Dear Church, We live in a time when faith is often spoken of as something deeply personal and entirely private. People say, “My faith is between me and God,” as though that statement alone settles the matter. While faith certainly involves personal conviction and individual responsibility, Scripture never presents it as something meant to be…
Dear Church, Few phrases are more common in our culture today than the claim, “I am spiritual, but not religious.” It is often spoken as a rejection of hypocrisy, abuse, or empty ritual. Sometimes it comes from genuine hurt. Other times it reflects a desire for autonomy without accountability. Whatever the reason, it is a…
Dear Church, One of the most remarkable truths about our God is not only that He is all powerful, but that He chooses not to rule His people by force. From the beginning, God has desired willing hearts, not coerced compliance. He calls. He invites. He commands. But He does not compel love or obedience…
Dear Church, It is easy for any congregation to become busy and yet forget why we exist. We can fill our calendars, maintain our traditions, and occupy our buildings, all while slowly drifting from the mission Christ entrusted to His church. Activity is not the same as faithfulness. Purpose must always guide our work. Before…
Dear Church, Few tensions in the life of the church are more difficult to navigate than the relationship between truth and love. Some fear that if we emphasize truth, we will become harsh, judgmental, and unapproachable. Others fear that if we emphasize love, we will compromise conviction and drift from sound doctrine. Scripture allows us…
Love is easy when it is reciprocated. It is far more difficult when it is tested by misunderstanding, mistreatment, or hostility. Yet Jesus makes it clear that the distinguishing mark of His followers is not how they love friends, but how they love enemies. Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do…
Dear Church, Unity is one of those beautiful words we all love to talk about, but few truly understand the cost of maintaining it. We praise it, we desire it, and we lament when we do not have it. Yet true unity does not happen by accident. It is built deliberately. It must be guarded…
Dear Church, There are few words in the gospel that are as beautiful and as difficult as the word forgiveness. We love to receive it. We struggle to extend it. Yet at the heart of our faith stands the simple truth that we are a forgiven people who must learn to forgive. Jesus taught us…
Dear Church, One of the quietest but most dangerous things that can happen to God’s people is that we lose the ability, or the willingness, to listen. Scripture says, “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). But if we’re being honest, we often reverse the order. We…
Dear Church, When the Lord wrote to the church in Ephesus through John, He said something both sobering and tender: “I know your works, your labor, your patience… and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you…