“The ministry is that which the Holy Spirit enables you to do in any sphere and occupation to which the Lord leads you.” ~ T. Austin-Sparks The above quote echoes what I wrote in 48 Laws of Spiritual Power, which is, every Christian is in ministry. Whether you’re cooking meals, operating machinery, building structures, or working in any field, you have the opportunity to honor God through your actions and attitude. If you are doing it for His glory, then... Read more

The Importance of Christian Conferences for Believers Christian conferences play a vital role in the spiritual growth and community building of believers. These gatherings offer unique opportunities for Christians to come together, learn, worship, and connect with fellow believers from diverse backgrounds. Here are several key reasons why Christian conferences are important for the faithful: 1. Spiritual Renewal and Inspiration Christian conferences often serve as a spiritual retreat from the daily grind. They provide an environment conducive to focusing on... Read more

C. Kavin Rowe has released a new book entitled Studies in Luke, Acts, and Paul. The book contains some of his best articles on various aspects of the New Testament. It’s solid reading, mostly aimed at the academic community. It’s yet another work that I cite in my upcoming book The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Revised and Expanded (due out spring 2025). The publisher describes the book best. C. Kavin Rowe’s keenest essays on Luke, Acts, and... Read more

Words Are Not Enough: Paratexts, Manuscripts, and the Real New Testament is a new book by Garrick Allen. The book explores the question, “How did Scripture come to be?” This volume is short and easy to read, though parts of it are technical. If you are interested in the subject of paratexts, this is a book you want to add to your library. This is from the publisher. Allen’s innovative study of manuscript history explores the paratexts—titles, cross-references, prefaces, marginalia,... Read more

Jesus and Divine Christology is a new book by Brant Pitre. This is a hefty book that is worth a look if you are wondering how Jesus viewed Himself. It was so solid that I cite it in my upcoming book The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Revised and Expanded (due out spring 2025). Here’s an accurate description. Did Jesus consider himself divine, or was that a label his followers pinned on him after his death? According to... Read more

Patrick Carberry has written a new book called Traumergy. I caught up with Patrick recently to ask him about his book. Enjoy! When someone hears about a book and they ask, “What is your book about?” what they are really asking is, “What’s in it for me?” In other words, what will I get out of reading your book? What is the pay off for my time and energy and the cost of the book? What’s in it for me?... Read more

Jesus, Contradicted: Why the Gospels Tell the Same Story Differently is a new book by Michael Licona. Licona (PhD, University of Pretoria) is Professor of New Testament Studies at Houston Christian University. He is the author of numerous books, including the critically acclaimed The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach. I thought the book was remarkable. Therefore, I sought to catch up with Michael to ask him salient questions about the book and his ministry defending the historical reality... Read more

Those of you who have read my books carefully — as well as this blog and the podcasts — know that I’m not an advocate of “house church.” That doesn’t mean I denounce them either. Let me explain. Asking me if I endorse a house church is like asking me if I endorse plants. To which my response is, “what kind of plant are you talking about? I like crape myrtle trees, but I don’t like cacti or poison ivy.” House churches are like... Read more

Based on my experience and observation over the last 30 years, here are the five top reasons why people leave their local assembly (church). 1. **It’s boring:** This is especially true for those who leave the traditional/institutional church. The service is basically the same show every week. There’s no room for spontaneity or creativity from the congregation. Elsewhere, George Barna and I demonstrated that the Sunday morning Protestant order of worship (service) was created 500 years ago and it’s changed... Read more

I cause all things to work together for the good of those who love me and are called according to my purpose. For those I foreknew, I also predestined to be conformed to the image of my Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those I predestined, I also called; those I called, I also justified; those I justified, I also glorified. What, then, shall you say in response to these things? If I... Read more