Spent Matches explores the possibility that a few small paradigm shifts within the church might make the difference between extinction and effectiveness. In fact, taking a clue from the automobile industry, the church might be able to not only halt the rapid decay in attendance but also become an effective tool in achieving Jesus' final command. For instance, the Hybrid car has become the answer to Detroit's environmental and oil crisis issues. Finding the synergy...

God invites us to judge and to help correct wrongs from a place of understanding. Sometimes we pre-judge a person based on our own biases and superficial experiences. We stifle dialog before the conversation even begins. If all we know is our own faith, and we never put it side-by-side with what others believe, our spiritual growth and commitments can be easily stunted. By truly listening and learning from those with different beliefs, we can broaden and deepen our kingdom...

The longest distance in the universe is between the head and heart. For Christ-followers, it is the chasm between what we say we believe in our minds and what we truly believe in our hearts: a split between our statements about God and our experience of Him. This divide is everywhere around us, causing untold devastation. It is found in the double lives of believers and in the hypocrisy of church leaders, but mainly we see it in ourselves. It is the default position of eve...

The starting and ending points for all outreach have to be love. The most effective way to reach people for Jesus is through kindness outreach—showing God’s love in practical ways. This type of outreach is what Jesus modeled, is culturally relevant, and values people. The goal should be to invite people to take the next step from where they are.Friendship Community Church, led by Pastor Todd Stevens, has experienced tremendous growth through acts of kindness. The c...

Imagine the God of the universe whispering in your ear, “What shall we create out of your life that will serve My purpose?” The path of authenticity is not a solo endeavor but a calling to a partnership with God that requires utter honesty, trust, commitment, and wisdom. God guides your path with a two-fold promise, “You know I love you as you are, but together, we can make of your life what I created you to be.”Following the petitions of our Lord’s Prayer, Dr. Ric...

“We fell in love with Jesus. Then we had to decide what to do with God.” In Transcending Mysteries: Who Is God, and What Does He Want from Us? Andrew Greer and Ginny Owens take readers on a journey to answer the question: is the God of the Old Testament the same God we relate to and worship today?As the most definitive written revelation of who God is, Scripture has always been vital to the stories of the Christian faith. The Old Testament has proved espec...

Faith stands at the heart of Christianity, forming the bedrock of confidence that sustains God's people through the twists and turns of life. Calling readers to a faith that does not waver in a God who does not lie, this book by popular radio host and pastor Crawford Loritts reminds Christians of the sure hope they have in Christ and encourages them to live each day in light of that hope. Looking at God's faithfulness in the past, plan for the future, and presence for the here and now, thi...

For every parent who is looking for hope, encouragement, and miraclesParenting can be challenging, sometimes even overwhelming. But God is on your side! He has given us promises for our children--things He pledges to do for them--if we pray and believe. 65 Promises From God for Your Child gives you the specifics, showing you how to pray and believe for mercy, peace, spiritual growth, angelic protection, and provision for your children. More than just a bles...

Revised & Updated Edition! God is love. Crazy, relentless, all-powerful love. Have you ever wondered if we're missing it?It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe—the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor—loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss. Whether you've verbalized it yet or not, we all know something's wrong....

When life throws a curve, for centuries no source of insight and encouragement has brought more comfort than the Bible. 99 Bible Promises for Tough Times is a collection of the deepest wisdom found in Scripture.Randy Petersen, a writer/teacher from New Jersey, has written fifty books and many Bible study lessons. He also serves as Adult Education Director at his United Methodist church.

There is a question branded on every human heart. It remains an ever-present part of life, seemingly written into our DNA. But this question wasn't placed there by God, nor was it our own invention.Have you found the world's relentless assault on your self-worth has left you jaded, resolved to living with uncertainty about where you stand with God? When the Question persists, it holds you back from the life you were meant to live. Jesus uses the parable of the Prod...

Daily Assurance in the Face of Life’s Hardest StrugglesWhen life throws challenges at us, our view of God’s presence can become cloudy. If God is good, why is there so much evil and suffering? In times of hardship, it’s easy to lose sight of God’s purpose, goodness, and love.90 Days of God’s Goodness helps disperse the fog—little by little, discovery by discovery, day by day. Through these thoughtful, inspiring devotional readings, bestsel...