Latest writing

Articles by Bethany Verrett

5 Steps to a Christlike Discussion about the Roe v. Wade Decision

5 Steps to a Christlike Discussion about the Roe v. Wade Decision

June 24, 2022

The Supreme Court Friday overturned the Roe v. Wade decision from 1973 and the Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision from 1992, by ruling on the Dobbs v. Jackson case. This has inspired passionate responses from those who believe in the right to choose abortion, and those who believe in preserving the life of the unborn baby. Even in the church, there will be strongly differing opinions. It can be hard to know how to navigate moments like these as a believer. Fortunately, Jesus Christ lived a perfect life, and serves as the model which all Christians can strive to emulate.

Here are five keys to having a Christlike response about the Dobbs v. Jackson Decision, which overturned the Roe v. Wade decision, by the Supreme Court of the United States of America.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Thomas Barwick

Read article
5 Prayers for Happiness and True Joy

5 Prayers for Happiness and True Joy

June 22, 2022

Happiness can be a complicated emotion in the Christian community. Some people sell happiness as the end goal of the faith with prosperity gospel messaging; earthly happiness is available to those with enough faith, and who ask. On the other extreme, there are people who believe Christians should not strive for earthly happiness, but joy focused on the eternal.

The Bible supports a more moderate view of these emotions. God both blesses people with things on earth that can bring them happiness, but also keeps bringing the focus back to Himself, and the eternal things which bring lasting joy. Christians can pray for happiness and joy, pursuing heavenly things while finding happiness in the life that has been given them on earth.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Sasha_Suzi

Read article
What Are the Differences Between Catholic and Protestant?

What Are the Differences Between Catholic and Protestant?

June 6, 2022

In the Christian faith, there are many denominations, because sometimes it can be hard for broken people in a fallen world to agree on anything completely. Some of these disagreements are significant, while others are minor. One of the biggest and most significant differences within Christianity is between Catholicism and Protestantism.

These two sets of beliefs are often set apart in contradiction to one another, but usually without a great deal of explanation as to what their differences are, or why they disagree. Catholicism, built on the foundation of when Rome made Christianity its official religion, is steeped in tradition, structure, and liturgy. Protestantism was built on the reformation inspired by Martin Luther which embraced certain aspects of the Catholic faith, but stood in staunch opposition to others.

Understanding the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism, namely on key issues of doctrine, ecclesiology, and soteriology, can give useful insights into Christian culture and denominational differences.

Some key concepts and words to understand include:

Ecclesiology: The study of churches, especially church building and decoration; theology as applied to the nature and structure of the Christian Church.

In simple terms, studying churches and creating applications on how they should be structured and operated.

Soteriology: The doctrine of salvation. 

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Mongkolchon Akesin

Read article
When Did Jesus Die? What Do We Know About the Timeline of Jesus' Death and Resurrection
10 Bible Stories Every Kid Should Know

10 Bible Stories Every Kid Should Know

March 10, 2022

Teaching children about their Savior and how they can have eternal life may be the most important responsibility of a Christian parent and the believers who come into the lives of children. One of the key ways to help children grow spiritually is to help them get to know the Bible.

Reading the stories, extracting lessons, helping them memorize important verses, and helping them see the connections to Jesus and God’s love are part of “train[ing] up a child in the way he should go; [so] even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). The Bible is a big book, and it can be difficult to know where to start. Fortunately, there are many stories that are important and accessible for children.

Here are 10 of the most popular Bible stories for kids.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Tutye

Read article