I’ve never had the urge to bow down to a metal cow, a carved human, or a wooden pole. The idea of chanting or dancing around a six-armed deity or pot-bellied statue doesn’t even come close to getting me excited. I’ve never wanted to make offerings to rats living in a shrine.

But that doesn’t mean I’m immune to idols. The idols that trip me up as a church leader aren’t tangible figures of supposed gods and goddesses. They’re ideas and beliefs that can, if left unchecked, crowd out my worship of the one true God.

Pastor Carey Nieuwhof hits on this idea in an article for Charisma News. He transparently lays out the eight idols that commonly impact him in his desire to serve the church:

“John Calvin was dead on when he said, ‘Man's nature, so to speak, is a perpetual factory of idols.’ Discard one, and you'll simply create another …”

So, what idols should we be aware of in the church?

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The intersection of religion and politics has long been discussed. As Christians who are called to be in the world but not of it, we are nearly always walking a fine line between striving to be separate from culture and politics and at the same time carrying out our civic duties and having a say in who leads our country. Several Christian leaders, both from history and from today, have offered insight into how Christians should view politics and how we, as members of God's Kingdom, should live out our faith in the midst of man-made systems of government. Following are quotes by 10 Christian leaders on this topic:

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Here’s a little experiment for you: Next Sunday at church, walk up to random people during the greeting time and say, “Trick or Treat!”

Some folks will smile, and maybe offer you a breath mint treat. These are the Christians who generally pass out the best candy on their street, dress up in fun costumes, and host the annual Fall Festival party at your church. Others will frown, and maybe offer to cast out a demon or two. These are the Christians who boycott the “devil’s holiday,” abstaining from festivities and turning off the porch lights on October 31.

Well, I’ve got a treat for both kinds of Christians today.

Regardless of whether you’re a lover or a hater, I’m betting there are at least 10 things you don’t know about Halloween. Ready to find out what you’ve been missing? Let’s go!

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In our post-Christian society, it is hard enough to be a Christian and live out the gospel. It is especially difficult when those Christians are also thrust into the spotlight to achieve fame and celebrity status. Whether we are listening to their music or watching their TV shows, we are helping them continue to spread the gospel message when we support their programming. This helps God to be glorified and gives them a platform to promote good moral programs that deliver laughs and clearly communicate God in all His glory.

Jesus said, "in this life you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Although it is hard to live out beliefs that promote the Bible, which is seen as an outdated, archaic relic, these women prove it is possible to work in Hollywood without compromising their beliefs. God honors those who live out their beliefs despite persecution or ridicule. Here are six female celebrities who have chosen to follow Christ:

Whether your children are preschool or college-aged, it's important that they know how to express their faith in a school environment. Although we hear a lot about Bibles being banned from public schools or Christian prayer or after-school groups being targeted, it is important for Christian students to know that America is still a country with laws protecting religious freedom rights. We are blessed as Christians to be granted these freedoms, and we can encourage our children to use them while at school. Here are five ways students can express their faith during the school year.

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The percentage of teens who identify as atheist is double that of the general population, according to new research from Barna. Atheism and secularism are growing trends in our postmodern culture, and it is important to understand these trends if we are ever to reverse them. The youngest generation is sure to have a great influence on the future, and it is imperative that we reach these young people with the Gospel. These teens are part of Generation Z, the first “post-Christian” generation.

To help you understand this generation, here are seven facts you need to know about “Gen Z:”

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Hollywood and celebrity circles can often be places where Christian faith and viewpoints seem unwelcome, but that hasn't kept Christians out of the limelight. Despite perhaps being in the minority, celebrity Christians are out there, and many are not afraid to be vocal about their faith.

These 11 are only a few of the many Christians who are using their talents along with expressing their faith. Whether in films, on television shows, or in sports, these individuals are making an impact for Christ.

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Christianity has changed the world in so many significant ways, many of which we are probably not even aware of on a daily basis. In his new book "Unimaginable: What our World Would be Like without Christianity," Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston explores the ways in which Christianity has impacted the world for good and also what the world would be like if not for Jesus and the values He instills in every human life. Dr. Johnston looks at the impact Christianity has had--and is having--on the world from a cultural, historical, political, and personal standpoint. Below are excerpts based on Dr. Johnston's new book which draws attention to ten specific ways in which Christianity has influenced and changed the world for the better.

While “fake news” emerged as a political phenomenon during the 2016 election, lies have been masquerading as truth since the beginning of time. Christians should be encouraged our postmodern, post-Christian culture is having a conversation about truth as something that can be known, identified, and sorted out from lies. I see this as one of the best opportunities in our time to introduce people to the One who is Truth.

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The issue of abortion and the fight for life has been at the center of our national discourse for years, particularly after Roe v. Wade made abortion legal in 1973. Since then, pro-life advocates, many of whom are Christians, have been speaking out in defense of life. There is no doubt that many Christian leaders believe valuing life from conception is a core principle of Christianity.

Many in the Christian community have been encouraged by the progress made in the pro-life movement in the last few months. Many states have tightened restrictions on abortion and put laws in place that protect life. Ultimately, these Christian leaders believe that life should be protected as a gift from God. Here is what ten Christian leaders had to say on abortion and the issues pertaining to preserving life.

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