Category: Crucified Life

Where and Why We Get Stuck: Recovering the Larger Message of the Gospels

Many people come to the Gospels with habits of reading they have carried for years, often without realizing it. We may have learned to approach Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John mainly as sources of personal comfort, guides for private morality, or answers to what happens after death. Those questions are real, and the Gospels do speak to them. But they…

The Holy Spirit and the Life of Christ

In this study, we look at how the Holy Spirit was at work in the life of Jesus from His early years all the way to His ascension. In a previous lesson, we may have seen the Spirit’s role in the incarnation. Here the focus is on Christ’s life on earth. As we follow these events, we see that the…

The Meaning and Importance of “Most Holy Faith” in Jude 1:20 

Understanding spiritual growth, prayer, and staying close to God—in simple terms  “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God…” — Jude 1:20–21  Introduction: Why Jude 1:20 Matters  What do you do when your faith feels shaky, the world feels loud, and truth seems harder…

Hiker walking on a mountain path during sunset with colorful sky

How to Experience God’s Presence and Overcome Spiritual Hindrances

Have you ever tried to get close to God but felt like something kept getting in the way? Maybe you prayed, but your mind wandered. Maybe you opened your Bible, but nothing seemed to sink in. Maybe you wanted to feel God near, but instead you felt dry, tired, or distracted. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone.  The…

Spiritual Truth in the Bible: Its Source, Role, and Call to Authentic Living

Understanding where truth comes from, why it matters, and how it helps us live honestly before God  Spiritual truth is not just information we learn with our minds. It is truth that comes from God and helps us understand who He is, who we are, and how we should live. The Bible teaches that God is the source of real…

The Peril of Pride and the Blessing of Humility

Reflections on Wisdom, Leadership, and the Need for God’s Guidance As the nation drifts further and further into darkness, we are reminded of the timeless words of scripture: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” This warning stands as a beacon in troubled times—an urgent call to examine ourselves, our leaders, and our collective journey. The…

People praying in church pews with stained glass windows in background

We Need More Than a Concept of God 

The church does not need a polished idea of God while remaining empty of His presence. We do not need more religious language without holy fire, more activity without intimacy, or more form without life. We need to know Him. We need hearts awakened by His presence, lives marked by His voice, and a people who do not just represent…

Whatever Happened to the Gospel? A Prophetic Call Back to God’s Word and God’s Ways

The Holy Spirit impressed two things deeply upon my spirit several years ago: “My people do not know My Word, nor do they know My ways,” and “Whatever happened to the gospel?” These are not light thoughts. They are a burden. They are a wake-up call. We are living in a time when many people in the body of Christ…

Open Bible with text illuminated by lit candle on rustic wooden table

Reflecting on “God Hates a Lying Tongue”: A Layman’s Perspective

Understanding Why Truth Matters So Much in Faith and Life What Does “God Hates a Lying Tongue” Really Mean? The phrase “God hates a lying tongue” comes straight from the Bible, specifically Proverbs 6:16-19. It’s listed as one of the seven things God finds especially detestable, right alongside other serious wrongs like arrogance, hurting innocent people, and causing conflict. But…