The resurrection matters. You know that already if you are a Christian; but do you know why? Mike McKinley explains in this 1 minute video:
I love stories. Some of my favorite childhood memories are set in my hometown’s local library, where I would load up on books to devour on long summer days. (Yes, I was a major nerd, thanks for asking.)
Now that I have five kids of my own, I spend far more time reading stories to them than I do working through the stacks of novels on my bedside table. And whether it is reading Cinderella to my preschool set or Around the World in 80 Days to my older kids, most great stories seem to follow the same basic outline. First, there’s an introduction to the main character and his or her world (meet Cinderella). Next up comes the main character’s problem (Cinderella’s family is unkind to her), and then a potential solution that holds the promise of happiness (a fairy godmother and a good-looking prince!) But then, just when you think things are going to end well, there’s a crisis that calls everything into question (the stroke of midnight!) Only at the end do we get the final resolution that makes sense of the crisis and assures the happiness of the main character (a duke with a glass slipper and a whole bunch of happily ever after!)... continue reading
Here’s a fantastic new infographic from Josh Byers and Zach Dietrich, ‘Did Jesus rise from the dead?’:
As it says at the bottom of the infographic, ‘the most plausible explanation of the facts of the resurrection is that God raised Jesus from the dead!’ But why does it actually matter right here and right now?
This week at The Good Book Company, we’re very excited to be launching Mike McKinley’s new book, The Resurrection in Your Life: How the living Christ changes your world.
Mike’s new book takes the fact that God raised Jesus from the dead and shows how that changes everything in every way.
Intense, prolonged suffering can cause the strongest believer to question God's love for him or her. In the face of personal trial, even psalm-writing Asaph wondered whether God had abandoned him for ever.
1 I cried out to God for help;
I cried out to God to hear me.
2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
at night I stretched out untiring hands,
and I would not be comforted.
3 I remembered you, God, and I groaned;
I meditated, and my spirit grew faint.
4 You kept my eyes from closing;
I was too troubled to speak.
5 I thought about the former days,
the years of long ago;
6 I remembered my songs in the night.
My heart meditated and my spirit asked:
7 ‘Will the Lord reject for ever?
Will he never show his favour again?
8 Has his unfailing love vanished for ever?
Has his promise failed for all time?
9 Has God forgotten to be merciful?
Has he in anger withheld his compassion?’
Psalm 77:1-9... continue reading
God’s plans are bigger, and His promises reach wider, than we often think.
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine on us
2 so that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.
3 May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.
4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples with equity
and guide the nations of the earth.
5 May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.
6 The land yields its harvest;
God, our God, blesses us.
7 May God bless us still,
so that all the ends of the earth will fear him. Psalm 67... continue reading
Which Gospel contains the most parables?
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always _____ and not give up.
Which of these books does NOT have 4 chapters?
Which was Jesus' first "I am" statement?
Which King helps the exiles return to Israel in the book of Ezra?
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is ____.
Which is the only Old Testament book with a single chapter?
One of the few remaining links between Christianity and the culture is the idea of “giving something up for Lent”. Chances are that someone you know who has no interest in Jesus will be observing Lent—disciplining themselves to give something up between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.
And here are two very good reasons why not to join them:... continue reading
As an Englishman, one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in America is automated call centers. You miss a package delivery from FedEx, and you have to call them to arrange a new delivery time. The problem is that when you call, you aren’t connected to a human being. You are connected to a talking robot programmed to recognize what you are saying in English.
Or should I say, it is programmed to recognize what you are saying in American English.... continue reading
This morning we take a look at the opening verses of Jude for encouragement. Jude’s letter is surprisingly brief—but its scope is eternal. It is nothing short of a reality shock for a dangerously complacent church.
1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. Jude v 1-2
Jude is a relatively unknown figure in the New Testament. But if (as is most likely) he is the Judas/Jude who is the brother of James, it almost certainly means he was one of Jesus’ biological brothers (Mark 6 v 3).... continue reading
This afternoon we look at some verses from the book of James for advice on responding to temptation.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:16-18... continue reading
