The Study Library
Filter by topics, formats, or what you currently need to find Scripture-focused answers.
10 Tips For Understanding The Bible
Tips for Bible Study
12 Ways To Honor A Deceased Loved One
What are things we can do to celebrate friends and family who have died?
3 Keys to Earthly and Spiritual Success
3 simple principles that maximize the opportunity for life success
3 Reasons God Wants His Children to Work
The value of work for a Christian
5 Important Lessons To Learn From School
What are some of the intangible blessings of attending school
5 Positive Signs in a Dating Relationship
Green flags showing a person one is dating is likely a good person
5 Reasons I Don't Get Freaked Out During an Election Year
Finding calm during an eledction year
5 Warning Signs in a Dating Relationship
Red flags that one is not dating an ideal partner
5 Ways to Use Social Media to Glorify God and Teach Others
How can Christians use Social Media for God's glory
5 Ways You Must Test Your Faith
Key ways a person can examine the strength of their faith
7 Things Christians Tell God When They Avoid Daily Prayer
Warning signs that one's prayer life is suffering
A Christian NOT Celebrating Christmas as a Religious Day?
Not all Christians celebrate Christmas as a holy day
A Good Reputation
The value of a young person having a good reputation
A Life Others Love
Live a life that others admire for its character
A Mind Like Christ
What must we do to think like Jesus?
A Conscience Trained to Guide Us
The Bible trains us to care for our conscience
A Godly Goal For Your Life
To reach our godly goals we need to focus on the target
Add Brotherly Kindness to Faith
Faith is made stronger by brotherly kindness
Add Godliness to Your Faith
How godliness strengthens our faith
Add Knowledge to Your Faith
How knowledge strengthens our faith
Add Love to Your Faith
How love can strengthen our faith
Add Endurance to Faith
How can we add perseverance to our faith?
Add Self-Control to Your Faith
How self-control can stengthen our faith
Add to Your Faith
Faith is the foundation upon which a Christian life is built
Add Virtue to Your Faith
How virtue strengthens our faith
Advice to Young Christians on Choosing A Career
What should Christians consider when choosing a career?
All My Lame Excuses (and 5 ways to get rid of them)
How to live a life unburdened by excuses
Amazing Joseph
Joseph endured much injustice but God used his misfortune for a greater purpose
Are You Guilty of Christianity?
Is there plenty of evidence of Christianity in your life?
Are Virtual Friends Inferior to Physical Friends?
There is great value in friends we meet online
Are You Chicken?
How will you react if people call you names if you do not sin
Ask God For Wisdom
James tells us we can pray for wisdom and God will answer the prayer
Avoiding Filthy Language
How can we clean up our speech?
Barabbas and Second Chances
I sometimes think about the first person Jesus saved when He went to the cross. We do not often consider this person, since he is not...
Battling Pornography
The Battle for the Mind Pornography is a major challenge for Christians striving to follow the biblical instruction to live: > "...soberly...
Be Swift to Hear and Slow to Anger
> So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath [anger]; for the wrath of man does not...
Be True To You
The Danger of Living a Lie The thought of being caught in a lie is bad enough. Imagine if you were a religious leader caught in a massive...
Becoming the Right Person
Becoming the Right Person When people think of being a child of God, they often focus on a list of rules—what they can and cannot do....
Beware What Entertains You!
Even if we do not realize it, the things that entertain us have a huge influence on our lives. This influence is subtle, like the gradual...
Bible Reading With Purpose
Have you ever said—or heard someone else say—one of the following statements? > "I just don't understand the Bible." > "I read the...
Identify the Bible Character Using the Clues
Who Am I? Test your Bible knowledge! Can you guess these famous Bible characters using the clues provided? Grab a Bible and check the...
Big Picture of the Bible
Do you realize that the Bible is actually one complete, connected story? Growing up, I regularly attended Bible classes and worship...
Blaming Others
Think of the last time you did something wrong. Why did you do it? Did any of these common excuses cross your mind? > “My brother (or...
Blessings With Car Troubles
My son and I were traveling to an out-of-state college recently. I drove the family van, and he followed in his truck. We had arrived...
Blocking God's Light
Reflecting God's Light Jesus called His followers to be "lights in the world" (Matthew...
Is God's Plan For Your Life a Blueprint or a Game Plan?
In today's religious world, it is popular to believe that God has planned out every small detail of our individual lives. People on...
Books of the New Testament Summaries: Gospels and Acts
The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) The New Testament begins with four books known as the Gospels. These books tell the story...
Books of the New Testament Summaries: Letters of Paul
Romans The apostle Paul wrote the book of Romans as a letter, or epistle (a formal letter sent to a group of believers), to the Christians...
Books of the Old Testament Summaries: Major Prophets
Isaiah Isaiah is one of the major prophets (messengers sent by God) of the Old Testament. In the Bible, a prophet is called "major"...
Books of the Old Testament Summaries: Minor Prophets
Hosea The Unfaithful Wife and God's Love Hosea was a prophet of God during a time when the people of God in Judah were not being faithful...
Flying Through The Finish Line
After listing the traits that every Christian should have, Peter explains why they are so important. If we diligently build these characteristics,...
Choose Friends Carefully
> "The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray." — <a href="" class="bible-ref"...
Choose Friends With Care
The Power of Influence One of the strongest influences in our lives is our friends. The people we choose to spend time with will either...
Choosing God Over The World
In Romans 13:11-14, the apostle Paul urged the Christians in Rome to...
Cleaning The Church Building
Sometimes young people think there are very few ways they can serve God. However, that is not true! There are many practical ways to...
Comforting the Grieving
Most of us have great difficulty when visiting the bereaved (those who are grieving the death of a loved one) at their home or the...
Comparing Your Looks To A Fake
> "...in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair...
Confused Christian Communication
Noise fills the air, but nothing makes sense. Sometimes we focus so much on our own message that we completely tune out others. At...
Connecting Three Bible Trees
The Trees of Beginning and End The book of Genesis opens the Bible with two prominent trees in the Garden of Eden: 1. The Tree of Life—which...
Considerations Before Going to the Prom or Dancing
As high school winds down in the spring, young Christians face a unique question: "Should I go to the prom?" While many teenagers simply...
Contentment is a Prayer of Thankfulness
Our contentment (being satisfied and peaceful with what we have) tells God thank you for taking care of our needs and overfilling our...
Copying Bible Lesson
Copying Bible Lesson Jeanie is feeling very frustrated this Sunday morning. Every night, she takes time to read a little bit of her...
Cost of Sin and Value of Holiness
The Damage of Sin The first several chapters of Proverbs vividly describe the emotional, physical, and relational damage that comes...
Could You Live Without Internet Celebrity?
Could you live in obscurity? Imagine no Facebook celebrity status. Imagine no personal reality series unfolding on social media. No...
Could You Serve Christ in Obscurity?
In a previous article, I wrote about the craving some have—which I also fight—to become a celebrity in their own digital world. That...
Dad's Brownies
Author Unknown A father of three teenagers had a strict family rule: his kids were not allowed to watch PG-13 or R-rated movies. One...
Dead to the World
The Christian life is full of death. First, Jesus had to die to atone for (make amends for) our sins and reconcile (restore a friendly...
Disappointment When Parents Let You Down
Disappointment When Parents Let You Down All of us have experienced disappointment. Maybe someone made a special promise to you, but...
Do Barber's Exist
Author Unknown A man went to a local barber shop to get his hair and beard trimmed. As the barber worked, the two men struck up an...
Do I Have To Love Other Christians?
God commands us to love our Christian brothers and sisters. Loving our spiritual family is not optional, nor is it a command we can...
Do Not Ask The Dead To Help The Living
Losing a close relative or friend is one of the most painful experiences we can go through. We deeply feel the loss of their physical...
Do Not Awaken Love Until It Pleases
The most profound...
Do Not Be Ruled By Things
If you visit a mall, you will see stores filled with wonderful things. You will see clothes that everyone seems to be wearing and shoes...
Do Unto Others
> “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” — <a href="" class="bible-ref"...
Do We Become Angels When We Die?
Many years ago, I attended a very sad funeral. A young Christian couple had lost their newborn twins at birth. I was surprised by the...
Do You Follow Jesus or Just Admire Him?
During Jesus' earthly ministry, massive crowds often followed Him. The numbers grew so large that He sometimes had to withdraw to quiet...
Do You Have Your Lesson?
If you attend Bible classes regularly, do you always have your lesson prepared? If you are a parent, do you check to see if your children...
Do Your Best and Others Will Notice
> "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men." > — <a href="" class="bible-ref"...
Does God Always Love Me?
Sometimes when we do something we know we should not do, we might ask ourselves, "Does God still love me even though I did this?" Other...
Does God Wish You Wouldn't Bother Him?
Could you imagine arriving at church to worship, only for God to tell you He wishes you would just go home and lock the doors? What...
Does Your Facebook Activity Betray You?
Guest post by Aaron Beard It was a highly tense situation. Jesus had been arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane and was facing a series...
Don't Be Bossy or Rude
> "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." —...
Don't Leave The Lord When You Leave Home
When you move away from home...
Don't Miss The Good Things Because You're Impatient
> "Hope deferred (delayed) makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life." <a href="" class="bible-ref" data-verse="Proverbs...
Don't Swim in the Sewage
1 Peter describes sinful living like swimming in filth
Don't Talk Your Dreams To Death
> "In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty" > — Proverbs...
Dumbing Down Christianity
Guest Post by Phil Robertson Did you know that 10% of churchgoers in America believe that Joan of Arc was Noah’s wife? That really...
Earn To Live and Earn to Give
> "Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to...
Encouraging Words
A Christian’s language must be godly and reflect a heart that is consecrated (set apart for a holy purpose) for God. The apostle Paul...
Engaging Videos on the Life of Christ
Engaging Videos on the Life of Christ Appian Media has created an engaging and educational video series called "Following the Messiah."...
Fighting Words
We must watch our language when we are angry. James wrote: > "the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." Many people...
Filthy Language
Christians must reject the sinful speech that is so common in the world. One of the clearest ways to identify ourselves as followers...
Five Principles for a Focused Life
Danger lurks in the soil of your heart. In the Parable of the Sower (a story...
Five Ways Some People Steal from their Employer
A Christian in the workplace—whether working a part-time summer job or pursuing a long-term career—should reflect the character of...
Controlling Flesh with the Spirit
There is a war raging inside each of us. Both sides want complete victory and the absolute surrender of the other. The two forces fighting...
Focusing on the Cross During the Lord's Supper
Every Lord’s Day (Sunday), we have the opportunity to remember Jesus' sacrifice when we partake of (participate in) the Lord’s Supper....
You Are Too Blessed Not To Give Thanks
It is frustrating to prepare a special meal, plan a party, or find a perfect gift for someone only...
Forgiving Ourselves
You know, based on God's promises, that He has fully forgiven you. Yet, if you are still agonizing over what you did (or failed to...
Forgiving Yourself
Many years ago, I spoke with a young woman who was struggling with a difficult decision. She was debating whether to confess past mistakes...
Friends of God
> "You are my friends if you do what I command." > — John 15:14 What would...
Friends With "Scarface"
Jack is a boy at your school who doesn't have many friends. He seems like a nice guy, but he is a little overweight and isn't very...
Genuine Love vs. Affection
> "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever...
Getting Started With Personal Bible Study
Personal Bible study is one of the most rewarding practices in the Christian life. However, it requires intention and structure. Here...
"Give Thanks to the Lord, For His Steadfast Love Endures Forever"
The phrase “give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever” appears exactly like this 10 times in the Old Testament....
Giving Back
Recently, I spent a week in Florida doing service projects at Florida College near Tampa. As an alumnus (former student), I support...
Giving Back...To Those Who Take Care of You
Your parents, grandparents, or guardians make incredible sacrifices to take care of you every single day. Instead of focusing on a...
God Gives Me Songs in the Night
In the quiet of the night, loneliness and sorrow can easily overwhelm us. However, God gives Christians songs in the night when they...
God Made This Day!
> "This is the day the LORD has made; > We will rejoice and be glad in it." > — Psalm...
God Rules in the Kingdoms of Men
Nebuchadnezzar, the king of the mighty Babylonian Empire, learned a hard lesson about pride. While walking on the roof of his palace,...
God Sees Strength In Us Where We See Weakness
Story of Gideon For seven years, the Midianites terrorized the Israelites. Every time Israel planted their crops, the Midianites would...
God Supplies So We Can Provide
The opportunity to give to others is a blessing for both the giver and the receiver. It does not matter whether the gift is money,...
God Will Not Forsake You
> For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake (abandon or leave behind) you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my...
Godly Youth Activity Book
Parents and teachers have long enjoyed the worksheets and puzzles on the Godly Youth site. To make things easier, we have combined...
God’s Comfort
One of my favorite songs includes these comforting lyrics: > "Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand. But I know who...
Good and Bad Habits
> Sow an act and you reap a habit. > Sow a habit and you reap a character. > Sow a character and you reap a destiny. > — Samuel Smiles...
Help A Cheater?
Your best friend, Jeremy, is in a bind. Today is a major math test, and he didn't study last night because he had a baseball game and...
Heroes
Who are your heroes? We all probably have different heroes—people we respect for the great things they have done or the difference...
Hold To What Is Good
Sincere Love In Romans 12:9, the apostle Paul gives us clear instructions:...
How Can A Good God Permit Suffering?
This is the first article in a three-part series on Understanding Suffering: 1. How Can A Good God Permit Suffering? 2. Man Creates...
How Can Christ Be The Firstborn?
Of all the names given to Jesus in the New Testament, one of the most misunderstood is "firstborn." To modern readers, this title might...
Don't Give Your Attacker Ammunition
Imagine this scene: Cops and robbers are having a shootout in a dusty warehouse, just like in the movies. Suddenly, one robber yells...
How Do You Know What God Wants?
Guest Post by Phil Robertson. My dad has always enjoyed telling a joke about a thermos. It goes like this. Three men were arguing over...
How I Was Wrong About A "Dead" Church
When I returned home from college one year, I was on a spiritual high. I had learned so much from my college Bible classes, my new...
How The Mighty Have Fallen
When King Saul and his son Jonathan were killed in battle against the Philistines, David sang a song of mourning. In <a href="" class="bible-ref"...
How To Deliver a REAL Apology
Accept Responsibility for Your Failures Think of the last time you did something wrong. Why...
How To Feel More Comfortable about Sin
The word "sin" seems so harsh. No one likes to have their actions called sins. Naturally, having our mistakes labeled as sin makes...
I Don't Know What I Want To Be When I Grow Up!
In a world of limitless opportunities, finding the right career can feel overwhelming. Many young people get frustrated trying to narrow...
I Thought You Were A Christian
Those words stung. They slammed deep into my chest. The look of disappointment in her eyes and the sword of truth from her tongue hit...
I Was Just Teasing!
How would you feel if someone started calling you names? What if they made fun of your clothes, your friends, or your hair? What if...
If God is For Us, Who Can Oppose Us?
> “What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” > — <a href="" class="bible-ref" data-verse="Romans...
In God's Time
As a young man, Moses wanted to help his people, but he was incredibly frustrated. Raised in Pharaoh's palace, he watched the oppression...
Innocence by Keith Stonehart
A guest post by Keith Stonehart from his blog Keith Stonehart is Dead The Passage of Time I woke up one day and realized I wasn’t as...
Interpreting the Bible and Personal Feelings
We often hear the claim, “The Bible means different things to different people.” Some adopt this view because they believe it is unkind...
"Is That All?"
Billy is used to getting everything he wants. On his birthdays and at Christmas, his parents buy him a massive amount of presents....
Is Your Faith Your Own?
Guest Post by Phil Robertson The Unchanging Precision of Truth The old adage "numbers never lie" is really true. Two plus two will...
It's Just A Little Money
Imagine you are walking through a store and see a toy you have wanted for a long time. Unfortunately, you do not have enough money...
It's Not About The Money
Would you prefer a job that pays a high salary but leaves you feeling empty, or a job with average pay that you truly enjoy? Many young...
Jeremiah 29:11 Is NOT A Promise For Christians
I often see Christians—both young and old—pointing to <a href="" class="bible-ref" data-verse="Jeremiah...
Just Because We Want It Doesn't Mean God Wants It
Sometimes, sincere and well-intentioned people want to introduce new practices into the worship of God. They might suggest ideas that...
Learning From Your Friends
There are many people tugging at us in life. Some urge us to do what is good, while others tempt us to do evil. Few influences are...
Learning Lessons From The Death of a Loved One
A thoughtful person leaves a funeral home with a prayer for the grieving and a quiet reflection on their own mortality (the fact that...
Let It Run Through
Author Unknown A son was once talking to his father about reading the Bible. > “Dad, I read the Bible often and memorize verses in...
Let the Mind Control The Body
How Romans teaches us to use our spirit to control our flesh
Lie Then Obey?
The Dilemma Fred’s parents were getting ready to go out to dinner. His big sister was staying home to watch him. Before leaving, Fred’s...
Life Changing Decisions for Young People to Make
There is an old saying about planting trees: > "The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is today."...
Live Like Lamps in the World
Live Like Lamps in the World Jesus commands His followers to be good examples to the people around them. Sometimes, people in the world...
Live Worthy of Your High Calling
You must resist the call to live according to the foolishness of this world. You should live a pure and holy life, not only to avoid...
Living Like A Champion
> "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And...
Loser!
You are playing on a sports team with some of your friends. One of your teammates, Ron, is not as skilled as the other players. He...
Loving As Christ Loved
The type of love Christians should show to one another is beautifully described in <a href="" class="bible-ref" data-verse="Colossians...
Lucky for Us!
Guest post by Joshua Sanders. Joshua is a sophomore at Plant City High School in Plant City, Florida. He worships with the believers...
Make Heaven Your Goal
> “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” — <a href="" class="bible-ref" data-verse="Philippians...
Making Mature Decisions
Unlike the Old Testament law, the New Testament does not rely on long lists of specific "dos" and "don'ts." While it contains clear...
Man Creates Much of His Suffering
Suffering Series: Article 2 of 3 First Article: How Can A Good God Permit Suffering Next Article: Working With God to Relieve Suffering...
Regret 2: Missed Much by Working Too Much
Several years ago, Bronnie Ware, a former palliative care (care focused on comforting seriously ill or dying patients) nurse, wrote...
Modesty
The Pool Party Jill was invited by her junior high classmates to a girls-only pool party. These friends often gathered at Jen’s house...
Monster by Keith Stonehart
I want to be positive. I really do. I try each day to make positivity my focus, but there is already so much negativity surrounding...
My Soul Follows Close Behind You
I was the kind of child who easily got lost in the mall or at the state fair. I would walk behind...
New Year – New Goals
Happy New Year! I hope this will be a prosperous (successful and thriving) and joyful new year for you. I pray you are blessed with...
Not The Right Gift?
Imagine you spent the entire month of December hoping to get an Xbox for Christmas. When you wake up on Christmas morning, you find...
Obedience and Happy Parents
> A wise son makes a glad father, > But a foolish son is the grief of his mother. > — <a href="" class="bible-ref" data-verse="Proverbs...
Obeying God by Obeying the Law
Did you know that when you obey the laws of your country and state, you are also obeying God? The apostle Paul explained to the Christians...
Why Older People Give Youth Advice (And Why You Should Listen)
Older people frequently enjoy sharing a lifetime of wisdom...
Overcome Evil With Good
A Different Way to React In Romans 12:21, the apostle Paul wrote: > "Do...
Own Your Life and Give Up Your Excuses
Kyle Maynard’s Story Kyle Maynard wrestled in high school and in college for the Georgia Bulldogs. He set records in weightlifting,...
Painful Words
Jill went to visit her grandparents. Her grandmother spent hours in the kitchen cooking a special dinner for the family. However, when...
Play Ball! Or Not?
Play Ball! Or Not? Imagine you are in a tough situation. You play baseball, and you are one of the star players on your team. Your...
Playing in Church
Rhoda has several good friends at church. She enjoys attending Bible classes with them and spending time together outside of church...
"Please" and "Thank You": It's Not Just For Kindergarten Anymore
One of the first skills we learn in school is speaking to one another with common courtesy (politeness and good manners). We learn...
Please Don't Text and Die (or Kill)
It only takes a second of distraction to change a life forever. Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous decisions a driver...
Praying Out Loud
Junior is a very conscientious (careful to do what is right) person. He works hard to obey God's word and prays often. In fact, it...
The Doctor or the Waitress: Who Will Tell You What You Need To Hear?
The Doctor I am grateful to have a very good doctor. In addition to his deep medical knowledge, he has an excellent bedside manner....
Preparing for Life's Storms
A farmer once advertised for a farm hand. For a long time, no one applied for the job. Finally, a young man applied. He was not much...
Pressure to be Baptized
Your congregation is hosting a gospel meeting (a series of special church services designed to preach the good news of Jesus Christ...
One Thing Worth More Than Eternal Life
"Everyone has a price. You just have to find out what it is." We have all heard some version of this saying. Throughout history, people...
Problems With The "I Love Jesus But I'm Not Religous" Attitude
Audio version of this lesson available here. You have likely seen bumper stickers, t-shirts, and videos with the slogan: “I love Jesus...
Profit in Hard Work
Profit in Hard Work In Proverbs 14:23, the Bible teaches: > “In all labor...
Psalm 40: The God Who Rescues
Imagine being trapped in quicksand with no one to help you. The situation feels completely hopeless, but you refuse to give up. Suddenly,...
Quit Sawing Spiritual Sawdust!
Our house recently went through a major transformation when we added a new living space for my mother-in-law. During construction,...
Reading With A Purpose
Guest post by Josh Creel Have you ever said, or heard someone say: > “I don’t understand the Bible.” > “I read the Bible, but I don’t...
Reflection on a Friend's Suicide
On November 3, 1998, a close friend of mine who was drowning in personal problems took his own life. He suffered silently from depression,...
Remember the Duck
Author Unknown Once, a little boy went to visit his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods....
Respect
Jacob had a brand-new watch and was extremely excited to show it to everyone at church. While Jacob’s Bible class teacher was in the...
Respecting A Brother's Conscience
When we love our fellow Christians (brethren) as Christ loved us, we will avoid doing anything that might cause them to stumble and...
Respecting Other People's Things
Fred and Ginny's Story Fred was spending the afternoon playing at Ginny’s house. He started rolling toy cars down her long hallway....
Revenge is God's Business
> “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the...
Saved or Safe?
Many young people wonder if and when they should become Christians. Because this is a serious and personal decision, you should approach...
School Bullying 1: The Tragic Costs
School bullying comes in many different forms, and none of them are easy to go through. Some bullies are violent and unstable. Others...
School Bullying 2: The Violent Kid
There are two kinds of bullies you will typically face: the violent kid and the jerk. The violent kid is mentally unstable and gets...
School Bullying 3: The Jerk
In the previous article, we discussed extreme bullying by violent, unstable kids. In this post, we will focus on a different type of...
School Bullying 4: Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a new type of bullying that arose with the introduction of email, texting, and social networks like Instagram, TikTok,...
Secrets
Joe’s parents always emphasized the importance of keeping secrets. They taught him that if a person cannot be trusted, they will soon...
Secrets You Should NOT Keep
Trust is a very important part of friendship. We often tell our friends things that are important to us, trusting that they will not...
Seeking God's Voice Outside of the Bible
Many modern Christians believe that God speaks directly to their hearts to guide their decisions. Others believe God answers their...
Should You Watch?
You are invited to a sleepover with some friends from school. After your host's parents go to bed, one of your friends pulls out a...
Showing the Love of Christ by Hospitality
> 1 Peter 4:8-9 “And above all things have fervent love for one another,...
Simple Bible Study Principles
Prayer and Bible study are the two most important ways we grow closer to God and become more like Jesus. In prayer, we humbly come...
Slaughtering Infants - Where is the Outrage?
Imagine walking down the street and seeing a man with a butcher’s knife attacking small children. You would feel deep outrage. At the...
Sometimes I Don't Understand
As a young person, you probably have a lot of questions. Sometimes, adults or parents might roll their eyes when you ask them. But...
Stand Strong At School
Preparing for the Journey No… I’m not talking about getting your paper, pencils,...
Stealing Music and Software - Does Digital Data Make Stealing OK?
For years, articles about "song swapping" have filled the news. Song swapping is the practice of copying music from CDs or downloading...
Developing Focus and Flow in School Studies
Several months ago, my dear niece Kaylin was feeling overwhelmed with school assignments, tests, essays, papers, and book reports....
Taking Sermon Notes
Taking Sermon Notes It is always encouraging to see young people actively listening during a sermon. While some biblical concepts can...
Taking Responsibility
Jerry panicked as the teacher started collecting homework. > "Oh, no! I forgot to do my math homework last night," he cried to himself....
Thank You Lord for Your Great Works for Your People
God's people are called to be thankful. We see this beautiful attitude in the song of thanksgiving sung when the Ark of the Covenant...
The 10 Essential Principles for Bible Class Teachers
The apostle Paul wrote an encouraging letter...
The 5 Most Important Days in a Christian's Life
If you live to be 80 years old, you will live 29,200 days. Some of these days pass...
The Bored and the Stagnant: Recipe for Church Problems
The Bored Some Christians always seem to desire something different in the worship or work of the church. They think that change will...
The Christian Sports Fan
Friends have divided over it. Marriages have been strained by it. Fights have been started over it. Some have even been killed by it....
The Christian's "Moment of Truth"
The phrase "moment of truth" comes from Spanish (el momento de la verdad). It first appeared in Ernest Hemingway's 1932 bullfighting...
The Conversion of Cornelius and the Command to be Baptized
Some people argue that water baptism is not necessary for salvation. They often use the story of Cornelius—where the Holy Spirit came...
The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge
> “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” — <a href="" class="bible-ref" data-verse="Proverbs...
The God of Second Chances
In golf, it is called a "Mulligan." In casual games with friends, we call it a "do-over." When we make a mistake, we appreciate getting...
The Impossible Repentance of Hebrews 6
> "For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in...
The Leading of the Holy Spirit
For an in-depth study, Mark Copeland offers a clear, biblical overview of how the Spirit leads us: Executable Outlines on the Holy...
The Life of the Unfaithful is Hard
> "Good understanding gains favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard." (Proverbs...
The Saint Jesus Saw In A Sinner
A medical MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses magnets and radio waves to expose bone, muscle, and organs in detailed three-dimensional...
The Mind of Christ in Action
Once we transform our minds, our actions must also change. Jesus taught that a person’s heart dictates (controls) their behavior. If...
The Power of a Good Example
The Bible teaches that we will be judged by our actions. In the Book of Revelation, we get a glimpse of this final judgment: > "...I...
The Process of Letting Go by Keith Stonehart
I can vividly remember being nine years old and gripping the rope swing. I held on with a force that would rival a python gripping...
The Underestimated Believer
Underestimated David When King Saul disobeyed God, the prophet Samuel was sent to the house of Jesse to anoint (dedicate with oil for...
The Widow and the Hypocrites
It sounds like the beginning of a joke: "A widow and some hypocritical scribes (Jewish religious scholars) went to the temple..." But...
There Will Be A Judgment Day
> "...it is appointed for men to die once but after this comes the judgment" — Hebrews...
Think on THESE Things
> “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is...
To Preach With PowerPoint or Without?
If you are a preacher, why do you use PowerPoint? Take a moment to really think about it. Are you trying to look tech-savvy? Does the...
To Remember and be Thankful
The final Monday of May is Memorial Day....
True Friend?
Billy was well-liked by many boys and girls in his class. When his birthday came around, his mother told him he could host a party...
Trust God Completely And You Can Face Anything
Although you are starting to build a life independent from your family, you will never live a life independent from God's rule. Every...
Turning Spiritual Defeats Into Victories For God
Samson, the once-mighty warrior of Israel, found himself enslaved and blinded by his enemies. The Philistines, who had once feared...
Video - Lessons from the Song "Just As I Am, I Come Broken"
This lesson was originally presented at the 2016 Florida College Alabama Camp. It reflects on the camp's theme song: "Just As I Am,...
Video - Lifeline to God: Using Social Media to Teach and Edify
This is a video of a presentation delivered in July 2016 at a teen gathering. The lesson focuses on how to use social media in a way...
Virtual Travel to Bible Lands
Virtual Travel to Bible Lands Most of us do not have the time or money to travel to the Middle East to see the historic places mentioned...
Visiting the Sick
> "Miserable comforters are you all..." (Job 16:2) Sometimes, we act just like Job's friends. When visiting the sick, we must guard...
Wanna Drink?
Imagine you are playing with some friends in your neighborhood, and someone your age walks up with a bottle of beer. He tells you:...
Regret 3: I Wanted the Courage to Express My Feelings
Several years ago, Bronnie Ware, a former palliative care (care focused on comforting seriously ill or dying patients) nurse, wrote...
We Will Reap What We Sow
We Will Reap What We Sow In Galatians 6:7, the apostle Paul writes: > “Do...
Weeding Our Minds
Just like weeds will quickly conquer a neglected lawn, harmful thoughts will take root if we do not actively guard and weed our minds.
Well, Since We're All Christians...Let Me Tell You This Joke
"Well, since we're all Christians, let me tell you this joke." That was how my friend started his filthy joke. I guess because we were...
What Are You Wearing?
Walk down the street or watch television, and you will see a wide variety of clothing styles. People choose their clothes for many...
What Can Young People Do For Others?
Do you ever say to yourself, "I'm so young I can't do anything to serve God?" Many of us felt that way when we were young. However,...
What Can Young People Do To Grow Spiritually?
As a young person, you might wonder how you can start taking ownership of your own faith. Here are two simple, practical habits you...
What Do You Do For Fun?
Author Unknown Several years ago, a Christian girl shared an interaction she had with a young man who wanted to date her. He was not...
What is Peace and Why Don't We Have It?
What is peace? The word "peace" is used in many different ways. It can mean the absence of war or conflict, like nations or families...
What Is Your Life?
Guest Post by Russell Poe I recently saw an advertisement for AARP Medicare Supplement plans. In it, a healthy-looking woman in her...
What Price Will You Pay for A Good Time?
I met someone a few weeks ago who reminded me of the true cost of sin. He struggled with drug addiction and other destructive behaviors....
What Should I Pray For?
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul taught Christians to "pray without...
What Young People Want Their Parents to Know About Social Media
More than ever, older generations have embraced social media...
When Christians Think Their Nation Is Wasting Away
Whether you live in the United States or another country, you might sometimes look at the choices of your fellow citizens and feel...
When God Delays
When we pray, we often expect God to answer us immediately. In our world of instant messaging, overnight shipping, and fast food, waiting...
When God's Soldiers Avoid Fighting
During the time of the biblical judges, God gave Israel a great victory over their enemies. Led by Deborah and Barak, many tribes gathered...
When Your Bad Day is a Good Day
What makes a life, a day, or an event 'good' or 'bad'? We easily categorize so many things into these two buckets without much thought....
Where Are The Gauges?
On my way to the church building today, a little yellow light in the shape of a gas pump caught my eye. I had not looked at the gas...
Where Do Your Decisions Take You?
Do you realize that your decisions are steps on a road? Every choice you make either leads you closer to God or moves you further away...
"Where God Ain't" (Poem)
Author Unknown The Omnipresence of God This simple, classic poem reminds us that God is everywhere. Whether we look at a caterpillar,...
Who Can Live With God?
Who Can Live With God? While God desires all people to draw close to Him through Jesus, those who accept this invitation must strive...
Who You Are Is Not Who You Were
The Bible clearly teaches that we will be judged by our actions. Revelation...
Whoever Calls on the Name of the Lord will be Saved
> "For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." > — Romans 10:13...
Why Attend A Funeral?
As a young person, attending a funeral is probably at the bottom of your "things I want to do" list. You might feel awkward, uncomfortable,...
Why Don't We Want What We Need?
Like a child who plays with the cardboard box instead of the precious gift inside, we often fail to recognize what is most valuable....
Why Is School Boring?
The whine drifts from bedrooms of kids around the globe: "Why is school so boring?" You have to spend the day listening to teachers...
Wisdom Will Keep You Safe!
Sometimes it is hard to know the right thing to do. The Bible is like a light in the darkness, showing us how to live. However, in...
Working With God To Relieve Suffering
In the grand questions of how a good God can permit suffering, we often forget a simple truth: human beings have the power to help...
You Are Loved At Home
As you prepare to leave home, remember this key truth: you have people at home who will always love you and look forward to your return....
You Can Tell Others About Jesus!
Sharing Your Faith Even young people can tell others about Jesus. When your peers ask you to do or say something wrong, stand firm...
Proverbs 22:29: You Do Your Job BUT Do You Make a Difference?
> Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank. > — <a...
Your Sin Will Find You Out
> "Be sure your sin will find you out." — Numbers 32:23 Sometimes, children...
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