Is Smoking Tobacco a Sin?
August 27, 2024
We’ve seen smoking isn’t explicitly noted in Scripture, yet the Bible does address the foundational principles from which smoking stems and provides us with everything we need to live a godly life.
Latest writing
Articles by Lisa Loraine Baker
Where Is the Line with Gossiping?
August 26, 2024
Oftentimes gossip begins with what seems to be a sincere desire to explain and/or solve a problem or concern for another, but if the information is inflammatory, denigrates or slanders a person or group, is unsubstantiated or otherwise puts a person in a bad light, it’s gossip.
How to Pray for the Candidate You Won't Be Voting For
August 22, 2024
The United States Presidential election season is not only upon us; it’s in full swing through every state and territory where citizens can legally vote. A huge voting block is comprised of Christians, and the candidates will vie for our support and endorsements. Differences aside, and no matter which election season we face, how should we pray for the “other guy” — the candidate we choose not to support?
Even within our faith, differences between denominations amass over issues that for some will prevent them from voting for a particular person. Whether single-issue or “whole package” voters, as Christians, it’s our privilege to cast a vote based on how our faith leads us.
However, we need to be careful to refrain from heated discussions with people who have opposing views. The Bible tells us to, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone” (Philippians 4:5). The passage continues by telling Christians the Lord is at hand and His peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). As we interact with other voters and discover differences in values, we are to pray in our hearts and with other believers with thankfulness to the Lord, and be peaceable.
The other person, whether Christian or not, will see our behavior and remember our actions. The best outcome? They will glorify God because of us (Galatians 1:24).
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/OsakaWayne Studios
PLUS
5-Day Study Tracking Solomon’s Thoughts in Ecclesiastes
August 12, 2024
For five days, we will follow Solomon’s train of thought throughout Ecclesiastes. What was he thinking? Or better yet, what was God thinking we needed to learn and heed through the word He gave Solomon? Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Marinela Malcheva
PLUS
What Does It Mean to Take Refuge in God: A 5-Day Study
July 16, 2024
How do we move past fear into faith and stand with confidence? The world is full of uncertainty, but we don’t have to live in fear. Our refuge is not in circumstances or ourselves—it’s in Almighty God. He is our fortress, our shelter, and our peace.
This 5-day study will walk you through what it means to take refuge in Him, from the cities of refuge in the Old Testament to the ultimate refuge we have in Christ. As you read, you’ll discover how to stand strong in faith, knowing your life is secure in Him
Photo credit: SWN Design
Do Christians Have to Get Married in a Church?
June 13, 2024
We are the church, so true believers always get married “in” the church no matter the location of the ceremony (assuming a Christian couple would not choose a questionable site). Weddings performed in a church setting, however, have a special nature about them because it’s where the church gathers every week to worship the Lord.
PLUS
Can a Christian “Love” Someone into the Kingdom of God?
June 4, 2024
When we hear the Gospel and fully embrace Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we desire to show our profound gratitude to and love for Him by loving others. How? By (1) sharing the Gospel and (2) doing good works that always point to the Lord and His Gospel.
What Are the Praiseworthy Things That Christians Should Think On?
May 30, 2024
One look at this list will show us the qualities of a righteous person, one committed to the Lord and one who keeps His Word. Where do we go to learn the hows of a godly life? The Bible. As we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18), we are never lacking in godly thoughts.
10 Tips to Remember as You Teach Your Child to Pray
May 28, 2024
We are never too young to memorize Scripture, and a good one to help your children realize the importance of prayer is 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.”
Why Does the Reformation Phrase Sola Scriptura Still Matter Today?
May 20, 2024
We know that Sola Scriptura was an important slogan in the Protestant Reformation, but why? For that matter, why is it still important today?
What Can Christians Learn from the Reformation Phrase Soli Deo Gloria?
May 17, 2024
How does Soli Deo Gloria, a Latin phrase coined centuries ago, impact our lives today?
Why Should Christians Know What the Adamic Covenant Is Today?
May 17, 2024
We see the word covenant in many church names, but what is a covenant? What does it mean when theologians say an Adamic covenant goes back to the Garden of Eden?
12 Uplifting Prayers for Those Who Are Just Tired
May 10, 2024
We all get hit at times with the “tireds.” Tired of school, ministry, parenting, people — tired of everything. Sometimes rest just doesn’t come when we need it; often, a night’s sleep won’t cure what ails us. What we need is prayer — fervent prayer — our best offense and defense during every season of life.
People can get dicey, even snarky when they’re tired. As Christians, that smacks of disobedience because:
1. We are commanded to rest (Exodus 20:8-10)
2. We are to treat others as more significant than ourselves (Philippians 2:3)
3. We are to do to others as we wish they would do to us (Matthew 7:12).
While fatigue is not our preference, our circumstances can lead to this unwanted affliction.
Following are 12 prayers for those of you dealing with personal weariness, along with twelve corresponding prayers to offer on a weary person’s behalf, and Scripture to pray back to God.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/kaipong
Why We Must “Walk in the Light, as He Is in the Light”
April 16, 2024
When we want to know and emulate someone, we spend as much time as possible with them. How much more should we take time to read and study God’s Word, for knowing His Word means knowing God.