as the tornado sirens buzzed. Rain began and thunder followed almost immediately. The line was long, snake-like, intimidating, never-ending.

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SinglenessKelly Bethseasons, expectations, trusting GodComment
Living As A New Creation
Living As A New Creation

My preschool friends and I headed out for a walk. First, we descended down the slippery slope, we stopped at the two tall trees, and then we crossed over the “bridge” (currently buried in snow). At last, we had arrived - we were at Pine Tree Patch! This is a frequent destination for my young friends who will spend their time pretending to be animals or finding sticks and building shelters or making up games where they take turns chasing each other.

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A Noble CharacterMary Elizabeth Latchnew creation, living for jesusComment
Romans: Boasting Excluded

After making his point that none of us are righteous in our own right before God, Paul concludes this chapter with a reminder about pride and identity. To boast means to rely on something that gives you confidence to do something or to behave in a certain way. It is the thing that makes you say: I am a somebody because I have that. I can do this because I am this. What you boast in usually becomes your identity and what you fundamentally rely on.

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TheologyGuest UserRomans, TheologyComment
Is It Naive To Believe In God?
Is It Naive To Believe In God?

“Why is belief a virtue?” A friend struggling with their faith once asked me. “There’s no merit in believing Santa Claus exists.” In the moment, her question stumped me because she was absolutely right. Believing in something naively – especially if it turns out to be false – isn’t noble or admirable. It’s pitiable. I think that’s what many people think Christians are doing when we talk about believing in Jesus.

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TheologyKatie HarrisComment
Between Two Worlds: What Will Heaven Be Like?
Between Two Worlds: What Will Heaven Be Like?

Only when we have the eternal perspective and the blessed hope of Heaven will we be able to navigate through life’s inevitable heartbreaks and heartaches successfully. Jesus said to a group of anxiety-ridden and heartbroken disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled...In My Father’s house are many mansions...I go to prepare a place for you!” (John 14:2). He would say the same to you in your days of difficulty. I know, for that’s what He spoke to me as I experienced several friends and family taken home to Heaven.

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TheologyHannah Douglasheaven Comment
Romans: Righteousness Revealed
Romans: Righteousness Revealed

In a way, this week’s passage is the climax Paul has been building up to. Chapter after chapter, Paul tries to get the reader to understand God is righteous but none of us are righteous; that the law makes sinners out of all of us. And honestly, it feels like a hopeless cause, a dead end, like we’re all doomed. “But” - that one word turns the tide. It’s the first word in verse 21 that transitions from Paul’s earlier point to this week’s lesson: how an unrighteous person can get access to the righteousness of God through faith.

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TheologyGuest UserRomans, Bible study, TheologyComment
Debunking The Abortion Myth
Debunking The Abortion Myth

A law will change everything. Planned Parenthood is the only place that helps pregnant women. Roe v. Wade will be overturned and all abortions will magically end. Did you know that according to current statistics there would still be 1,000,000 abortions per year if Roe v. Wade was overturned? Did you know that more women would die due to home abortions?

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Community, Justice and MissionsAlycia Marieabortion, pro-life, christian ministry, tirzah placeComment
Spring Cleaning Your Heart
Spring Cleaning Your Heart

Spring has finally arrived, and it is time to spring clean our hearts. Springtime last year, COVID-19 brought a halt to our busy schedules and the world was forced to take a collective deep breath. We had no choice but to be still. It feels like the year has come and gone, and it has. Many of our projects lay half complete in our garages and our anxious hearts still lay in limbo. From lockdown to lockdown, second to third waves, we continually are given no choice but to face ourselves.

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A Noble CharacterTatum Bergensurrender, God's love, repentanceComment
Gospel-Centered Singleness
Gospel-Centered Singleness

Singleness. That word can feel heavy. Talking about singleness evokes many emotions and opinions. Sometimes this world looks at singleness as some sort of rare and life-strangling disease that can only be cured by excessive dating. I cannot tell you how many times I’m told statements like “any new man in your life?” or “have you tried putting yourself out there?” or “you’re just too picky!”. These statements place a painful burden on singles that make us feel we are missing out on something and even worse, feelings as if God is holding out on us. I know the temptation to doubt God’s promises is dangerously entrapping, but singleness is not a problem to be fixed, but a blessing to be cherished.

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SinglenessHannah Douglassingleness, trusting God, Godliness Comment
Romans: In Our Defense
Romans: In Our Defense

When Jesus opened the door for Gentiles to be numbered with the Jews as those who will one day receive an eternal inheritance, the New Testament Jews appeared to think they had a special advantage because they were Jewish. But in chapter 3, Paul attempts to level the playing field, reminding the Roman church that both Jews and Gentiles are sinners before God.

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TheologyGuest UserRomans, Bible study, TheologyComment