Latest

How The Monday Christian Will Be Shifting in 2024

Check out how The Monday Christian will be shifting its approach in 2024.

How Should Christians Respond to Tragedy in the News?

Do you feel the weight of tragic events in the news? How should you respond? How do you still keep your joy and hope in Christ?

How Do I Rest in God AND Be a Good Steward of What I've Been Given?

Should I work harder or rest? If you're faced with a confusing situation, you might be tempted to err in one of these two directions. But here are a few helpful choices you can make.

Do You Become More Hopeful or More Fearful with Age?

The older we get, the more hopeful or more fearful we become. Are you struggling with fear about the future? If so, here are some choices you can make.

TMCP 155: Brian Russell on How to Be Astonished By the Bible

Do you ever struggle to read God's Word? Does it ever feel dry? If so, Brian Russell offers some practical ways we can renew our passion for Scripture.

TMCP 154: Micah Davis on How to Find God's Purpose for Our Lives

How do I know what God wants me to do? In this episode, Micah Davis shares some practical insight.

Why You Need Jesus to Be More Than Your Personal Assistant Today

When we treat Jesus like our little assistant, our prayers are weak and our view of God is small. But when we lean in and consider who he really is, everything changes.

Why Being in Full-Time Christian Ministry Is More Important than Being a Doctor…and Other Lies Christians Believe

Have you ever felt like a second-class Christian because you weren't engaged in full-time Christian ministry? If so, this article is for you.

TMCP 154: Eric Peterson on Mending Tough Relationships With a Parent

Have you ever had a hard conversation with one of your parents? Do you need to have one? If so, how do you do this with grace? In this episode, Eric Peterson shares the time he confronted his father, Eugue Peterson, about his workaholic tendencies.

How Christians Can Change Their Minds on Controversial Issues

Changing your views on a controversial issue can be tough. So how do you do it? Here are a few practical choices that might help.

TMCP 152: Barry Rowan on The Spiritual Art of Business

Have you ever wondered if you can make an effective kingdom impact if you're not in full-time Christian ministry? Barry Rowan certainly believes you can.

The Unique Challenges and Opportunities of Being Single, Newly Married, and Having Young Kids

Are you single and considering marriage? Or, are you newly married, and thinking about having kids? Each stage is different. But there is one common denominator that glues each season together.

The Only Sustainable Motivation for Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Do you struggle to eat right, sleep well, and exercise hard? If so, here are a few choices you can make that will make a major difference.

TMCP 151: Msuega Tese on Becoming a Versatile Leader

What does leadership look like for the everyday Christian? How can one become a versatile leader? This is the topic of our latest podcast episode with Msuega Tese.

When Everything Isn't as Golden as It Seems

It's easy to live one way in public and another way in private. But the essence of being a Monday Christian is consistency. It's being the same person when the cameras are on or off.

TMCP 150: Jared Boyd on Applying Disciplines for Spiritual Formation

How do the practical disciplines of life affect and contribute to spiritual formation? In what ways can the everyday Christian apply daily disciplines to grow closer to God and live a spirit-filled life? In this conversation, Jared Boyd shares his thoughts on these questions.

TMCP 149: Scot McKnight on What to Do When the Bible Becomes too Familiar

Scot McKnight (PhD, University of Nottingham) is Julius R. Mantey Chair of New Testament at Northern Seminary. in Lombard, Illinois. He is the author of many books, including Reading Romans Backwards, Pastor Paul, The King Jesus Gospel, and commentaries on James, Galatians, and 1 Peter. He is also the coeditor

How Do I Pray When I Feel Stuck?

Have you ever felt like you don't know how to pray? You sit down or kneel beside your couch but you don't know where to start. You're in a spiritual rut and aren't sure how to break free. If so, here is something you can do.

TMCP 148: Natasha Smith on How to Handle Intense Times of Grief

How do you handle the loss of a loved one? What do you do when life feels beyond your control? After years of walking through grief, Natasha Smith offers some wonderful thoughts of wisdom.

How Should I Respond to a Christian Leadership Scandal?

Have you ever been hurt by a scandal in the church? If so, you recognize it's tough to know how to respond. But here are a few thoughtful choices you can make.

TMCP 147: JR Woodward on How to Prevent Scandals in the Church

With the recent public failings of many in church leadership, Christians are struggling to diagnose the problem. In this conversation, JR Woodward offers his thoughts on leadership structure within the Church.

What Do I Do When Life Is Not Okay?

Are you going through a season of uncertainty in your life? What should you do? How do you live not knowing what tomorrow might bring? Psalm 3 offers four key choices.

TMCP 146: Katie Schnack On What To Do When Everything Is Not Fine

"I'm fine" or "Yes, I'm doing great thank you." We get used to throwing around these phrases even when life is anything but fine. So what do we do? How should we live when life is not okay? In this episode, Katie Schnack offers a few suggestions.

How Do I Maintain Good Disciplines When I Have Young Kids?

Are you a parent of young kids? If so, this post is for you.

TMCP 145: Kayla Craig On Developing Unforced Rhythms For Parenting

Have you found it difficult to maintain healthy spiritual rhythms in seasons of life change? In today's episode, Kayla Craig talks with Ez and Dave about life with God during the ever-changing cycles of parenting.

TMCP 144: Trevor Seath on How Prayer-Walking Has Shaped the Way He Relates to God

Prayer is a large and often guilt-inducing topic for Christians. In this episode, church-planting consultant and preacher Trevor Seath shares how prayer-walking has shaped the way he relates to God, while offering practical advice for those who struggle to pray.

TMCP 143: Kyla Gillespie on How She Dealt with Gender Dysphoria

How should Christians respond to those in the transgender community? In this episode, Kyla shares her personal story of transformation.

TMCP 142: Rob Shive on How to Revive a Marriage

What do you do if your marriage is on the ropes? How do you work with your spouse to get it back on the right track? In this episode, Christian counselor Rob Shive shares some great thoughts.

TMCP 141: Janan Byer on Modesty, Adornment, and Intentional Living

Have you ever struggled with understanding how to interpret what the Bible means when it talks about topics like modesty and adornment? If so, this exchange is for you!

TMCP 140: Sandra Richter On Why Christians Should Read the Old Testament

Have you ever read the Old Testament and felt like you didn't understand what you were reading? In this episode, Sandra Richter helps Christians understand how each part of the OT works together to form a collective whole.

TMCP 139: Jamie Taylor and McKinsey Swain on Finding Freedom in Christ

What does real freedom in Christ look like? How do you know if you're living free or if you're living in bondage? In this episode, Jamie and McKinsey share some great insight.

What Do You Do When Your Home Is Infested with Mice?

How can mice give us a clearer picture of a Christian's battle with sin? Ezra shares a few examples.

Why Do Some Christians Hate the Word ‘Holy’?

Is holy living something that the Christian should strive towards? If we are under grace, does it matter if we live holy?

TMCP 138: Jesse Cruickshank on Ordinary Discipleship

Real discipleship is more than a program. Real discipleship is a lifestyle that requires us to be present in the lives of others.

How Do I Help Someone with a Porn Addiction?

Do you know someone who is struggling with pornography? They've tried to stop for years, but nothing seems to work. If so, Robert Black offers a few practical steps you can take.

What Do I Do When My Friend Stops Talking to Me?

Have you ever had someone ghost you? One day, you were great friends. And the next day, it was as if you didn't exist. How should you respond? Here are a few thoughts to consider.

TMCP 137: Cesar Perez on What to Do If We Struggle to Believe in God

In this episode, we start with an April Fools prank and then dig into Cesar's personal journey of coming to faith in Christ. Cesar shares about the day he doubted if the Christian God was real and how he regained his confidence in God.

Why Should Christians Care About the Future of AI?

Is artificial intelligence really going to change how people live? And if it does, how will Christians and the church be impacted? Here are six challenges to consider.

How Should I Pray this Ramadan?

Millions around the world will be observing Ramadan. As a Christian, how should I be praying for my Muslim brothers and sisters? Johnson gives us a good prayer guide to follow.

TMCP 136: Benno van den Toren on How Christians Can Effectively Share Their Faith

Do you ever struggle to share your faith with others? Are you fearful about what people might think? As someone who lives in the Netherlands, Benno offers some powerful insights on speaking to non-believers in a secular culture.

How Do I Say No to Temptation?

Is temptation itself a sin? How do I make sure that I don't give in and commit sin? Tina takes a look at some tools and examples in the Bible for overcoming temptation.

TMCP 135: Alan Noble on Getting Out of Bed

How do you deal with mental health challenges that leave you feeling immobilized? Why should you get out of bed, when it feels like this day will be just as terrible as the last? If this is where you're at, this episode will offer you a lot of hope!

Why Don’t I Sense God Like I Used To?

Does God feel absent? Do you think you've done something to cause him to turn his face? If so, here are some thoughts of hope.

TMCP 134: Jon Pyle on Valuing Care Over Content

In this episode, we cover a lot of different topics. These include Jon's journey to faith in Christ and what he perceives are the key needs of this generation.

If God Is Love, Why Should I Fear Him?

How can a Christian reconcile the image in Scripture of a God of love with a God to be feared? Is this a contradiction?

Should I Tithe Or Is the Church Just Greedy?

Why do we tithe? Is it required? Is the church just a greedy institution looking to get my money? We take a look at a Biblical view of tithing.

TMCP 133: Isaiah Robertson on Why Black Church History Holds Many Answers for White Western Christians

There are many problems White Western Christians face today. However, as Isaiah Robertson notes in this episode, there is much to be learned from the history of the Black Church in North America.

Should I Care About Ash Wednesday?

What is Ash Wednesday or Lent all about? If I am not Catholic, should I even care? Robert Black takes a look at what we can gain from the tradition of Lent.

TMCP 132: Matthew Lynch on How We Handle Hard Passages in the Old Testament

How should Christians handle troubling passages like Noah's Flood, the Israelite conquest, and the treatment of women in the Old Testament? In this episode, Matthew Lynch seeks to answer a few of these questions.

The Asbury Revival and the Danger of Spiritual One-Upmanship

Spiritual one-upmanship is an easy game to play. But how do we avoid it? In this latest "Byer's Choices" Ezra shares several thoughts to consider.

TMCP 131: David and Elisa Lozano on Leading Celebrate Recovery

David and Elisa Lozano had made a series of poor choices that took them down a dark path. But this changed when they encountered Jesus. Now, they lead a Celebrate Recovery ministry and help others experience the hope and transformation they have experienced.

Why are young people so depressed and anxious?

Young people seem to be struggling with anxiety and depression. What are the reasons? Are the ways to help "cure" or manage this? Jonathan Hsu looks at some Biblical cause and response.

TMCP 130: Alan Fadling on How Christians Can Live Unhurried Lives

We live in a busy world. It's easy to run 100 MPH and jump from one project to the next. But in this conversation, Alan Fadling shares his tips for living an unhurried life.

Do We Have A Second Chance After We Die?

What does the Bible say about death? Is there another chance when we die if we reject God in this life?

TMCP 129: Janice McWilliams on Ways Christians Can Restore Their Souls

Do you feel burned out or discouraged? Have the past few months left you feeling frustrated and anxious about all that is going on in your life? If so, Janice McWilliams offers some tremendous words of encouragement and strength.

Does God Care About What I Read?

With so many choices in entertainment, does God care about what we read? Dr. Robert Black takes us through using God's Word and critical thinking for our reading.

TMCP 128: Jim Belcher on How Christians in America Can Unify Rather Than Divide

Sometimes it seems like the differences between Christians in America are too great. But in this episode, Jim Belcher offers some ways Christians can find common ground.

How Do I Hear from God?

There are times in life when it feels like our prayers are not reaching God. Tina helps us look at the efficacy of prayer and some tips for making sure we are in the right place for effective prayer.

Can I Have My Own Identity As A Christian?

Do we lose our identity when we become Christians or does it shape us? Johnson Hsu looks at how our identity fits into our life in Christ.

What If I've Already Broken My New Year's Resolutions?

How do we set goals that will lead to growth instead of failure? We look at some tips for goal setting to help with failed resolutions.

What Do I Do With Changed Plans At Christmas?

How do we react when God allows circumstances in our lives to change carefully made plans? Tina looks at just what God may be doing in our lives in these moments.

Can I Find Joy In Uncertainty?

How can I rejoice while waiting on an answer from God? We take a look at some examples from Scripture and throughout history.

Six Ways to Beat Those Winter Blues

Winter can be tough. Here are six choices you can make to ensure your thrive and don't just survive this season.

Will God Give Us Peace?

In a chaotic and violent world, does Christ really promise peace? We look at the second week of advent and the promise of peace for the believer.

TMCP 127: David Fitch on the Importance of Faithful Presence

How do you impact the lives of those in your local community? This episode will give you some ideas!

4 Tips for Advent

Advent is the time to prepare for Christ's return. Here are a few thoughts on preparation.

Five Purchases to Make on Black Friday

If you're looking to buy something this Black Friday, here are five options to consider!

TMCP 126: Brent Vernon and Johnathan Arnold on Catechizing Our Kids

Should Christians teach their kids what to think about God? Or, should they just let kids make up their minds about God on their own? It's a big topic that Christians wrestle with, and if you're a parent, this episode will challenge you to rethink the way you raise your children.

What Does It Mean That Creation Groans?

In the waiting and anticipation of a newborn child, we see a picture of Christ and His work on the cross.

What Would I Do if I Had Only Three Years Left to Live?

The reality of death is one many often attempt to avoid. But doing so is a mistake. Instead, life is best lived when it is done in reverse with eternity in mind.

Should Christians Be Engaged in Politics?

Should Christians vote? And should they be engaged in civic politics? Jeremy Howard tackles this question in his latest blog.

What God is Teaching Me Through Chronic Pain

In this latest "Byer's Choices," Janan shares what her fifth knee surgery has taught her about leaning on God for strength.

Is It Okay To Tear Down Traditions?

It seems like today, anything associated with the past can quickly become unpopular and disregarded. Is it okay to get rid of traditions or do we risk a greater loss?

TMCP 125: Sarah Cowan Johnson on Teaching Our Children Well

50% of kids that grow up in the church walk away from the faith. 82% of kids that are actively discipled by their parents remain in the faith. In this latest episode, Sarah shares how parents can make all the difference in the lives of their kids.

Don't Take Your Blessings For Granted

Do you find it easy to complain and be ungrateful for all that you have? How do you break free from this unhealthy pattern? Ezra shares some thoughts from his latest "Byer's Choices."

What I Learned From Persian Rugs

We are broken and need a Savior, but in that brokenness, we can bring glory to God.

How Do I Trust God When I Can't See What's Next?

How do you trust God when you're not sure what step you should take next? Ezra shares a few thoughts in this latest "Byer's Choices."

TMCP 124: Hannah Nation on How Chinese Christians are Being "Faithfully Disobedient"

What lessons can Western Christians learn from Chinese Christians who face persecution for their faith? What does it mean to live a life of boldness? These are some of the topics we discuss in this latest episode.

Should I Be Grateful For Trials?

It is difficult to be thankful for hard times, but often in hindsight, that is when God does the most work in our lives.

Is Your Thrill of God Gone?

Does knowing God excite you as it did in the past? If not, why not?

Should I Go to a Church That Has a Woman Pastor?

Woman's leadership in the church can be a very controversial topic with much said and little discussed. There is a Biblical way to discuss and approach this topic in the church. Tina lays out examples from the Bible of woman's leadership.

TMCP 123: Trevin Wax on the Thrill of Orthodoxy

Why should the foundational truths of God's nature excite everyday Christians today? In this episode, Trevin Wax shares why he is so passionate about this topic and its relevance for Christians today.

What A Former Missionary to Ukraine Taught Me About the Conflict with Russia

Join Elliot Huff as he speaks with Dan Glick, a former missionary to Ukraine and someone who has strong ties to many Ukrainians, including a Ukrainian daughter-in-law. As Dan shares, he outlines the ways God is working in the hearts of people in Ukraine, despite Russian oppression.

New Website, New Content

Check out our new website along with our new weekly email update titled "Byer's Choice!"

TMCP 123: Claude Alexander on Deciphering God's Call for Our Lives

What does God want me to do next? How can I have certainty about the path I am supposed to take? What role does the church play in helping me make decisions? These are a few of the many questions we cover in this latest episode.

TMCP 122: Bonnie Kristian on How to Become a Person Others Trust

Have you ever struggled to trust others? Maybe they buy into conspiracy theories and make odd social media posts that are factually inaccurate. How do you not make similar mistakes in your interactions with others?

TMCP 121: David Lamb on The Emotions of God

How important are emotions for our walk with God? David Lamb believes they are very important and he shares why this is the case in this latest episode.

How Do Christians Find Value?

In this first installment of TMC stories, Elliot Huff shares his own journey of finding value in this world and his passion to tell other people's stories.

TMCP 120: Jay Kim on How We Control Our Media Devices Without Them Controlling Us

Jay Y. Kim serves as the lead pastor at WestGate Church in the Silicon Valley and on the leadership team of the ReGeneration Project. His writing has been featured in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Missio Alliance, and Relevant Magazine. He lives in Silicon Valley with his wife and two

TMCP 119: Jim Domen on Parents’ Hope for their Gay Son

Jim Domen shares the following bio of his life: “I never imagined that I would enter the homosexual lifestyle after being raised in a God-fearing home and accepting Christ at age seven. After I graduated from George Fox University, I was so desperate to love and be loved that I

TMCP 118: Tommy Newberry on How Philippians 4:8 Changed His Life

Tommy Newberry is The New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The 4:8 Principle. He is the founder and head coach of AchievingOPTIMAL, an organization focused on helping Christian entrepreneurs and their families maximize their full potential. Tommy is also the author of the motivational classic,

Is There Any Good in Loss and Grief?

“Grief confuses us by spinning us around to face backward, because memories are all we have left, but of course it isn’t the past we mourn when someone dies; it’s the future.” The quote above is from a book I started today called Lost & Found: A Memoir by

Are Difficult Children Worth the Effort?

Several years ago I worked as a children’s trauma therapist with a local nonprofit organization. I was part of a team whose job it was to meet with children who had experienced trauma, and their current caregivers, to complete an in-depth assessment to gauge how this trauma had affected

TMCP 117: Bekele Shanko on His Journey From Serving an Ethiopian Witch Doctor to Becoming a Global Leader

Bekele Shanko joined full-time missionary work with Campus Crusade for Christ International in Ethiopia in 1993. Since then, he has held diverse leadership roles for the organization, including National Director for Ethiopia for five years, Area Director for Southern and Eastern Africa for 11 years, and Global Vice President since

TMCP 116: Dave and Ezra on Thriving in the Grind

Episode Talking Points * The good in the grind * Perspectives on daily discipline * Our perceptions of God and how they color relationship * Reading the First Testament in light of the New * Reading the Scriptures responsibly * Light, tradition, and Tradition * Christians and sin — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-monday-christian/support Podcast:

TMCP 115: Ben Adams on How to Find God Again When You Feel Like You’ve Lost Him

Ben Adams is a local representative for the State of Idaho. He was born in Jupiter, Florida and raised on the mission field in Kiev, Ukraine. As a pastor’s son in Emmett, Idaho he was a home school graduate and is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at Boise State

TMCP 114: Marjorie Lindner Gunnoe on the Relationship Between Christianity and Psychology

Marjorie Lindner Gunnoe (PhD, University of Virginia) is professor of psychology at Calvin University. She teaches developmental psychology and conducts research on parent–child relationships. Previously she worked at Child Trends, Inc., in Washington DC, and served as a member of the design team for the National Longitudinal Survey of

TMCP 113: Sandra Morgan and Kimberly McOwen Yim on Practical Ways Christians Can End Human Trafficking

Kimberly McOwen Yim is co-founder and executive director of the SOCO Institute, and she writes and speaks on issues related to human trafficking. She is also co-author (with Shayne Moore) of Refuse to Do Nothing: Finding Power to Abolish Modern-Day Slavery. Sandra Morgan is director of the Global Center for

Can a Christian Be Mean and Cruel?

I remember the day I received this long text message from someone accusing me of not understanding someone they were related to. This person was choosing to defend the choices of their relative and sided with them on why they did what they did. While I can appreciate a loved

TMCP 112: Joel Chopp on the Relationship Between Science and Faith

After being awarded an MA in Systematic Theology from TEDS in 2014, Joel enrolled at the University of Toronto to pursue a PhD in Systematic Theology, studying at Wycliffe College with Ephraim Radner. Having completed the coursework and residency requirements of the program, Joel returned to TEDS in the summer

TMCP 111: Bill Ury on Why Holiness is Such a Beautiful Thing

Dr. Ury is the National Ambassador of Holiness for the Salvation Army. He is a world-renowned scholar on Wesleyan Holiness and Systematic Theology. Billcompleted his M. Phil. and Ph.D in Theological and Religious Studies at Drew University (Madison, New Jersey) in 1991. Prior to that, Dr. Ury earned his

Should I Quit When Things Are Difficult?

When I was doing my doctorate program, I was excited to join the program. I got to meet new professors and meet new colleagues; elevating my academic level to a new status. On the outside, everything looked good, but halfway through the program, I began to feel seriously discouraged and

TMCP 110: Dave and Ezra on Why Life Is So Important

In this episode, Dave and Ezra discuss the recent overturn of Roe Vs. Wade, laws on gun control, and what it should look like for a Christian to enjoy life. — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-monday-christian/support Podcast: Play in a new window | Download

How Do I Work Through My Embedded Theological Biases?

A note to the reader: I recently memorized the Sermon on the Mount and have been challenged and convicted by the words of Jesus in a profound way since I slowly began working my way through Matthew 5-7. My writing here is very personal, as I have also been processing

TMCP 109: Michael Bird on Whether Christians Should Resist Living in a Secular Culture

Dr. Michael Bird is an Australian biblical scholar and Anglican priest who writes about the history of early Christianity, theology, and contemporary issues. Mike is Academic Dean and Lecturer in Theology at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. He is the author of over thirty books including Evangelical Theology, Seven Things

Embracing the Discomfort When It’s Easier to Look Away

I’ll never forget how my heart was wrecked the first time I visited an impoverished country. Poverty, pain, and suffering I could hardly wrap my head around. How was I supposed to return home to my warm house and comfortable bed when I had seen so many living under

TMCP 108: Susan Maros on How We Discover God’s Calling For Our Lives

Susan L. Maros (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is an affiliate assistant professor of Christian leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary, where she has also served as a doctoral supervisor, and an adjunct professor at the King’s University, Southlake, Texas. She is a past president of the Academy of Religious Leadership.

TMCP 107: Glenn Packiam on Hope in Christian Worship

Glenn Packiam (Doctor of Theology and Ministry, Durham University) is associate senior pastor at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, and lead pastor of one of its eight congregations, New Life Downtown. A Senior Fellow at Barna Group, a visiting fellow at St. John’s College at Durham University, and

What I’ve Learned From Headstones

I was listening to Mike Rowe’s podcast, “The Way I Heard It” and he made a comment in discussing Memorial Day that grabbed my attention. They were discussing Arlington National Cemetery and (I am paraphrasing here) he mentioned that the remarkable thing about Arlington is that in death, the

The Last Payphone In New York

A thought struck me this week. Finding permanence yet adapting to a temporal world. In the torrent of heavy news stories that flowed out of the little screen in my hand, one of little consequence sifted to the surface and planted this thought in my mind. This week, the last

TMCP 106: Darrell Hall on How To Communicate Across Generational Lines

Darrell E. Hall is campus pastor of Elizabeth Baptist Church in Conyers, Georgia, where he regularly preaches and teaches across five generations. He is an experienced preacher and public speaker who has given messages in venues from local Bible studies to a packed NBA arena. Hall has a DMin from

When You Can’t See The Forest for the Beam In Your Eye

I was raised in a home that had a strong emphasis on personal responsibility. I knew if I came home with complaints against teachers, friends, enemies, establishment, etc., I could expect to hear this question. “But what did you do?” I hated this at the time. I wanted my parents

TMCP 105: Jake Meador on What Christians Are For

Jake Meador is the editor in chief of Mere Orthodoxy, an online magazine covering the Christian faith in the public sphere, and a contributing editor with Plough. His first book was In Search of the Common Good: Christian Fidelity in a Fractured World. Jake’s work has been published in

TMCP 104: Brian Zahnd on What We Should Do When We No Longer Believe What We Used to Believe

Brian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church, a non-denominational Christian congregation in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Brian and his wife, Peri, founded the church in 1981. Brian is also the author of several books, including, Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God, Water to

TMCP 103: James Bryan Smith on Why It’s Critical to Take Care of Our Souls

James Bryan Smith is the author of the Good and Beautiful Series which includes The Good and Beautiful God, The Good and Beautiful You, The Good and Beautiful Life, and The Good and Beautiful Community. He earned his MDiv at Yale and his DMin at Fuller and is a theology

The Toilet Always Flushes Twice

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you may remember my bathroom project and a toilet with a mysterious double flush.  The project continues and the toilet still flushes twice, but there is progress. Last night, my friend, Jay, came out to the house to help me

TMCP 102: Mark Lanier on Why He Can’t Be an Atheist

W. Mark Lanier (JD, Texas Tech University) is an attorney, author, teacher, pastor, and expert story teller. He founded the Lanier Law Firm, which has offices in Houston, New York, and Los Angeles, and is a recipient of the American Association of Justice’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Furthermore, he was

TMCP 101: Daniel Yang on What the American Church Can Learn from Marginalized Christians

Daniel Yang is the Director of the Church Multiplication Institute, leading and overseeing all of its initiatives. Prior to directing the institute, he planted a church in Toronto where he also helped recruit, assess, and train church planters through the Church Multiplication Institute and the Release Initiative. Daniel has served

You Can Stop the Revolving Door of Habitual Sin

When I was a kid I loved going up and down the escalator. It was so much fun. Up and down. Up and down. It never got old. I also liked going through revolving doors. In then out. In then out. It’s the simple things in life that make

TMCP 100: Nicholas Piotrowski on How to Read Scripture in Its Proper Context

Nicholas G. Piotrowski (PhD, Wheaton College) is the president and academic dean at Indianapolis Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he also teaches hermeneutics and New Testament studies. Piotrowski is the author of Matthew’s New David at the End of Exile. Episode Talking Points * Nicholas’ journey to faith in

TMCP 99: Felicia Wu Song on Whether Smart Phones Do More Harm Than Good

Felicia Song is a cultural sociologist who studies the place of digital technologies in contemporary life. Having trained in History, Communication Studies and Sociology from Yale, Northwestern, and University of Virginia, and taught at Louisiana State University’s Manship School for Mass Communication, her research is oriented around the rapidly

An Empty Swear Jar Doesn’t Make You Holy

Neil Armstrong was a man that, from all accounts, counted his words. He did not speak the first thing that came to his mind. His speech was measured, calculated, and cool.  He was the antithesis in some respects of the brasher and outspoken, Buzz Aldrin. In a program of cutthroat

To Find Your Way You Have To Let Go Of The Steering Wheel

Are you frustrated with yourself right now because you would like to see something different in your life? Maybe you’re looking for a breakthrough or miracle. Maybe you’ve been waiting on God and it has been weeks, months, and even years. Are you feeling tired and you just

TMCP 98: Gregory Coles on Why There Should Be An Equal Seat at the Christian Table for Gay Christians

Greg is the author of Single, Gay, Christian: A Personal Journey of Faith and Sexual Identity (IVP, 2017) and No Longer Strangers: Finding Belonging in a World of Alienation(IVP, 2021). He holds a PhD in English from Penn State and works as a writer, speaker, and worship leader. His

Why Grin-Cutting Destroys Nations and Undermines Relationships

Several years ago, I needed a part-time job and so I applied for a sales position at a car dealership in Toronto. To say the interview went differently from expected would be a vast understatement. Instead of the normal one-on-one exchange, I was instructed to sit around an L-shaped table

TMCP 97: Joshua Knabb on Why Christian Meditation is Critical for Spiritual Formation

Joshua J. Knabb (PsyD, Azusa Pacific University; ABPP, Clinical Psychology) is a board-certified clinical psychologist as well as associate professor of psychology and director of the Psychology Department program at California Baptist University. His publications include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Christian Clients, Contemplative Prayer for Christians with Chronic Worry,

How You Can Win At Failure

Have you ever watched the show, American Idol? It’s a music competition that selects the best singer. The contestants have to compete with one another and in the end, America gets to vote who the winner is. It’s called American idol because it’s insinuating that you want

TMCP 96: Josh Mulvihill on What Kids Should Know Before They Leave Home

Dr. Josh Mulvihill earned his PhD from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Family Ministry with a focus on the biblical role of grandparents.  For 20 years, he served as the Pastor to Children and Families at Grace Church of Eden Prairie in Minnesota. More recently, he has been serving

Do I Love Everyone On The Train?

In the rushing kaleidoscope of clickbait titles that jump out of my phone screen every week, one, in particular, caught my eye. ‘Tell everyone on this train I love them’: The meaning of a hero’s final words. The article was written by Maeven Higgins, an Irish podcaster and comedian,

Winter Can Be a Blessing Rather Than Depressing

Every year when I get ready for Christmas the one thing I want to see is snow. I don’t like a green Christmas because it reminds me of spring and summer so I pray and ask God to send snow. On most occasions, God hears my prayers and I

TMCP 95: Dan Sharp on Why the Christian Year Is So Important

Daniel Sharp has served as Minister of Music and Worship in Lexington, MA; Newport Beach, CA; Seattle, WA; San Diego, CA; and most recently in Orlando, FL. He is semi-retired after forty-two years in church ministry. He continues to sing with the Bach Festival Choir in Orlando. He holds the

TMCP 94: Dave and Ezra on How to Make Wise Decisions

In this episode, Dave and Ezra share some practical ways Christians can make good decisions. If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to email ezra@themondaychristian.com or dave@themondaychristian.com to share your input. — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-monday-christian/support Podcast: Play in a new

Why I Wake Up At 4 AM

There is an episode of Phineas and Ferb (stay with me here) where Heinz Doofenshmirtz is once again attempting to take over the tri-state area. He creates an “-anator” that will make everyone’s New Year’s Resolution be to make him leader of the tri-state area.  You may already

TMCP 93: Ezra and Janan Byer on Why They Created “The Story of God” Podcast

In this episode, Ezra and Janan sit down and share why they decided to create a daily devotional podcast and why they think this might be helpful for everyday Christians. You can subscribe to The Story of God Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, or wherever you consume your podcast.

TMCP 92: Dave and Ezra Share Why It’s Important to Have Diverse Conversations

In this episode, Dave and Ezra share their thoughts on 2021, some of their key takeaways, and thoughts moving forward. Ezra also shares the launch of a new podcast called “The Story of God,” hosted by himself and his wife Janan. It is available on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, or

TMCP 91: Tim Muehlhoff on Why God is Sometimes Most Present in the Ordinary

In addition to being an author, Tim is a professor of communication at Biola University in La Mirada, California where he teaches classes in family communication, interpersonal communication, apologetics, gender, and conflict resolution.  He completed a Ph.D. in communication theory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Jesus is my gravy.

I was sitting in church Sunday morning and I was struck by a thought. Jesus is our gravy. That may or may not be an original thought though it is certainly original to me.  This epiphany came out of what is to most people, our “God time.”  The time in

TMCP 90: Bobby Gross on Why Advent Gives Us Hope During Seasons of Pain

Bobby Gross is Vice-President of Graduate and Faculty Ministries for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF). Bobby serves on the national board of Christians in the Visual Arts (CIVA) and lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Previously, Bobby was a national field director for IVCF, served as an InterVarsity chaplain at the University of

This Christmas I Plan to Be Busy

I love this time of the year. I like to see the Christmas decorations, the retail stores busy with people choosing a gift for a family or friend, and I like to watch those cheesy Christmas movies about romance and love. I am also one of those people who plans

TMCP 89: Richard Stearns on How to Lead Like It Matters to God

Richard Stearns is president emeritus of World Vision US, where he served as president for twenty years, traveling more than three million miles as an advocate for the world’s poor. Before leading the Christian relief and development organization, he was a corporate CEO at both Parker Brothers and Lenox.

Is Advent The Story Of Our Misplaced Priorities?

Advent, from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming”, originated somewhere around the 4th century. The practice of Advent has undergone the evolution of many traditions over time, morphing in both practice and intention to something that would be largely unrecognized today from its origins.  A quick google search reveals everything from

TMCP 88 – Why Those With Disabilities Are a Great Blessing to the Body of Christ [Lamar Hardwick]

Lamar Hardwick (DMin, Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary), also known as “the autism pastor,” is the lead pastor at Tri-Cities Church in East Point, Georgia. He is the author of Epic Church and the best-selling I Am Strong: The Life and Journey of an Autistic Pastor. In 2014, after years of

Gratitude for Legacy

Assuming you live within the United States, you may be feeling the not-so-subtle coma effects of tryptophan. Your kitchen may look like the scullery of a Victorian home following a dinner party. Depending on your family traditions, maybe you play pick-up football games at a local park, or maybe you

TMCP 87: How the Enneagram Can Help You Better Understand Yourself and Others [Suzanne Stabile]

Suzanne Stabile is a highly sought-after speaker, teacher, and internationally recognized Enneagram master teacher who has taught thousands of people over the last thirty years. She is the author of The Path Between Us, and coauthor, with Ian Morgan Cron, of The Road Back to You. She is also the

Discontentment Can Be a Spiritual Virtue

During the Civil War, a Union soldier inscribed the words to a song of uncertain origins on the wall of his prison. “I am a poor wayfaring stranger. Traveling through this world below…”  The Libby Prison Hymn, as it was known for a time, was credited to this soldier even

TMCP 86: How Do You Live During Seasons of Waiting? [Heather Thompson Day]

Dr. Heather Thompson Day is an interdenominational speaker and has been a contributor for Religion News Service, Christianity Today, Newsweek and the Barna Group. She is also the host of Viral Jesus, a podcast with Christianity Today. Heather is an Associate Professor of Communication at Andrews University. She is passionate

A Lesson in Prayer from Ia Drang

In November of 2013, I downloaded a book on my kindle. We Were Soldiers Once…And Young by Joe Galloway. I knew the story, or a version of it at least, made by Hollywood and portrayed in part by Mel Gibson and Sam Elliot. I remember being struck with the

TMCP 85: How Do I Stay Informed Without Being Formed By the News? [Jeffrey Bilbro]

Jeffrey Bilbro (PhD, Baylor University) is the editor-in-chief of Front Porch Republic and associate professor of English at Grove City College. He is also the author of Loving God’s Wildness: The Christian Roots of Ecological Ethics in American Literature and Virtues of Renewal: Wendell Berry’s Sustainable Forms, and

How Do I Leave a Church with Grace?

In life, one door opens and another one closes. Seasons don’t last forever. This is true of attending church and being part of a church community. Sometimes there is a time to move forward and transition from the current church community you are part of to another church. I

TMCP 84: How Genesis One Helps Us Better Understand God and Scripture [John Walton]

John H. Walton (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School. Previously he was professor of Old Testament at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for twenty years. Some of Walton’s books include The Lost World of Adam and Eve, The Lost World

TMCP 83: How Do You Live a Spacious Life? [Ashley Hales]

Ashley Hales (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is a writer, speaker, and host of the Finding Holy podcast. She is the author of Finding Holy in the Suburbs and her writing has been featured in Christianity Today, Books & Culture, and The Gospel Coalition. Ashley is married to a pastor and the

A Bad Hunt and A Bowl of Soup: Why An Eternal Perspective Matters

It is late afternoon and the sun is sinking lower and casting long shadows down the draws and crevices along the Owyhee mountains.  Out in the valley, sunlight still covers everything, but down the steep slope below me, darkness has already begun to stretch out its fingers and get a

Hockey Documentaries and Marriage: Why You Should Not Ignore Your Spouse

It was the end of the day and I was sitting on the couch and I was tired.  My wife and I had just completed the hostage negotiation process that is bedtime and there was quiet in the house.  I had decided to fritter away a few precious moments on

TMCP 82: How Should Western Christians Think About America, Faith, and Politics? [Os Guinness]

Os Guinness (DPhil, Oxford) is the author or editor of more than thirty books, including The Dust of Death, The Call, Fool’s Talk, Carpe Diem Redeemed, The Magna Carta of Humanity, Last Call for Liberty, Impossible People, Unspeakable, and Time for Truth. A frequent speaker and prominent social critic,

What I Learned About Time From My Coffee

I used to sit and watch the steam rise off my coffee.  This was particularly evocative on cold mornings in South Africa where many houses have no central heating.  I would sit there and watch the thick steam quickly thin and disappear into the air and I would think on

TMCP 81: What Does It Mean to Be a Mature Christian? [Dave and Ezra]

* Growing up in Christ * Importance of growing up together * Becoming mature is a team sport * Characteristics of baby Christians vs. mature Christians Heb. 5:11-14 * The dangers of reductionistic or binary thinking * Becoming Berean — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-monday-christian/support Podcast: Play in a new window | Download

Does God Care About My Lawn?

It’s 4:00 pm on a Saturday and your lawn is looking an inch or two away from the HOA phone call.  You are tired.  You had a tough week full of tough decisions, hectic schedules, and strained relationships.  You want it to look good for Sunday.  You want

TMCP 80: How Do I Invest in Relationships? [Dave and Ezra]

Seven Ways to Invest: 1. God – Jesus spent major amounts of his life separated from the crowds and alone with his Father. He would go off into the wilderness without food for forty days at a time just to talk to him. Before he gave the greatest sacrifice for all

What Does God Do With My Brokenness?

I just started a renovation project in our house. The design, function, and final look of the project have occupied space in my mind. It isn’t always there, but I always come back to it. I plan and scheme and dream of what I want to do. All these

What Can I Do About Anxiety?

Recently a verse came to my mind. Psalm 43:5. It sums up my feelings lately. I feel cast down. Like a man charging windmills, I fight at nothing and everything. There is a fog between me and the world.  I am anxious. Admittance is key to getting help but

TMCP 79: How Do You Extend Forgiveness to the “Unforgivable?” [Davey Blackburn]

In November 2015 Davey’s wife of 7 years, Amanda Grace, was tragically murdered in a home invasion. Davey was left to pastor their church as a single dad of their 15-month-old son, Weston. 2 years later Davey remarried and God’s redemption story began to unfold. Davey and his

Is Suffering a Good Thing?

If you asked me ten years ago if I thought suffering was a good thing, I would have said no. Fast forward to how I would respond to that question now and I would say yes. What has changed? My perspective. We live in a culture where everything needs to

TMCP 78: How to Thrive in God While You Suffer [Nik Ripken]

Nik and Ruth, with 3 children, served for over 32 years obeying Christ’s command to share Jesus across the globe. After 7 years in Malawi & South Africa, they moved to Nairobi, Kenya to begin work among the Somali people (1991-1997). Since that time (1998-2013) they have journeyed globally among

How Do I Love Christians Who Differ from Me on Important Topics?

This summer has been busy, but good. Between writings gigs, speaking opportunities, school stuff, and podcast conversations I have talked with some great people, read some fascinating books, and had hours of time to reflect. I’ve had the privilege to work on some lighter topics such as self-development but

TMCP 77: What Can We Learn Through Seasons of Lament? [Mark Vroegop]

Mark Vroegop has been the Lead Pastor of College Park Church in Indianapolis since 2008. He previously served as Senior Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Holland, Michigan, from 1996-2008. Mark and his wife, Sarah, are parents of four living children and a stillborn daughter.  They have three adult sons,

Where is God in My Grief?

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief… Isaiah 53:3 “No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid. The same fluttering in the stomach, the same restlessness, the

The Faith Equation

There is beauty and symmetry in mathematics. A sum, a quotient, the difference, an equation; if done correctly all will balance out. It is harmonious and balanced; a spot of perfection in an imperfect world. When I was in high school, I enjoyed certain aspects of math but often failed

TMCP 76: Why the Gospel is Greater than Gangs, Drugs, Mistresses, and Prison [Herman Mendoza]

Rev. Herman Mendoza currently serves as an Associate Pastor and the Director of PowerHouse Kids Ministry, at Promise Ministries International in New York City. He is also one of the speakers for The 4/14 Window Movement, a global initiative to raise a new generation of children, ages 4 to

What Do I Do With “Wasted Years?”

Inescapable images on the news and the ramifications of them have given us all reason to think.  The last few days I have had a thought heavy on my mind. What do you do when you can’t make sense of  a season in your life? Your sacrifices are met

TMCP 75: The Power of Small Habits [Darryl Dash]

Darryl Dash is author of How to Grow: Applying the Gospel to ALL of Life. He serves as pastor of Liberty Grace Church in Toronto. He is also cofounder of Gospel for Life, and director of Advance Church Planting Institute. He has a Doctor of Ministry degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological

TMCP 74: How Proverbs Speaks to Everyday Life [Philip Brown]

Philip Brown serves as the Graduate Program Director and teaches NT Greek and Biblical Hebrew as well as English Bible, Theology, and Homiletics classes at God’s Bible School and College in Cincinnati, OH (www.gbs.edu). Philip completed a BA in Ministerial Studies from Hobe Sound Bible College (1993)

Is It Really That Important To Forgive?

The Lord’s Prayer, in Matthew 6, contains a glimpse into the mind of God as Christ shares the secret and purpose of prayer with his disciples.  From a spiritual perspective it is incredibly powerful; from a historical perspective it is a fascinating, rare glimpse into the secret “boardroom” of

What I Learned from a Traitor’s Feet.

If you were raised in a church culture or background, the teaching from Matthew 5 is second nature (at least in theory). Love your enemies and those who wish you harm. It is the counter-cultural motif that runs strong throughout history since it was first penned. It goes against every

TMCP 73: What is God’s View of Human Sexuality? [Christopher Yuan]

Dr. Christopher Yuan taught the Bible at Moody Bible Institute for over ten years and his speaking ministry on faith and sexuality has reached five continents. He speaks at conferences, on college campuses, and in churches. He has co-authored with his mother their memoir, Out of a Far Country: A

TMCP 72: One Word That Can Change a Marriage [Gary Thomas]

Gary is the author of 20 books that together have sold over two million copies, have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and won numerous awards. His writings have established him as a thought-leader in the areas of marriage, parenting, and spiritual formation. His speaking ministry has led

TMCP 71: Why Rest is Critical for Spiritual Growth [Dave and Ezra]

On this podcast, Dave and Ezra talk about the following points: * Being married for 9 and 15 years * Vacation * Rest * Spiritual Growth — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-monday-christian/support Podcast: Play in a new window | Download

TMCP 70: How a Season of Burnout Taught Me to Walk at God’s Pace [Terry Looper]

Terry Looper is CEO and Founder of Texon LP, a Houston-based energy company that views its core values and employees as the keys to its mission of being the best service provider in its industry. Terry’s passion is to serve as a mentor to fellow business and nonprofit leaders.

TMCP 69: Why Should I Be Engaged in a Local Church? [Feat. Emily Jones and Brian Taylor]

What does it look like to be be the church and why is this important? On this episode, Dave and Ezra share some thoughts on what the church is all about and why being engaged in the church is so important. They bring on Ezra’s pastor (Brian Taylor) for

TMCP 68: Why the Body of Christ Matters in a Me Focused World

Things We Talked About: * Playoff Hockey * Covid Cicadas * Reflections on Christian Community * “Ghosting” people * Reconciling and confrontation in the body of Christ * Growing in Christ as part of his body * Things learned over the past 17 podcast episodes — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-monday-christian/support Podcast: Play in a

TMCP 68: Why the Body of Christ Matters in a Me Focused World

Things We Talked About: * Playoff Hockey * Covid Cicadas * Reflections on Christian Community * “Ghosting” people * Reconciling and confrontation in the body of Christ * Growing in Christ as part of his body * Things learned over the past 17 podcast episodes — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-monday-christian/support Podcast: Play in a

TMCP 67: How God Protected Me After Getting Shot in the Neck [John Arroyo]

JohnArroyo is a retired Green Beret and US Army Captain (2018.) After serving as a Green Beret in the middle east, based out of Ft. Bragg, NC for fifteen years, he was transferred to Ft. Hood, Texas where he thought he would spend the remainder of his career in safety.

TMCP 67: How God Protected Me After Getting Shot in the Neck [John Arroyo]

John Arroyo is a retired Green Beret and US Army Captain (2018.) After serving as a Green Beret in the middle east, based out of Ft. Bragg, NC for fifteen years, he was transferred to Ft. Hood, Texas where he thought he would spend the remainder of his career in

TMCP 66: How I Empower Women to Share their Faith [Jami Staples]

Jami and her husband Brian served several years in Kenya, where God opened their hearts and minds to the Muslim world.  In addition to immersing herself in the local Somali community, Jami also supported those working in closed countries globally and authored stories of God’s redemptive love for Muslims.

TMCP 65: Christ’s Heart for the Sinner and Sufferer [Dane Ortlund]

Dane was called to be the Senior Pastor at Naperville Presbyterian Church (southwest side) in 2020 after being part of the church for 13 years along with his family: his college sweetheart, Stacey, and their five kids, Zach, Nate, Jeremiah, Chloe, and Ben. Dane is a graduate of Wheaton College

TMCP 64: How Should I Pray When I Don’t Feel Like It? [H.B. Charles Jr.]

Dr. HB Charles is the Pastor-Teacher at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville and Orange Park, Florida, where he has served since the fall of 2008. He is primarily responsible for preaching-teaching, vision casting, and leadership development – along with all the other tasks that go along with pastoral ministry.

TMCP 63: Co-vocational Ministry: How to Leverage Your Job to Advance the Kingdom [Jeff Christopherson]

Jeff Christopherson is the Executive Director of Church Planting Canada, Co-Founder and Missiologist for Send Institute, a Multiplying Church Catalyst for CNBC, a weekly columnist at Christianity Today’s Missio Mondays, a Co-Vocational Pastor for The Sanctuary, and author of his most recent book Venal Dogmata: A Parable of the

TMCP 62: Hope for People Struggling with PTSD [Justin Sheffield]

In this episode, Justin shares his journey of entering the Navy Seals, his struggle with PTSD, and the ways he is helping others. If you or a friend of yours is struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, this conversation will offer you hope. ***** Justin Kyle Sheffield was Born on October

TMCP 61: How Do I Share Christ’s Love with My Muslim Neighbor [Tom Doyle]

Tom Doyle fell in love with the Middle East on his first Bible tour of the Holy Land. In 1995 he became an official tour guide for the state of Israel and developed a passion for ministering to the Israeli people, Arabs and Jews alike. Tom and his wife, JoAnn,

TMCP 60: How Do You Know What is True? [Jim Denison]

Dr. Jim Denison is a cultural apologist who helps people respond biblically and redemptively to the vital issues of our day. He is also the co-founder and Chief Vision Officer of the Denison Forum, a Dallas-based nonprofit that comments on current issues through a biblical lens. Every weekday morning, his

TMCP 59: Faith When I Have Doubts or Feel God is Irrelevant [Jen Pollock Michel]

Jen Pollock Michel is the award-winning author of Teach Us to Want, Keeping Place, and Surprised by Paradox. She holds a BA in French from Wheaton College and an MA in literature from Northwestern University. An American living in Toronto, Jen is a wife and mother of five. She is

TMCP 58: Self-Promotion Without Promoting Self [Terry Whalin]

Do you ever struggle to promote your business or brand? Maybe you find it hard to strike a balance between featuring your content or products while keeping your life anchored in God. Terry Whalin is certainly no stranger to marketing. As someone who has over 195k followers on Twitter and

TMCP 57: What 20,000 Women Taught Me About Sex and Relationships [Sheila Wray Gregoire]

When Sheila Wray Gregoire, her daughter Rebecca Gregoire Lindenbach, and epidemiologist Joanna Sawatsky surveyed more than 20,000 Christian women about their sex lives, marriages, and beliefs about sex and marriage, the To Love, Honor, and Vacuum bloggers never imagined what they’d uncover: that the most popular Christian resources

TMCP 56: Real Talk About Discouragement and Depression [Ezra Byer]

Do you ever struggle with personal discouragement? What do you do during these seasons? How do you respond? In this episode, Dave and Ezra have a real conversation about this issue and Ezra shares a personal season of depression he went through and how he was able to discover the

TMCP 55 Why the First 15 Minutes of Your Day Are So Important [Craig Denison]

Craig Denison is the CEO and author of First15 (https://www.first15.org/about-first15/), a daily devotional guiding over a million believers into a fresh experience with God’s presence every day. He writes, speaks, and he and his wife Rachel lead worship to help believers establish a more tangible,

TMCP 54: What It Looks Like to Worship All Day [Rod Ellis]

Author of the Worship Leader Handbook, worship leader Rod Ellis joins the podcast this week to share some of the key insights he has learned from his dozens of years in pastoral ministry. What makes this conversation so powerful is that it is so practical. Rod shares basic ways that

TMCP 53: Does God Still Speak? [Tina Pitamber]

Rev. Dr. Tina Pitamber is the Senior Pastor of Solid Rock Community Church of the Nazarene. She feels called to encourage all people to have a deep and passionate relationship with Jesus Christ. Pastor Tina studied at the University of Toronto and obtained her Bachelors of Science Degree. She continued

TMCP 52: How Do You Respond When Christian Leaders Like Ravi Zacharias Sin?

It’s easy to follow the latest Christian singers, preachers, or apologists and accept what they have to say as gospel truth. But what do we do when people like Ravi Zacharias fall into sin and act in ways that are so harmful to others? On this episode, Dave and

TMCP 51: Sticking Together When Your Child Receives a Terminal Diagnosis [Bekah Bowman]

Bekah Bowman is the author of Can’t Steel My Joy: The Journey to Another Kind of Brave and an avid blogger on bekahbowman.com. In this episode, Bekah shares the journey her and Danny (her husband) took together after discovering their oldest child was diagnosed with batten – “The common

Why Spiritual DNA Matters

You don’t go far in a basic biology course without studying DNA. It’s the blueprint for life, the molecule that carries genetic information. Great advances in professional fields like medicine, agriculture, and forensics have all come from researching DNA. One of DNA’s important functions is to convey

TMCP 50: How Do I Have a Strong Personal Worship Time With God? [Dave & Ezra]

Helpful Links Mentioned in this Show: methodistprayer.org Psalm for all Seasons (https://www.amazon.com/Psalms-All-Seasons-Complete-Psalter/dp/1587433168) Robert Alter’s translation of the Hebrew OT (https://www.amazon.com/Hebrew-Bible-Translation-Commentary-Three/dp/0393292495/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1612243017&sr=8-1) The One Year Bible: https:

TMCP 49: Why No Christian Should Walk Alone [Dave & Ezra]

In this episode, Dave and Ezra discuss the importance of personal accountability and discipleship. From personal experience, they share the different ways they have grown in their relationship with Christ and helped others along their journey. If you find yourself in a season of life that sees you “walking alone,

TMCP 49: Why No Christian Should Walk Alone [Dave & Ezra]

In this episode, Dave and Ezra discuss the importance of personal accountability and discipleship. From personal experience, they share the different ways they have grown in their relationship with Christ and helped others along their journey. If you find yourself in a season of life that sees you “walking alone,

TMCP 48: How Should I Use My Voice? [Ezra & David]

When should you speak up and when should you be silent? This is a tough topic to grapple with and it was the subject of a recent blog post on The Monday Christian. In this exchange, Ezra welcomes new co-host, David Hartkopf, to the show and together they discuss how

TMCP 47: What Every Hospital Worker Wishes Others Knew About Covid [Nate Davison]

Nate is the host of the Grace Story Podcast has been a registered nurse for eight years and currently works in a float pool in Kentucky. For the past several months, he has been working on Covid floors and deals with Covid patients on a daily basis. To check out

TMCP 46: How Do I Overcome a Porn Addiction? [Mark Clark]

Mark grew up in Toronto and moved to Vancouver in 2004 to attend Regent College, where he received a Master of New Testament Studies. Following over ten years of ministry, Mark, along with his wife Erin and an amazing team of people, planted Village Church in January 2010, which has

TMCP 45: When God is Silent [Charnika Elliott]

Charnika Elliott is an educator, entrepreneur and pillar of her local community. She was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia and is married to Byron Elliott also of Roanoke. She is the proud mother of two children, Promyss and Joshua and became a legal guardian and mother to a former

When Should I Speak Up? Thoughts on Using Your Voice in a World Where Every Word is Judged.

Since my controversial post last week, a number of people reached out with a message that went something like this, “Ezra, I agree with what you’re saying and think it’s important but I don’t feel I’m in the best position to share what you said publicly.

Why Christian Nationalism is a Greater Enemy to the Church than the Radical Left

What happened at the capitol on January 6th was despicable. A couple of points up front. No, I was not there. Yes, thousands marched in peaceful protest. Some of them were my friends who have strong misgivings about the integrity of the recent U.S. election. In many respects, I

TMCP 44: Having the Courage to Stand [Russell Moore]

Russell Moore is president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. The ERLC is the moral and public policy entity of the nation’s largest Protestant denomination. The Wall Street Journal has called Moore “vigorous, cheerful, and fiercely articulate.” He was named in 2017 to Politico

Follow the String When You Don’t Know What to Do

Author George MacDonald was one of the greatest literary geniuses of his era. Using fiction to drive home great theological truths, his writings continue to be widely read to this day. According to the great C.S. Lewis, there is “hardly any other writer who seems to be closer, or

TMCP 43: Finding Hope When Your World Falls Apart [Mark Cravens]

Having been in ministry for over thirty years, Mark Cravens is more passionate than ever about the ministry opportunities available in today’s ever-changing world. By God’s grace, he intends to make the rest of his life the best of his life! God has given him the heart of

TMCP 42: Why I am Pro-Life from Conception to Death [Brandi Swindell]

Brandi Swindell is the Founder and CEO of Stanton Healthcare. She is a powerful and well-known advocate for human rights, equality, and justice in America and across the globe. Whether traveling to Tiananmen Square during the Beijing Olympics to lead public demonstrations for students killed during the 1989 Massacre (and

TMCP 41: The Unique Challenges of Being a Pastor’s Kid [Barnabas Piper]

Barnabas grew up as a pastor’s kid in Minneapolis, MN and professed faith in Jesus as a young child. He grew up having a love/hate relationship with the church and struggling to find his own identity in Christ. After high school he moved to Illinois to attend Wheaton

TMCP 40: Life Lessons from Global Church Planting [David Nelms]

David serves as Founder & President of TTI. He casts vision and gives direction to TTI as we impact the world for Christ. David is a former senior pastor and had success in growing three different churches in Maryland, Iowa and Florida. He has been a trustee on the board of

14 Guidelines for Good Social Media Interaction

There are a million and one, perhaps even a million and two blog posts on good social media behavior. Because of this great shortage, I felt one million and three was necessary, dare I say, essential? So…drum roll please…here is my list: 1. Be kind. This shouldn’t

TMCP 39 How Can Christians Better Care for Those in Need [Bill Roscoe]

Rev. Bill Roscoe is the President and CEO of the Boise Rescue Mission. Rev. Bill has been at the BRM for 18 years (30 years of Rescue Ministry), and overseas a great army of staff and volunteers who are seeking to restore faith, hope, and family across the greater Boise

TMCP 38: Why Every Christian Should Read Fiction [David Espeut]

David Espeut didn’t follow the path of most writers. For much of his life, he focused his creative energy on music. As a graduate of UofT’s Jazz Program, he’s written three musical productions and over a hundred songs. But the entire time, notions of novel writing lingered

Where Is Your Brown Couch?

Some of the greatest memories I had as a child were the times I spent evenings in my backyard playing roller hockey. Not having a lot of friends my age, I would spend hour after hour, sometimes till 11 at night, taking slap shots against imaginary goalies and pretending I

TMCP 37: Why Is Counseling Important For Anxiety? [Ryan Watters]

Ryan is a licensed professional counselor in Cincinnati, Ohio and works with patients of all different backgrounds but especially those who are struggling with some form of sex addiction. He currently works with Counseling Alliance Cincinnati and has dealt with numbers of patients who have struggled with subject of our

TMCP 36: How Do You Do Ministry When You’re Afraid? [Gord Martin]

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] Gord has a passion for evangelism, equipping and church-planting. His experiences include: Missions in Ecuador and Colombia, evangelism pastoring and planting in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, the

The Black Dog and Other Thoughts on Depression

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TMCP 35: Why Should White Christians Care About Racial Reconciliation? [Darrell Stetler]

Racial tensions are high in the United States and Canada right now. Darrell Stetler is someone who has spoken out on these topics in recent months and has posted a number of articles and videos to his blog and YouTube channel about this topic. As a white pastor, Darrell shares

TMCP 34: How Should Christians Live When Times Are Tough? [Keith Waggoner]

Keith Waggoner is the Lead Pastor of Grace Bible Church in Nampa, Idaho. He first took over the church around ten years ago and since that time has seen the congregation at Grace grow from a couple of hundred people to nearly 1,500 people meeting on a weekly basis.

TMCP 33: Why It’s Time To Stop Living FOR Jesus [Vance Pitman]

Vance responded to God’s call to Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2000, as a church plant from First Baptist Church in Woodstock, Georgia. With a passion for God’s kingdom, he had a vision to launch a church focused on joining in God’s activity locally and globally. Thus was

TMCP 32: What Do You Do With Inconsistencies That Seem To Be In The Bible? [Jen Pollock Michel]

Jen is the author of three books: Surprised by Paradox (2019), Keeping Place (2017), and Teach Us to Want, Christianity Today’s 2015 Book of the Year. You can find Jen on Twitter and Facebook, and you can also sign up to receive a monthly letter she sends to her

TMCP 31: Why Every Dad Should Have a Running Buddy [David Hartkopf]

David is the Dean of Undergraduate Studies at God’s Bible School and College in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has a Master’s of Music from Miami University and currently pastors at Pine Grove United Methodist Church in Falmouth, Kentucky. He works with a variety of students from many different backgrounds

TMCP 30: What Is It Like To Be a Christian Professional Voiceover Artist? [Katie Leigh]

Katie Leigh is a multi-faceted voiceover veteran. She is beloved as Connie Kendall in the world’s longest running international radio drama, Adventures in Odyssey. Other roles she’s played include Baby Rowlf in the Emmy Award-Winning Jim Henson’s Muppet Babies cartoon series, Honker Muddlefoot in Darkwing Duck, Sheila

What Do You Do When All You Hear is the Voice of the Accuser?

Have you ever been at a low point in your life when it felt like the voice of Satan was bombarding your mind non stop? It’s not a comforting place. Frustrating as it may be, it is a part of the Spiritual journey we cannot bypass or ignore. Every

A Boring Idea That Can Radically Change Your Life

I’m guessing that by now you are getting pretty tired of the negativity on social media. Aside from the 2016 US election cycle, it’s hard to remember a time in recent history when Americans (including Christians) have been more at each other’s throats. Here are some of

TMCP 29: How Do I Fit Into The Grand Narrative Of What God Is Doing In Human History? [Ed Smither]

Dr. Ed Smither is the President of the Evangelical Mission society and earned a PhD in Historical Theology from the University of Wales (UK) and a PhD in Intercultural Studies from the University of Pretoria (South Africa). In addition to a number of scholarly and practical articles, Ed has written,

TMCP 28: How Do I Keep From Giving Up? [Daniel Henderson]

For three decades Daniel Henderson has been guiding individuals, leaders, and churches to embrace experiences of powerful spiritual renewal. Today he speaks across the nation at leadership conferences and local churches while coaching pastors and business leaders in the principles of a strategic and spiritually significant life. He is a

TMCP 27: How Can I Separate What I Do From Who I Am? [Daniel Im]

Daniel Im is the Senior Associate Pastor of Beulah Alliance Church, a multiplying multisite church focused on reaching 1% of Edmonton for Christ. His latest book is You Are What You Do: And Six Other Lies about Work, Life, and Love. He is also the author of No Silver Bullets:

TMCP 26: The Cause and Cure of Spiritual Homesickness [Stan Key]

Stan Key is the President of the Francis Asbury Society. Stan’s education includes an M.Div. degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and a Th.M. degree in Missions from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He has completed additional graduate work at the Faculté Libre de Théologie Evangélique in Vaux-sur-Seine, France.

My Journey of Becoming Less Racist and Some Personal Thoughts Following the Death of Ahmaud Arbery.

Like many in our nation, I was sickened to hear about the shooting of Ahmed Arbery. An innocent black man senselessly gunned down, all while he was out for a jog. Racism exists. The question then becomes, what can we as Christians do about it? What is a Christlike response?

TMCP 25: Leading With Nice In An Unkind World [Mathieu Yuill]

Mathieu Yuill is the founder of leadingwithnice.com and serves as a mentor to numbers of business owners and non-profit organizations. He specializes in helping people find the why for what they do and passionately believes that leading from a heart of empathy is the only way to do business

When You Don’t Fit In

“Daddy! I need help.” “Daddy, I need heLP.” “Daddy, I need HELP!!!!” I hear this sentence dozens, perhaps thousands, of times a day. It starts quiet and builds in volume the longer I don’t respond! This morning it had to do with a Mini-Mouse puzzle my girl Zoey was

TMCP 24: How Can Social Distancing Be Good For The Soul? [Michael Avery]

Dr. Michael Avery was the President of God’s Bible School and College for 22 years before transitioning into a full-time teaching role, speaking at churches all across the United States. His particular point of emphasis is living the deeper life and this passion led to the creation of his

Why I Can’t Get Philippians 2 Out of My Head!

So the other day I was meditating on Philippians 2 – again! It seems like I just can’t get away from this passage. And while it’s easy to rightfully focus on the first few verses (the Kenosis passage as it’s called), as I listened to this chapter on

TMCP 23: How Do I Not Place My Identity In What I Do? [Brian Taylor]

Brian Taylor is the Lead Pastor of E3 Church, a new church-plant launching in Kuna, Idaho in the fall of 2020. In this episode, Brian shares how he transitioned from being an executive pastor at a larger church to stepping out in this new venture. During this discussion, he shares

TMCP 22: How Can I Improve My Church’s Live Streaming Experience? [Matt Harshbarger]

* Facebook           * Twitter           * LinkedIn           Matt Harshbarger is the technical producer for the Sunday Morning experience at Grace Bible Church in Nampa, Idaho. He has a wealth of knowledge in all things tech and on this podcast he shares some practical way beginners can improve their live streaming experience for under $500

TMCP 21: Seed Life: How Gardening Can Reshape Our View of Sharing the Gospel [Justin Jones]

Justin Jones is the Director of Spiritual Formation at Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church just outside Buffalo, New York. On this episode Justin shares some fascinating gospel principles from a new book he recently released entitled Seed Life which you can find on Amazon. Podcast: Play in a new window | Download

TMCP 20: How to Grow as a Christian [Darryl Dash]

To find Darryl Dash online visit his website, dashhouse.com. On it you will find not only copies of his new book but dozens and dozens of helpful blog posts that are incredibly practical. Podcast: Play in a new window | Download

TMCP 19: Should Christians Sell To Other Christians? [Jermaine Wall]

Jermaine Wall is a website and graphic designer who lives just outside of Toronto, Ontario. He is the founder of cabinetcreative.com and works to assist speakers, authors, music groups and all types of different small business owners. On this podcast, Jermaine shares some of his journey including some tips

TMCP 18: My Journey From Catholicism to Protestantism [Greg Banik]

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TMCP 17: Nine Ways Christians Can Change the Conversation On Social Media [Sonja Vernon]

On this episode, Sonja shares “Nine Guidelines for Healthy Social Media Interaction.” 1. Try to communicate with people like you would if you were sitting across a table from them. If you wouldn’t say it looking them in the eye, you likely don’t need to type into the

TMCP 16: How To Effectively Share Jesus With Non-Believing Friends [Louis Posthauer]

When it comes to evangelism, every Christian has their ideas. Some say we should be very vocal. Others say it is all about our actions. We should “live like Jesus” and then expect people to ask what we have that they do not. While each of these aspects contain some

TMCP 15: My Journey From Corporate Leadership to Executive Director of Toronto’s Oldest Mission [Dave Addison]

Transitioning from the corporate world to a non-profit position is certainly not for everyone. But for those who feel God has called them to make this change, Dave Addison shares his incredible journey of how God took him from a life of depression, overeating, and alcoholism to being the director

TMCP 14: What Can I Do If I Am Struggling With Severe Anxiety? [Jamie Taylor]

Jamie Taylor is the author of a soon to be released book entitled, “Finding Brave.” In this podcast, she shares her decade-long journey through agoraphobia, a panic disorder, and the hope that she has found. You can find out more about Jamie by visiting her blog jamiehowardtaylor.blogspot.com. — Send

TMCP 13: How Do I Battle Through Depression? [Marianne Brown]

Marianne Brown received her Master’s Degree from Bob Jones University and currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, Dr. Philip Brown, and three children. Helpful Resources: “When God Weeps” by Joni Eareckson Tada / “How Should I Read the Book of Job” by John Piper / Sermons on Joseph by

TMCP 12: What Every North American Christian Should Know About The Refugee Crisis [Cherub Langstaff]

In addition to other volunteer activities, Cherub Langstaff teaches English once a week at two separate refugee reception centers in Croatia. During her time in these camps, Cherub works to build relationships by drinking lots of coffee and tea, playing soccer, hanging out with kids on the playground…oh and

TMCP 11: Following God Even When It Almost Costs You Your Life [Melvin & Sandy Adams]

Missionaries to the Ukraine, Melvin and Sandy Adams share how Melvin almost lost his life when he was robbed at gunpoint by a gang of thieves. This story, combined with their heart and passion for service, is incredibly challenging for those who are going through difficult seasons in their lives

TMCP 11: Following God Even When It Almost Costs You Your Life [Melvin & Sandy Adams]

Missionaries to the Ukraine, Melvin and Sandy Adams share how Melvin almost lost his life when he was robbed at gunpoint by a gang of thieves. This story, combined with their heart and passion for service, is incredibly challenging for those who are going through difficult seasons in their lives

TMCP 10: How Can Christians Play A Part In Ending Poverty? [Bill Ryan]

What are ways Christians can work together to help eliminate poverty in their local communities? Yonge Street Mission’s Director of Reconciliation, Bill Ryan, offers some great advice! You can find more about Yonge Street Mission by visiting https://www.ysm.ca/. Podcast: Play in a new window | Download

TMCP 9: What Are Some Effective Ways I Can Share My Faith With Others? [Ed Aw]

How do I share my faith with my coworker who seems like they have no interest in knowing God for themselves? There isn’t a quick fix solution but Ed Ah, the founder of paul/timothy.net, shares some ways he teaches every day Monday Christians how to share their

TMCP 8: How Do I Recover From the Loss of a Child? [Sean English]

When Sean and Becky English experienced the death of their daughter, it felt like more than they could possibly bear. In this episode, Sean shares how God was present, even in the midst of this horrific time in their lives. Do you know someone who has recently lost a son

TMCP 7: How Do I Recover From the Loss of a Spouse? [Nancy Stouffer]

The pain of losing a spouse is almost more than many of us could ever imagine. How is recovery even possible? In this episode of The Monday Christian Podcast, Nancy Stouffer shares how God provided grace in the midst of the darkest moment of her life. Out of her suffering,

TMCP 6: Living Your Faith in a Secular University [Jesse Fontaine]

Have you ever wondered who holds the Genus world record for the longer air hockey game of all time? Well, meet this person on today’s podcast! Jesse is passionate about serving God and living out his faith in a secular university environment. If you are in a college or

TMCP 5: How Do I Help Victims of Human Trafficking? [Emily Jones]

Check out the polarisproject.org or you can also contact Emily directly at jonesintern1@gmail.com. Podcast: Play in a new window | Download

TMCP 4: It’s All About Obedience [Tim & Becky Keep]

Obeying God in every situation can sometimes be difficult. It is especially hard when this decision is surrounded by a cloud of uncertainty. Listen as missionaries Tim and Becky Keep share some of their life lessons in obedience to God from over a decade of missions work in the Philippines.

TMCP 4: It’s All About Obedience [Tim & Becky Keep]

Obeying God in every situation can sometimes be difficult. It is especially hard when this decision is surrounded by a cloud of uncertainty. Listen as missionaries Tim and Becky Keep share some of their life lessons in obedience to God from over a decade of missions work in the Philippines.

TMCP 3: Being a Missional Christian In An Urban Environment? [Matt Hallam]

Helpful Resources: Tim Keller, Ray Bakke at urbanministry.org, Bob Lupton, Amy Sherman’s book Kingdom Calling Podcast: Play in a new window | Download

TMCP 2: How Can Fasting Help My Spiritual Life? [Troy Keaton]

Troy Keaton is the senior pastor of Eastlake Community Church in Moneta, Virginia. Podcast: Play in a new window | Download

TMCP 1: What The Monday Christian Podcast Is All About

In this preliminary episode, Ezra shares what The Monday Christian Podcast is all about and the types of shows we can be looking forward to in the future. Podcast: Play in a new window | Download

Kind Words and Why You Shouldn’t Load 2,000 lbs in a Dodge Caravan

So the other day I was at Home Depot (I call it the guy’s version of thrifting) picking up supplies for a backyard clubhouse I’m building for my kids. Okay, it was supposed to be a chicken coop until we found our homeowners association doesn’t allow them…

Seven Lessons From this Crazy Covid-19 Season

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”]   [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”]    [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] Seven Life Lessons from This Crazy Corona Virus Season Needless to say, the last several weeks have been crazy on so many levels. As the saying

My Favorite Scripture Reading App

For the past several years I have used various Scripture Apps to listen to the audio Bible. Unfortunately, no matter how many I tried it seemed like I could never find that sweet balance between nice to listen to and not to dramatic. Then I came across the Dwell Bible

James To You

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Six Reasons I Might Have Given Up On God As a Teen…But I’m Glad I Didn’t.

Just this past week I learned that former Christian author, Joshua Harris, has decided to walk away from the faith he once preached. Reading and listening to his story was disappointing and yet challenging. Honest reality: Each of us know people who grew up with us who want very little

What Do You Do When You Are Listening to a Bad Sermon?

As someone who speaks, it’s painful, yet unsurprising that there have been a few…like one…possibly two…and then there was that one time…well, let’s just say I have preached my share of what one might consider a “bad sermon.” For different reasons I felt “off”

The Toronto Raptors and the Power of Praise

Last night the Toronto Raptors won their first ever NBA championship, setting the city of Toronto into a frenzy. Every subway stop, light post, and street corner were celebration points with thousands of happy fans cheering on their franchises major accomplishment. I was certainly one of them, although my form

Would God Heal My Pet?

Several weeks ago my wife and and I became the owners of two Goldendoodles, one black and the other gold. About a week after bringing them home, we noticed one evening that the black one (Sophie) was getting pretty sick. White foam started to form around her mouth, and our

TMCP 20: How to Grow as a Christian [Darryl Dash]

To find Darryl Dash online simply visit his website, dashhouse.com. On it you’re going to find not only copies of his new book but dozens and dozens of helpful blog posts that are incredibly practical. Podcast: Play in new window | Download

15 Apps I Use On a Habitual Basis

One of my favorite posts from any writer is the list of apps they find helpful and use on a daily basis. I love finding helpful life hacks that make my day easier. Hopefully some of these resources I share will be of help to you! 1) DayOne Journaling App

What Is The State Of Your Soul?

One of my favorite Focus On the Family Radio Theatre Dramas was a series they did a number of years ago when I was still in high school called, “The Father Gilbert Mysteries.” As I recall, one of the stories that had a profound impact on my life was in

Mirrors in the Bible – Part 2

This is the second part of our look at mirrors in the Bible. In part one we examined the negative role of a mirror, how it shows us our flawed state. James chapter 1 tells us that careful reading of the Bible shows us “what kind of person” we are.

Mirrors in the Bible – Part 1

What is a mirror good for? A mirror shows us the state we’re in. It shows messy hair, food in between teeth, and dirt on our face. This is the negative role of a mirror: it reveals what’s wrong with ourselves. A mirror also has a positive role.

How Do I Thirst For God When I Feel Spiritually Dry?

In athletics, there is a massive internal characteristic that separates the good from the great players. Some call it that inner drive. Others title it the strive for greatness. Being someone who loves to watch sport’s documentaries, I cannot help but notice which athletes have this characteristic. After listening

Everyone Will One Day Be Replaced. Who Will Replace You?

Whether we like it or not, virtually everything we do in life will be replaced at some point in time. When we retire from our jobs, someone will come along to replace our business or position in the company. When we decide to drop out of a local sports rec

Don’t Stop With Know

The old saying, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” remains true. Unfortunately, within Christianity, I believe we have too many what I call “lifetime students.” Occasionally I run into someone like this. They might possess multiple bachelors, graduate, and even post-graduate

Beyond Tribalism And For the Kingdom

“Tribalism” has become somewhat of a buzzword in today’s culture. Small business owners frequently refer to customers as their tribe. Thought leaders who develop a strong following on YouTube often call these followers their tribe. Numerous politicians talk about their constituents as those in their tribe. Tribalism has seeped

Is It Okay For a Christian To Drink Alcohol?

Yesterday, I had something odd happen. I was chatting with the pastor of our mother church in Virginia and realized something. Both of us had taken a segment out of our sermons to address a topic we had rarely covered before, but one we felt God had laid on our

Truth Obeyed

“Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, 23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.

Confront Or Let Go: How to Respond When Others Offend Us

Put yourself in this situation. You are walking around a corner at work, you pause and overhear a co-worker saying some…shall we say…unflattering comments about you. How do you respond? Maybe you are talking with one of your friends at church and they inform you that someone has

How Do I Deal With Doubts?

Doubt can be defined as “A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.” While I have known a handful of believers who would state that doubt was never a struggle in their lives, the overwhelming majority of Christians I know have struggled with doubt at some level. Unsurprisingly, doubt usually

Six Ways Billy Graham’s Life Changed Mine

Much has been said and written about the passing of Billy Graham this past week. For me and countless others, he was a hero and someone I admired greatly — not only because of his public status but his commitment to moral purity in all aspects of his life. Facts and

God Knows All That You Need

“For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.” - Psalm 103:14 Click To Tweet The God who formed man from the dust knows the limitations of that frame. God knows our weakness. I’ll mention a few encouraging implications of this fact that

Five Life-Changing February Commitments

January is always that month I get excited about because it just seems so fresh!  It usually has crisp, white, snow (yes, I’m from the North), it’s a new calendar year, and, with it being my birthday, it’s a new life year for me too.  I enjoy

Seven Steps To Having God’s Blessing On Your Finances

Virtually every Christian I know would say they want God to bless them in their personal finances. Through several helpful conversations this last week with different individuals in our church, I decided to write up seven simple, yet often avoided, steps every Christian should take if they want to position

How Do I Stop Watching So Much Media?

Over the years I have found that binge watching too much media is one of those secret sins Christians often wish to ignore. Almost no one I know would happily confess, “Why yes, I waste countless hours of my life watching too much TV, and I’m pretty proud of

Resolutions For Your Resolutions

Let’s take a couple of minutes to discuss the thing we have all been talking about this week, New Year’s Resolutions. There is something about “January 1” that motivates us to start something new and do things better than before. Undoubtedly it is the clean slate of another

The Light Of The World

One of my favorite parts of Christmas has always been the lights. I love driving through neighborhoods all sparkly and bright in the midst of the winter darkness. 2017 has been a year that I’ve been aware of the darkness more than ever.  News reports. Death. Disease. The frailty

How Small Beginnings Can Be Seasons Of Great Joy

As many of our friends and family know, there is a painting in our church prayer room that is very special to Janan and I. It comes from our friends Bob and Nancy Stouffer and has these words from Zechariah 4:10, “Do not despise the day of small beginnings.

What Do You Say To Your Christian Friend Who Believes It Is Wrong To Celebrate Christmas?

Some Christians believe it is wrong to celebrate the holiday of Christmas on the grounds that this annual celebration is rooted in paganism. There is, in fact, a decent chance you will have a conversation with at least one person this season who chooses not to celebrate Christmas because of

More than Daily Food

Is the Bible as precious to us as it should be? Job was a man who had his priorities in the right order and there’s a lot we can learn from him. The Character of Job Job was a godly man. In the first verse of the book that

Seven Steps to Avoiding Impulse Spending 

Today is Cyber Monday. Last year alone in 2016, 3.45 billion dollars was spent through online purchases on this single day. It is safe to assume that many of these purchases were made impulsively and with little prior thought. According to an online poll taken by creditcards.com,  54%

Why Does It Feel Like God Is Always Late In Answering My Prayers?

Every follower of Christ often has a series of prayers they hope God will answer. Prayers for a new job, better house, and nicer car are quite common. As important as these needs are, there is another level of prayers that go a bit deeper than mere material possessions. They

Is Creationism Contrary To Science As Canada’s Governor General Suggests?

Many are aware of the controversial comments made by Canada’s Governor General, Julie Payette. Since the comments were made at the annual convention of the Canadian Science Policy Centre and were framed as the consensus view of the scientifically educated, it seems appropriate to mention my academic background before

What Sutherland, Texas and the Death of Roy Halladay Teach Us About Eternity

Yesterday I heard the news on the radio that former Toronto Blue Jays pitching ace, Roy Halladay, had been involved in a fatal plane crash off the coast of Florida. Even though I had no personal connection with him, he was someone I remember well from my childhood years. On

Diamonds Or Upside-Down Sailboats?

I bought a dress once for $1.32. Brand spanking new. Of course, it was on clearance, but I didn’t know why I got it for such a good deal. It was so cute!  I came home and wore it to church the next Sunday. I was going about

Don’t Despise the Brook

Within just a few sentences of being introduced as the great prophet Elijah, we find him isolated by the brook known as Chereth (pronounced Ka-reth). This colorful prophet who became a powerful instrument of God is first hated and sought after by the wicked King and Queen of Israel. A

Five Reasons I Still Love the Local Church

One of the most encouraging people in our church congregation in Toronto is a man named Peter Walleri. Peter has been with our Discovery Pointe Church family almost since the very beginning. When he first arrived we were still meeting out of a local Boys and Girls Club at 2

A Faith That Works on Monday

Recent statistics indicate that growth in Christianity is on the decline in North America. In a recent talk given by Carey Nieuwhof at the Canadian Church Leaders Conference in June, he estimates that only 5% of the Canadian population actually attends a church on a weekly basis. But I would