Christian Life

Steven Furtick, pastor of North Carolina megachurch Elevation Church, recently preached a message titled “The Benefit of the Doubt” in which he talks about the place of doubt in the Christian life.

The most effective way to bring God-honoring Christian influence into legislation and policy is to have Bible-minded Christians of high character and integrity in office. It is impossible to elect desirable people unless they are on the ballot to elect. And it is only possible to be on a ballot by running for office.

We are in dire need for Bible-minded, God-honoring Christians to step up and run for office–NOW! The good news is there is still time for these people to file for office; the bad news is history shows many great leaders will not answer the call.

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Theologian Miroslav Volf, who has written books on subjects ranging from the Trinity to the challenges of reconciliation in divided societies, has turned to what might seem like a frivolous subject: joy.

But Volf, 61, the leader of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture, says studying the theology of joy with students and scholars is “hard work."

He spoke with Religion News Service about the difference between joy and happiness, biblical lessons on joy and how the average person can find joy.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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The usual adversaries are at it again in the ongoing war over the place of the Bible and Christian faith in the U.S. armed forces. On behalf of 26 military families, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation is battling with the Navy over a POW/MIA display at the naval hospital on Okinawa, Japan.

Prince William and Kate Middleton announced this morning the name they have chosen for their baby boy. He will be known as “His Royal Highness Prince Louis of Cambridge.” He is fifth in line to the throne.

Are you looking to learn something new, deepen your Bible knowledge, listen to more sermons, or explore today's relevant cultural topics through the lens of a Christian worldview? These 20 podcasts do all that and much more! We encourage you to give at least a few of these podcasts a listen and see which ones you may want to include in your daily routine. There is sure to be a podcast (or two!) on this list for everyone, no matter what your interests or what you are looking to focus on this new year in your walk with the Lord.

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If you are a Christian, you assuredly want to hear Jesus say to you someday, "Well done, good and faithful servant," but it's one thing to desire this and another to be walking the straight and narrow path. These four characteristics are essential living out the Christian life faithfully. Although many godly traits are attributed to faithfulness, these four are vitally important. How can we increase faith and serve God with all of our heart? Here are just four ways:

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In Revelation chapter two, we see what appears to be a model church. They performed good works and were involved in the community. They were steadfast and patient. They hated evil and pointed out false doctrine. But Jesus said, “I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” His message was brief, but powerful. They were to repent quickly or He would remove their influence. He would remove His presence from their midst.

A.W. Tozer said, “A Christian will make spiritual progress exactly in proportion to his ability to criticize himself.” Do you want to mature...are you ready to grow and change? Then you must assess your spiritual health often. This type of model church spoke about in Revelation, often has the courage to speak God's truth but does not have the humility that allows God's truth to speak to them. Did you catch that? “We are never, never so much in danger of being proud as when we think we are humble” (C.H. Spurgeon). Here are just a few things we can learn from Jesus’ words to the church in Ephesus. Be encouraged: Jesus’ words often hurt before they help.

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Not nearly as much love is given to “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” the Peanuts Halloween classic, but you may be surprised to learn that this movie also contains Christian themes.

The truth is that most of us are not called to glamorous lifestyles. In fact, most callings, at least most of the time, tend to be pretty un-glamorous.