Have you ever wondered why Jesus taught His followers to eat His “body” and drink His “blood” during the Lord’s Supper? The Jews misunderstood the idea (John 6:52), and the early Christians were even accused of “cannibalism.” Couldn’t Jesus have described this special meal with less... read more »

As a youth pastor’s wife, I have plenty of opportunities to practice conflict resolution skills with those in our ministry. Especially in working with the girls. Gossip, however, is not limited to the female gender or to young adults (as my husband and I discovered at a dinner party a few weeks... read more »

When Under Armour® wanted athletes to notice its new brand of sweat-wicking clothing, the upstart company marketed its apparel with the tag line, “Protect This House.” The slogan was a hit, for it implied that Under Armour transformed athletes into gladiators who fiercely defended their home... read more »

Q: What does the Bible say about the roles of the pastor and the congregation in the church?  —Freddie A: The clearest explanation is found in Ephesians 4:11-16, where Paul says that Jesus has gifted his church with various leaders—including “pastors and teachers. Their... read more »

Have you ever stopped to consider what the apostle Paul’s page might look like if he were on Facebook? Friends with Peter. Status update: In prison—again—but well worth it. Paul was tagged in Silas’ Album “Best of Missions Trip—Part 1.” Religious Views: former anti-Christian,... read more »

Q: Both my sister and I have been hurt by a church we both grew up in. We are church “shopping” right now. Why is it that Christians in the church are so self-righteous and cold to those who are really in need and are hurting from various forms of abuse and recovered addictions?... read more »

In Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Tom, Huck Finn, and Joe Harper slinked off for a few days away without telling anyone. Back home, their distraught loved ones assumed they had drowned, so they held a funeral. The boys—being boys—sneaked back into town and watched the funeral from... read more »

Racing along the beach as the moonlight hits the water, I dash toward the figure running toward me. I have a pile of papers to grade, a house in desperate need of attention, and a writing deadline to complete in less than 48 hours, and here I am running through the sand and trying to guard my... read more »

The southern Italian town of Castellammare has created its own version of the “fashion police.” The police force there is authorized to fine women who wear risqué clothing such as mini skirts, skimpy jeans, and low-cut tops. One town official claimed that the ban made Castellammare a... read more »

As you step into the room, you’re greeted by a cacophony of noise. Everyone is talking, but no one is listening. For a moment, you think you’ve stepped into the New York Stock Exchange—but it isn’t that loud, lively place. It’s a church meeting in Corinth. Obviously, the church in Corinth... read more »