I have heard this statement spoken a hundred times or more during my years in full-time ministry: “I don’t know what I would’ve done if it were not for the church family.” Aren’t you glad to be a part of the family of God? What would we do without our brothers and sisters in Christ? I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today if it were not for the dedicated people who surrounded me and my family. Life is not always easy, and ministry can be extremely difficult. A

I have heard this statement spoken a hundred times or more during my years in full-time ministry: “I don’t know what I would’ve done if it were not for the church family.” Aren’t you glad to be a part of the family of God? What would we do without our brothers and sisters in Christ? I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today if it were not for the dedicated people who surrounded me and my family. Life is not always easy, and ministry can be extremely difficult. A

Understanding the Biblical Pattern: A Defense of Restorationist Leadership in the Church I was blessed with two amazing grandmothers. Both helped raising me and shaping me into the man I am today (Carol Rae Green & Aletta Mae Reynolds). Both grandmothers were faithful members of the Lord's church. Both were converted by their husbands (my grandfathers) early in life. Both read their Bibles, never missed a service, and were wise beyond comprehension. Talented, loving, servant-

Understanding the Biblical Pattern: A Defense of Restorationist Leadership in the Church I was blessed with two amazing grandmothers. Both helped raising me and shaping me into the man I am today (Carol Rae Green & Aletta Mae Reynolds). Both grandmothers were faithful members of the Lord's church. Both were converted by their husbands (my grandfathers) early in life. Both read their Bibles, never missed a service, and were wise beyond comprehension. Talented, loving, servant-

Most of us are familiar with the "Golden Rule" found in Matthew 7:12, and we recognize the two greatest commandments discussed in Mark 12:28-34. But there is a curious thought interjected at the end of the second command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Starting in the Family What does that mean? Clearly, the world needs to see the love of Christ. If you have a hard time showing love to people in the world, or even your enemies, a great place to start practicing is within

Most of us are familiar with the "Golden Rule" found in Matthew 7:12, and we recognize the two greatest commandments discussed in Mark 12:28-34. But there is a curious thought interjected at the end of the second command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Starting in the Family What does that mean? Clearly, the world needs to see the love of Christ. If you have a hard time showing love to people in the world, or even your enemies, a great place to start practicing is within

There is a growing trend in our modern culture to "sue first and ask questions later." While the legal system exists to maintain order, for the believer, there is a higher law and a more profound conviction at play. When we take a brother or sister in Christ before a secular judge, we aren't just settling a dispute; we are often signaling a failure of faith and a breakdown of the spiritual family. My conviction on this is firm: The courtroom should be the last place a Christi

There is a growing trend in our modern culture to "sue first and ask questions later." While the legal system exists to maintain order, for the believer, there is a higher law and a more profound conviction at play. When we take a brother or sister in Christ before a secular judge, we aren't just settling a dispute; we are often signaling a failure of faith and a breakdown of the spiritual family. My conviction on this is firm: The courtroom should be the last place a Christi

We often find comfort in the familiar. We are commanded by Christ to love one another, especially our own brethren. John 15:12, 17 says, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. . . These things I command you, that you love one another.” This sentiment is the bedrock of the church, repeated in Matthew 19:19 and Matthew 22:39. A Radical Command However, Jesus takes this a step further—into territory that challenges our very nature. He tells us to

We often find comfort in the familiar. We are commanded by Christ to love one another, especially our own brethren. John 15:12, 17 says, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. . . These things I command you, that you love one another.” This sentiment is the bedrock of the church, repeated in Matthew 19:19 and Matthew 22:39. A Radical Command However, Jesus takes this a step further—into territory that challenges our very nature. He tells us to

Just imagine what God can do with us when we fully surrender to Him and His will. It is a concept that sounds daunting at first—giving up control—but the Bible promises a beautiful transformation when we do. When we submit to God, He will lift us up (James 4:10). One of the most profound ways He lifts us up is by adopting us into His family. A New Environment for Growth When you are baptized and added to the Body of Christ, you aren’t just joining a religion; you are given a

Just imagine what God can do with us when we fully surrender to Him and His will. It is a concept that sounds daunting at first—giving up control—but the Bible promises a beautiful transformation when we do. When we submit to God, He will lift us up (James 4:10). One of the most profound ways He lifts us up is by adopting us into His family. A New Environment for Growth When you are baptized and added to the Body of Christ, you aren’t just joining a religion; you are given a

When many people think of "ministry," they picture a man in a pulpit or a missionary in a far-off land. They envision someone with a specific degree or a formal title. But in the New Testament, ministry was never intended to be a spectator sport. It wasn’t a performance by a "clergy" for an audience of "laity." Instead, the church was described as a living, breathing body where every single part—no matter how small—had a vital function. I am a member of the church of Christ b

When many people think of "ministry," they picture a man in a pulpit or a missionary in a far-off land. They envision someone with a specific degree or a formal title. But in the New Testament, ministry was never intended to be a spectator sport. It wasn’t a performance by a "clergy" for an audience of "laity." Instead, the church was described as a living, breathing body where every single part—no matter how small—had a vital function. I am a member of the church of Christ b

Many people view religion as a weekend hobby—something to be checked off a list on Sunday morning before returning to "real life" on Monday. But for the follower of Christ, there is no distinction between the secular and the sacred. When we emerge from the waters of baptism, we don’t just join a church; we embark on a completely new way of existing. I am a member of the church of Christ because we emphasize that Christianity is a 24/7 commitment. It is not enough to worship r

Many people view religion as a weekend hobby—something to be checked off a list on Sunday morning before returning to "real life" on Monday. But for the follower of Christ, there is no distinction between the secular and the sacred. When we emerge from the waters of baptism, we don’t just join a church; we embark on a completely new way of existing. I am a member of the church of Christ because we emphasize that Christianity is a 24/7 commitment. It is not enough to worship r

If you were to ask ten different religious leaders, "What must I do to be saved?" you would likely receive ten different answers. Some might tell you to "say the sinner’s prayer." Others might say, "Just believe in your heart." Some might tell you that you were saved before you were even born, while others suggest a long process of sacraments and rituals. In the midst of this confusion, where do we find the truth? Within the churches of Christ, we believe the answer must come

If you were to ask ten different religious leaders, "What must I do to be saved?" you would likely receive ten different answers. Some might tell you to "say the sinner’s prayer." Others might say, "Just believe in your heart." Some might tell you that you were saved before you were even born, while others suggest a long process of sacraments and rituals. In the midst of this confusion, where do we find the truth? Within the churches of Christ, we believe the answer must come

Over my 30 years in ministry I’ve fielded a lot of questions about our modern holidays. Most of us realize that December 25th isn't Jesus’s literal birthday (He was likely born in the spring), and that the date of Easter shifts every year. This often leads to a deeper, more personal question: Is it actually okay for a Christian to celebrate these days? How do we even know which day is correct in celebrating that holiday? The word "holiday" literally comes from "holy day," but

Imagine you held the cure for a global pandemic in your hand. You knew exactly how to stop the suffering, how to heal the sick, and how to prevent future deaths. Would you keep it to yourself? Would you hide the formula in a drawer, or would you shout it from the rooftops? The Gospel—the "Good News" of Jesus Christ—is the only cure for the spiritual pandemic of sin. Every person we pass on the street, every coworker in the next cubicle, and every neighbor across the fence is