According to experts, manipulation is the exercise of undue influence through mental distortion and emotional exploitation, with the intention to seize control over another human being. It’s important to distinguish between healthy persuasion and psychological manipulation. Healthy persuasion seeks to influence someone to do or believe something that’s for their benefit. Manipulation seeks to influence someone to do or believe something that’s not for their benefit, but for the benefit of the manipulator. Was Paul of Tarsus a manipulator? Not... Read more

We’ve all seen it. The belligerent smackdowns where Christians take the gloves off with fellow believers over doctrinal, theological, and political differences. Many of them can’t walk away from a fight or “lose.” Instead, some pour coals on an already roaring fire. Others bring in the gasoline trucks. It’s time to recover the art of “agreeing to disagree.” The enemy gloats when God’s children are at one another’s throats over their petty disagreements. Forfeiting a relationship over a disagreement effectively... Read more

If you’re looking for a Bible that combines daily reading with space for reflection, the Thomas Nelson NoteWorthy New Testament (NKJV) is a solid pick. It offers a 365-day reading plan that breaks down the New Testament into manageable daily portions, with six days of readings followed by a full page on the seventh day dedicated to journaling. Each page includes generous lined margins, making it easy to jot down thoughts, prayers, or insights as you go. The 9-point NKJV Comfort Print... Read more

The Thomas Nelson Sovereign Collection New King James Bible Large Print Reference Edition is another example of getting great bang for the buck prevalent by Bible publishers today. I found this edition thoughtfully crafted as it honors the legacy of the 1611 King James Version while offering modern readability and study tools. Physically, this edition is available in Leathersof covers in black, brown (the one I reviewed), and purple, featuring gold gilded page edges, perimeter stitching, and raised spine hubs that... Read more

The NKJV Color Code Study Bible is a beautifully crafted Bible. I love the cosmetic appeal of this particular Bible. It stands out for its thoughtful physical design and durable construction. In short, the physical craftsmanship ensures that this Bible is both aesthetically pleasing and built to withstand regular use. But beyond that, what sets this Bible apart is its unique color-coding system, designed to enhance thematic understanding of Scripture. I had a color-coded Bible when I went off to college... Read more

Bruce and Carolyn Hindmarsh’s At the Feet of Jesus: A Guide to Encountering Christ in the Gospels is an invitation to deeper spiritual intimacy. The book seeks to blend biblical insight, historical wisdom, and practical exercises. The book centers on the gospel stories of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, some of Jesus’ closest friends, and uses their encounters with Christ as a framework for readers to experience Jesus’ presence in their own lives. Sadly (and oddly), the authors don’t appear to... Read more

Louis Markos’s Passing the Torch: An Apology for Classical Christian Education is a passionate and erudite defense of the enduring value of classical Christian education in the modern world. Markos, a seasoned scholar and advocate for the Great Books tradition, argues that education should be more than the mere transfer of information-it should shape the soul and cultivate virtue, preparing students to become morally self-regulating citizens. The book is structured as both a philosophical pilgrimage and a practical guide, taking... Read more

David deSilva was one of the historical advisors for my new book The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Revised and Expanded (March 2025). He, along with 19 other scholars, endorsed the work. deSilva has just released a new book, which serves as a nice visual companion to The Untold Story. It’s called Archaeology and the Ministry of Paul: A Visual Guide. The book is blend of scholarship and visual storytelling that aims to transport readers into the heart... Read more

Dear Brothers and Sisters. Look, I almost never crash into your inbox or drop a new article on days that aren’t a Thursday. But today isn’t just any day. A bunch of you have been messaging me things like, “Hey, where’s that video podcast thing you promised that goes with your new book?” Well Ladies and Gents, guess what? It’s finally here. YESTERDAY, THE WHOLE THING DROPPED AT ONCE. That’s right. We went full Netflix-style binge mode on this one.... Read more

A fascinating look at what will increase spiritual power in your life and ministry.  In 48 Laws of Spiritual Power, best-selling author Frank Viola lays out the unchanging principles of tapping into God’s power and releasing it to serve others. These laws (principles) are based on over thirty years of ministry experience—trench-tested in Frank’s life and the lives of others who have spent decades in ministry. Though these laws may seem counterintuitive and uncommon, they will equip you to look for... Read more