-
Dec 24, 2024 | 
theaquilareport.com | John Beeson
If we are to know God, we can look to philosophy, creation, and the cross and the empty tomb, but let us not forget to look to the manger. The story of the birth of Jesus Christ is more than just warm feelings, a nostalgic glow of fuzzy spirituality. The incarnation draws us into the profound things of God and invites us to think and pray deeply, considering what the unthinkable miracle of God becoming flesh demonstrates about God’s nature.
-
Oct 27, 2024 | 
theaquilareport.com | John Beeson
When we draw in on ourselves in our anxieties and sin, we play right into the devil’s hand. The enemy’s tactics are simple: separate the struggling from the flock by enticing them to respond to their sin and anxiety on their own, with pride, and not Christ and community. “I’m sure no one has ever told you this.”“It’s so bad.
-
Sep 14, 2024 | 
theaquilareport.com | John Beeson
Paul concludes, “and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Rom. 5:5). Hope won’t put you to shame, but it’s not the hope of wishing upon a star, or asking the universe or self-will, it is from God almighty and “poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” It’s the real deal.
-
Aug 17, 2024 | 
theaquilareport.com | John Beeson
We are to look to the saints that have come before, the great cloud of witnesses. We are to battle sin in our flesh today and look forward to the finish line. And who is that finish line? Jesus himself, who has come before us, stands with us today, and stands in front of us. He is our hope. Are you progressive or conservative? It seems like a simple enough question, but let me complicate it for you. The terms are both tethered to time. The term progressive looks forward.
-
Jul 3, 2024 | 
theaquilareport.com | John Beeson
Every leader can grow from criticism, regardless of source or intention….But that truth doesn’t let the one offering criticism off the hook. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” The author of Hebrews says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another…” (Hebrews 10:24-25). When I was 20, my childhood church changed leadership.
-
May 6, 2024 | 
thegospelcoalition.org | Jason Seville |John Beeson |Laura Spaulding |Rebecca McLaughlin
The 2011 film Moneyball follows the mostly true story of Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane piecing together a budget baseball team based on computer-generated analytics. Frustrated with not being able to afford a competitive roster of highly valued all-stars, Beane scrapped the standard approach altogether in favor of affordable, overlooked athletes. It was unconventional but ultimately successful. Question: Can your church “moneyball” its short-term missions strategy?
-
May 6, 2024 | 
thegospelcoalition.org | Ivan Mesa |Drew Dyck |John Beeson |Laura Spaulding
On My Shelf helps you get to know various writers through a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their lives as readers. Advertise on TGCWhat’s on your nightstand right now? I have a few on my nightstand. I’m reading Remaking the World by Andrew Wilson. I love books with a big bold thesis, so I’m finding it fascinating. Frankly, I’m blown away by the breadth of Wilson’s knowledge. No one should be that smart. It’s not fair.
-
May 5, 2024 | 
thegospelcoalition.org | Jerry Riendeau |John Beeson |Rebecca McLaughlin |Laura Spaulding
When I was a college student, I had a weird relationship with the concept of “home.” As I approached the end of a semester, I longed to go back home to my parents’ house for break. I looked forward to the familiarity, the family, and the rest. After some time at my parents’ house, though, that longing for home would return. My sense of home had shifted from my parents’ house to my college dorm or apartment.
-
May 4, 2024 | 
thegospelcoalition.org | Ginger Blomberg |Rebecca McLaughlin |John Beeson |Laura Spaulding
I vividly remember taking my youngest daughter to a zoo when she was about 20 months old and telling her, “When we walk around this next corner, you’re going to see the biggest land animal in the whole world!” We stepped past the trees, and there was an elephant right in front of us, with its trunk raised in salute. My daughter’s eyes grew wide with amazement, admiration, and maybe a little fear as she pointed in wordless wonder at the gigantic creature. “Guess what?” my husband said to her.
-
Apr 30, 2024 | 
thegospelcoalition.org | John Beeson |Rebecca McLaughlin |Joe Carter |Justin Taylor
Our minds are factories of thoughts—some intentional, some not. We strategize, reflect, and ruminate. And sometimes uninvited thoughts pop into our minds. Sometimes these thoughts are born of morbid curiosity. While driving along a winding mountain highway, suddenly we imagine what would happen if we jerked the wheel to the right. Other times, such thoughts arise from our sinful hearts. Stewing on mistreatment from a colleague, we imagine how we could put him in his place by humiliating him.
