We live in a world where Hollywood blockbusters, school plays, department stores, and our church hymnals all contribute to the way we understand and remember the birth of the promised king of Israel. This secularization has given rise to overfamiliarity with the story of Jesus’ birth. Our children’s books and nativity scenes, while helpful in some ways, have also given us a false sense of confidence when it comes to the details. Ask the average westerner today to tell you the story of Jesus’ birth and you will almost certainly hear things that are altogether inaccurate or utterly...
All resources in the category "Friendship with Jesus"
Resources relating to nearness, fellowship, and friendship with Jesus while He is absent.
Audio
How does our love and faith in Jesus grow stronger? In this short teaching given to a group of college ministry interns, Josh walks through some practical steps of growing in love for Jesus by growing in the knowledge of Him. By looking at what He said, what He did, and what He promised to do, we can grow in substantial relationship with Him.
Blog entry
Over the past several years my friendship with Jesus has grown tremendously by studying His life. The 89 chapters of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John offer far more than surface-level details about our Lord. The more I've sought clarity about Him through the four Gospels, the more I've realized that I've had some wrong assumptions about Him. Because I care about Him, I care about people knowing the truth about Him. So this post is the first of several where I'll talk about some common misconceptions about Jesus' life. I...
Blog entry
With every new year comes new resolutions, new goals, and a fresh start for many things in life. One of the most important personal choices I’ve made for the past several years now is to read the Bible from cover to cover each year.
The Psalmist says “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). As we sojourn as pilgrims in this evil age and patiently await the return of Jesus, the Scriptures are like a bright light on a dark night, guiding us and strengthening our faith, hope, and love until that Day. And not only does Bible reading...
Blog entry
Over the past several years I've written, recorded, or published numerous resources to encourage the body of Christ during the winter holidays. As we are progressing through yet another Advent and Christmas season, I wanted to share them with you. I trust they will strengthen your faith and deepen your fellowship with Jesus as you ponder His birth this year.
- The Incarnation and the Life of Jesus - a series of articles looking at some of...
Blog entry
UPDATED FOR 2015: Check out the 2015 Advent Guide here!
Advent is a term originally derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival". During Advent, the Christian church remembers Jesus' first coming and joyfully anticipates His second. From His lowly birth in a feed trough to His humble life among the people of Israel, Advent is a focused time to remember God's humility and faithfulness and to “fan the flame” of expectation for Jesus’ return to...
Blog entry
When something is known to possess worth or value, we seek to honor it, show it, tell others about it, and treasure it for ourselves. Just take one of Apple's latest inventions as an example. Corporate executives, wedding DJ's, high school football players, and stay-at-home moms want to own it and show it off to others. Technology geeks want to do more than just own it - they'll talk about it, write about it, hack it, and buy all sorts of accessories for it. Thieves will break into stores or snatch purses to steal it. Without question, that small metal box of silicon transistors,...
Blog entry
I'm so excited for the launch of my weekly video series, Opening Up the Gospels. In 7-10 minute episodes every Tuesday, I will be chronologically walking through the events of the life of Jesus as Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John narrate it. I'm not sure how many episodes I'll have before it's all over, but if the Lord wills, I'll make it all the way to Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 21!
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Blog entry
We are a couple weeks into the new year and undoubtedly for many, the strong resolutions made in late 2012 are already turning into hopeful wishes for 2013. Whether it be the new workout routine, better time management, or healthier eating habits, our human zeal wanes without constant provocation and motivation from others. But even with incentive, our follow-through is often lacking the consistency we desire.
Yet among all of the resolutions we could possibly make for the new year, one will always rise above the rest because it has the guarantee of God's might...