Ashley Hooker

When someone is being spiritually manipulative, they often focus on the vulnerabilities of a person or group of people. They may even use the Bible for personal, not kingdom, benefit. Spiritual manipulation can even morph into spiritual abuse.

Jesus told about 60 parables in the Scriptures, but He probably told more that aren't recorded. These stories - sometimes short, sometimes long - convey powerful truths about who God is and how we are to live. Together, let's analyze the parable of the lost sheep.

To explore this question further, let’s take a look at the Biblical sources for baptism, what the modern Christian view of baptism is, the various practices of baptism across denominations, and some advice if you or a loved one is considering baptism.

Legalism has been in our churches and lives since Satan convinced Eve there was something other than God’s way. It is a word that no one wants to use. To be labeled a legalist usually comes with a negative stigma. Legalism can tear people and churches apart. The shocking part is that most people don’t know what legalism is and how it affects our Christian walk on an almost hourly basis.

My husband is a pastor in training. As his time at school is coming to an end, our family has been prayerfully looking at churches to minister to. Through our research we have found the statement “King James Version only” pop up frequently. Now we are not people who look down upon any believer who chooses to read the KJV, but we do find this concerning. How many men and women of God have looked over these churches all because of this statement?

To better understand this topic we call legalism, we need to look at what legalism is and identify the three types of legalism that are prevalent today. Then we need to address what God’s word says about this topic and how we can combat the repercussions of legalism in our churches and lives.

It is obvious that God likes variety because he made us in a variety of hair colors, skin colors, heights, talents, and personalities. The church should look like that too. Not all people will like or agree on the same things, and that is why churches are different. There is – or there should be – a place of worship for all people because of this variety.

The days are getting shorter, and the air feels crisp and cold. Jackets and shawls are waiting in the closet to keep you warm. Soon, snow will be in the forecast and cold winds will challenge your home's windows and doors. Winter has arrived.

Winter is a season many people dread. The days feel fleeting with more hours of darkness than light. We feel stuck inside our homes and workplaces because it is too cold outside. Seasonal depression and sickness creep in, and we find ourselves longing for spring when winter has just begun.

While winter comes with its woes, it also comes with a feeling of God’s presence in our lives. Below, I will share seven prayers that can help you and me both see the beauty and blessing in the winter days ahead.

Winter in the Bible

In the Bible, winter is characterized as a time of preparation and foresight. In the biblical world, society was mostly agrarian. They depended on the cycles of nature to survive. The rainy season, which runs from October to April, accompanied the winter season. This was the time farmers were relying on the provisions they had stored and were planning for future planting.

Theologically, winter is part of God’s creation (Psalm 74:17) and is a way to remind us of life’s natural cycles. It is a season where we must rely on God’s provision and His wisdom. The imagery of winter in the Bible is used to convey deep spiritual truths. Winter is not just a season used to describe what is going on in the biblical world. It is a metaphor for spiritual truths and the covenant that God made with creation.

With that in mind, let’s turn our hearts to prayer in this new season with six prayers for winter.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Vera Livchak

Is it true that all of us are sinful people? It's true that we are all constantly fighting to follow God's laws and ways, but what exactly does it mean that we have a "sin nature"? And is there anything we can do about that?

Jesus may have delivered His parables thousands of years ago, but the lessons are as relevant for us now as they were for listeners then. So how can we be wise builders and not suffer the great destruction of the foolish builder?

Lily, wildflowers, hyssop. We see flowers all across the pages of Scripture, often symbolizing love, purity, growth, and restoration. But these beautiful buds are more than pleasant to look at, they also teach us about the very character and nature of God. 

Pastors see their flock as a God-given responsibility. They strive each day to love each one as Jesus loves them. If a pastor does not care about their flock, then they are not following God’s command to love one another. 

I must, sometimes reading my Bible seems like a daunting task. I get discouraged easily when I don’t understand something. Over the years I have found some tips that have helped me with this.

While as Christians, we preach purity and waiting until marriage to bring children into the world, we also must see the opportunity to share God’s love with those young people who find themselves becoming parents all too soon.

Trials are what bring us closer to God and strengthen our faith. Trials help us learn the nature of God as the One who will carry those trials with you, making them light and momentary.

Easter is a holy day for Christians around the world. As we enter this season, we should be humbled by the tragedy that was the death of Christ. In our humility we can also be confident that just as Jesus rose from the grave, we too will be risen from this earth to spend eternity with Him.