Read our latest slideshows on Christianity.com.  Copyright https://www.christianity.com 2025, Christianity.com Mon, 27 Jan 2025 02:19:14 -0500 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/6-gospel-truths-about-self-awareness.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/6-gospel-truths-about-self-awareness.html John C. Driver https://www.christianity.com/author/john-c-driver/ Self-awareness is a vital yet often misunderstood aspect of Christian growth. It doesn’t have to be about self-obsession but rather about seeing ourselves rightly to bring our full selves to the only One who can redeem what’s lost and broken. Self-awareness is not self-healing—quite the opposite, actually. Here are seven gospel truths that reveal the importance of knowing ourselves.1. Self-Awareness Is Not Self-CenterednessI am a third-generation pastor. Growing up in church circles, the idea of "knowing yourself" seemed suspicious, perhaps even heretical. It felt like a subject best avoided, hidden behind layers of language, much of it from Scripture itself, about how "self" was the root of all problems and self-centeredness only continues to run more rampant with each subsequent generation. The whole topic was labeled as dangerous territory. Self-awareness sounded like self-idolatry. And to be clear, that’s what it can become when not properly approached in a gospel context. But over time, I came to see that, unknowingly, that perspective did not employ a holistic approach to Scripture. Self-awareness, or to use another term, self-realization, doesn’t have to be synonymous with self-centeredness. In fact, true self-awareness is the opposite of self-centeredness. Knowing yourself in light of the gospel enables you to continually elevate Christ to His rightful place at the center of your life. Without it, we remain blind to those areas where we, rather than Christ, still occupy the highest seat—a seat we’re unaware we’re warming. Many Christians today either intoxicate themselves with self-centeredness or avoid knowing themselves altogether, terrified of what they might find. But we don’t have to cram self-awareness into a narrow box. Approaching it rightly—yes, biblically—can actually get us out of our own boxes, ways that dominate our thoughts and behaviors. Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Laurenz Kleinheider Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:20:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:19:14-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/who-is-the-bird-of-prey-in-the-book-of-isaiah.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/who-is-the-bird-of-prey-in-the-book-of-isaiah.html Britt Mooney https://www.christianity.com/author/britt-mooney/ Since the Bible expresses eternal truth from another realm, one unlike our own, the inspired writers use symbol and story to take images and situations from our world to give hints about the kingdom. God chooses to reveal himself in these ways for various reasons. At times, this frustrates us. Our brains like easy solutions. Symbols and stories challenge our thinking and require us to seek out heavenly revelation to get the point. The disciples showed this frustration with Jesus (Matthew 13:10, John 16:29). And yet the Bible remains full of such images signifying deeper meaning. Good writing does this since all great stories use details to connect with deeper or universal feelings or truths. The Bible includes these for the same reason: to point us to God and what he wants to say. One common symbol throughout Scripture is birds. And in Isaiah 46:11, the prophet refers to a “bird of prey” to poetically address a specific situation and God’s action within it.Photo credit: Unsplash/Kea Mowat Fri, 24 Jan 2025 08:05:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:19:14-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/what-is-the-relationship-between-grace-and-works.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/what-is-the-relationship-between-grace-and-works.html Dr. Kenneth Boa and Cameron McAllister https://www.christianity.com/author/dr-kenneth-boa/ One of the more common questions we receive from Christians concerns the relationship between grace and works. The reason for this is simple: Scripture appears to present us with conflicting data on the matter. On the one hand, we have celebrated verses like Ephesians 2:8-9, which states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Examples can easily be multiplied. Romans 11:6, for instance, says, “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” On the other hand, we don’t need to go far (1 verse!) to encounter what seems to be another perspective on the matter: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in. (Ephesians 2:10)” Once again, we could bring in more passages, but the question is clear. How do we reconcile grace and works? Theological traditions play a role in this discussion as well, with some placing more emphasis on one of these two. But the net effect of this confusion is that many people sit in the pews wondering whether their efforts at cultivating virtue constitute some form of legalism, while others worry that they are using grace as theological camouflage to excuse immoral behavior. Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously called this “cheap grace” in The Cost of Discipleship. What Is the Nature of Salvation?Before we move into specifics, we need to dwell on the nature of salvation. Consider Jesus’s words in John 3:1-8:“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, “You must be born again.” The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’”The image of birth is as arresting as it is revealing. For one thing, we don’t choose to be born—a fact that aggravates some of our modern sensibilities. Most of us have likely heard some variation on the phrase, “Well, I didn’t choose to be born!” Implicit in such a statement is the assumption that we ought to be in charge of our existence. If we follow this thought to its logical conclusion, however, we see that such an ambition amounts to gross idolatry. There is one necessary, self-sufficient being, and His name is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! God alone can answer from the burning bush, “I am that I am.” In stark contrast, we are creatures made by God. Our existence is a pure gift. As Christ’s words indicate, this is also the nature of salvation. Just as we cannot will ourselves into existence, we cannot save ourselves. Christ alone is the author of our salvation. Once we understand that we cannot will ourselves to be born again anymore than we can choose to be born, we can begin to make better sense of the relationship between grace and works. God remains the author of our salvation and actively empowers our efforts as we cooperate with His Spirit. The result of this cooperation is an inward transformation that produces an abundance of good works. Far from being a threat to God’s place in our lives, these works are the direct results of His redemptive action, as well as His ongoing inspiration. Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/andresr Thu, 23 Jan 2025 17:15:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:19:14-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/6-st-augustine-quotes-to-inspire-and-encourage-you.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/6-st-augustine-quotes-to-inspire-and-encourage-you.html Betty Dunn https://www.christianity.com/author/betty-dunn/ St. Augustine St. Augustine was a 4th and 5th century leader of the Christian church. He wrote from the experience of living a worldly life before he converted to Christianity.  His life was rich in personal experiences, scholarly studies, and professional accomplishments. In addition, his contemplative lifestyle as a clergyman led him to cultivate many ideas that have inspired the church to this day Here are some of his enlightening thoughts.Photo credit: Public Domain portrait by Philippe de Champaigne Thu, 23 Jan 2025 11:55:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:19:14-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/5-steps-towards-healing-from-church-hurt.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/5-steps-towards-healing-from-church-hurt.html Chad Roberts https://www.christianity.com/author/chad-roberts/ I’ll never forget the Sunday Curtis and his wife walked into my church. Surprised, I asked, “What are you guys doing here?” The reason their visit was so unusual is that while we were good friends, I knew they were leaders in their church. I remember vividly the pain on their faces when they told me through tears about their decision to leave their church family. Church hurt is a unique pain, and those of you who have been through it can relate.I want to show you why church hurts happen, and if you are someone who has experienced a church hurt, how you can get past it. While the emotions you feel are real, and while it may be true you are the one who has been wronged, it is important to understand that church hurt is one of the key plays in Satan’s playbook and is one of his oldest schemes against believers. So, while I do not want to minimize the impact of your hurt, I want you to see the reality of spiritual warfare. I want you to be able to recognize the fingerprints of Satan and to know how to overcome him.Here are a few helps that I have learned over my twenty-plus years of being a pastor. Not only have I counseled many families who have been hurt, but I have also been disappointed, let down, and quite honestly betrayed at times. I have had to handle my share of hurts. Unfortunately, because I am as flawed as anyone else, I have seen families within my own church get hurt, and we have had to learn how to navigate this. The point is no matter where you live or what style of church you belong to, hurts and offenses are a reality in the body of Christ. Thankfully, the Bible teaches us how to handle them. So, if you are someone who has experienced hurt, there is help, hope, and healing found in God’s Word.Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Emiliano Vittoriosi Wed, 22 Jan 2025 13:30:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:19:14-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/what-is-the-significance-and-symbolism-of-fire-in-the-bible.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/what-is-the-significance-and-symbolism-of-fire-in-the-bible.html Joel Ryan https://www.christianity.com/author/joel-ryan/ Fire is one of the oldest and most powerful forces of nature in the world. On the one hand, fire has been used to warm homes, cook meals, forge tools, and provide light to millions of people around the world. On the other hand, an untamed wildfire can devastate entire cities and landscapes, leaving behind desolation where there was once natural beauty and life. For this reason, fire has provided inspiration for countless metaphors and symbols over the years. This includes the Bible, which is no stranger to the significance and symbolism of fire. But what does fire mean in Scripture? Here are a few examples.Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Javier_Art_Photography Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:55:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:19:14-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/5-ways-the-red-dye-no-3-ban-reminds-christians-to-treat-our-bodies-as-gods-temple.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/5-ways-the-red-dye-no-3-ban-reminds-christians-to-treat-our-bodies-as-gods-temple.html Elizabeth Delaney https://www.christianity.com/author/elizabeth-delaney/ One of the greatest blessings anyone can receive from God is a healthy body that allows them to experience an excellent quality of life. Being able to get out and enjoy spending time with friends and family, seeing the beauty of God’s creation, and engaging in favorite hobbies or social activities are often taken for granted. Typically, it isn’t until we get sick that we often realize that blessing. The Red Dye No. 3 Ban is a reminder of the importance of being a bit savvy about what goes into the foods we eat, taking time to read labels, and making healthy food choices.Red Dye No. 3 is also referred to as FD&C Red No. 3, Red Dye 3, and erythrosine. The dye is made from petroleum and is used to give various foods a bright, cherry-red color, according to Consumer Reports. The dye is also used in some medications and has been used by both food manufacturers and medical companies, according to Forbes. Since its bright color makes it stand out, it’s believed that it enhances the visual appeal of products in the eyes of consumers. The dye causes cancer in lab rats, and the FDA has known this for about three decades. However, because the amount fed to lab rats is significantly higher (comparatively) than what would be fed to humans, there were challenges in banning it, even though it has been banned in Europe for several decades, according to Euro News. The FDA has finally decided to ban Red Dye No. 3 under The Delaney Clause, enacted in 1960 as part of the Color Additives Amendment to the FD&C Act. The clause prohibits the use of any food or color additive found to cause cancer in either rats or humans and has a zero tolerance. The ban gives food manufacturers until Jan. 15, 2027 to come up with a substitute, and drug manufacturers have until the following year, according to NBC News.Photo Credit: ©Canva Pro  Wed, 22 Jan 2025 09:30:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:19:14-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/why-do-christians-believe-jesus-is-god.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/why-do-christians-believe-jesus-is-god.html John Stange https://www.christianity.com/author/john-stange/ Our culture and the world we live in are fascinated by Jesus. You don't have to look far to find references to Him. His name is continually on the lips of believers and unbelievers alike. Some use His name to bless. Others use His name to curse. When popular print publications want to sell more copies of their magazines and books, all they have to do is put a depiction of Jesus on the cover, and sales increase. It is not an understatement to say that this world finds Jesus curious and interesting.At the same time, it's also fair to say that most people don't have a highly developed understanding of who Jesus is. If people really understood His nature and identity, they certainly wouldn't speak of Him so flippantly. You wouldn't see jokes and comical depictions of Him like we commonly see at present.Ironically, it isn't just the culture at large that seems to be confused about who Jesus really is. I believe it's fair to say that there are many people in the church who presently have an undeveloped understanding of Christ's nature and what the Bible teaches about Him.There are many things God's word reveals to us about Jesus. We're told that He is the perfect man, the Messiah, the Savior of the world, the King of kings, and the Son of God. There's one additional truth Scripture reveals about Jesus that we shouldn't miss. Scripture tells us that He indeed is God.Years ago I had a conversation with the son of a woman who attended the church I was pastoring at the time. He was about twenty years older than me and he had recently converted to Judaism. Because I was his mother’s pastor, his family requested that I officiate for the funeral of one of their family members. After the funeral, we spoke for a few minutes and he said to me, "I think I'm willing to accept that Jesus is the Messiah, but I can't believe He is actually God." What do you think about that statement? Is that what you believe? What did Jesus say about Himself? Is there anything we can find in Scripture that can help clarify whether or not He is actually God?Photo Credit: dalle ai Tue, 21 Jan 2025 14:20:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:19:14-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/4-conversations-you-need-to-have-before-your-christian-college-student-goes-back-to-campus.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/4-conversations-you-need-to-have-before-your-christian-college-student-goes-back-to-campus.html Cantice Greene https://www.christianity.com/author/cantice-greene/ The holidays bring with them so much family time. For many of us, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Easter and other holidays have become times you look forward to reconnecting with a son or daughter on break from college. As the break draws near, you may be growing both excited and anxious. Excited because you remember your own college experience—the fun, the friends, the fraternizing—and anxious because you’re hoping your child will avoid making the epic mistakes that nearly derailed your post-college goals. If you’ve kept up with the culture wars related to Christians in college, then you’re probably wondering whether your son or daughter will come back home with altered faith or as someone you have nothing in common with anymore. The truth is that Christian students in college tend to take a break from practicing Christianity. Less than 1.5 percent of college students are actively involved in campus ministry, and seven out of ten youths raised in church leave the church during the college-age years between eighteen and twenty-two. So your anxiousness is not unfounded, but you can do something with all that mental energy. Pray. Pray and do a few other things. Consider implementing these four DEEP conversation strategies aimed to keep your family from becoming part of the statistic of college student church drift. While I don’t pretend to have all the answers, I’ll share strategies that helped me feel more confident about our decision to send our Christian child back to a secular campus.1. Don’t Lose ContactOne of the greatest benefits of the current hyper-connected age is that communication lines are not what they were when we went to college years ago. You can now be connected to your child 24 hours a day by text and social media. I don’t recommend helicoptering this way! I also don’t agree that allowing your child to go off to college has to mean not seeing him for the next several months. Don’t lose contact. You can FaceTime, share videos, share reels, go live on social media, and more. If you’re not already connected to your child in these ways, now is your chance to advance more deeply into their world of interconnectedness. Here's the bad news: being connected to your child in these ways can be both a blessing and a curse. You’re going to see things you probably don’t want to see—not necessarily because your child is a party animal, but just because your child truly lives in a different dimension from you. If you’re like me, you think you’re pretty cool (for an old person), but you’re light years away from an eighteen or twenty-year-old. They talk differently, they think differently, and choose differently. That’s why being connected to your child means you’re going to see stuff you don’t agree with or like, but you’re going to need to keep those opinions to yourself. This does not include reserving your words when it comes to things that are non-negotiable convictions or truth. Concerning the truths of God, you can follow Moses’ great example of leadership. When he was presenting laws and judgments to the children of Israel in the wilderness, he reminded them in Deuteronomy chapter 4, verses 9-10, “Only take heed to yourself and diligently keep yourself…and teach them to your children and grandchildren, especially concerning the day you stood before the Lord your God in Horeb when the Lord said to me ‘Gather the people to me and I will let them hear my words that they will learn to fear me all the days they live on the earth and that they may teach their children’” (NKJV). If you see your child drifting away from the Lord, you’ll want to ponder, pray about, and ask God for an opportunity to talk with your child about it. Now that you’re connected, you’ll have several ways to initiate that talk. This D.E.E.P. conversation will set you up for what’s coming next. Photo Credit: © Getty Images/XiXinXing Mon, 20 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:19:14-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/7-powerful-ways-churches-can-bridge-the-generation-gap.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/7-powerful-ways-churches-can-bridge-the-generation-gap.html Allma Johnson https://www.christianity.com/author/allma-johnson/ In churches across the world, a unique challenge is emerging that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries: the growing gap between generations. As people from different age groups come together in worship, there are often varying preferences, experiences, and even theological perspectives. The older generation may cherish hymns and formalized liturgies, while younger members are drawn to contemporary music and less structured worship experiences. These differences can sometimes cause tension, as each generation naturally gravitates toward its own style and expression of faith. But despite these differences, the church is called to unity, to function as a single body where every generation plays an integral role. This unity is not merely desirable; it is essential if the church is to thrive and fulfill its mission in an increasingly complex world. (1 Corinthians 12:12-14, KJV) So, how can we bridge these generational divides to create a church that honors tradition while embracing transformation? How can we build a community where every generation feels valued and can contribute fully to the body of Christ? Let’s explore these questions by examining the unique value each generation brings, the biblical call to unity, and practical ways we can foster intergenerational understanding and collaboration. 1. Recognizing the Value of Every Generation One of the first steps toward bridging generational gaps is to recognize the immense value that every generation offers. Each group brings something unique, whether it’s the stability and wisdom of the older generation or the energy and innovation of the younger. Together, they form a more complete picture of what it means to live and grow as a community of faith. Older generations have often experienced more seasons of life and have witnessed God’s faithfulness over many years. They have seen prayers answered, endured hardships, and sustained the church through challenges. This depth of experience is invaluable; it grounds the church, providing a steady foundation that has stood the test of time. Many elders hold a wealth of knowledge about scripture, theology, and church history, which they can pass on to younger generations. Proverbs 16:31 (NKJV) tells us, “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.” These "crowns of glory" bring wisdom, stability, and a reverence for God’s Word. Younger generations, on the other hand, often approach faith with fresh eyes. They bring energy, creativity, and a willingness to explore new ways of worship, service, and outreach. They’re typically more in tune with contemporary culture and can offer insights into how the church might better reach a changing world. In Matthew 18:3 9 (KJV), Jesus reminds us of the importance of childlike faith, saying, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Young believers, with their enthusiasm and willingness to question norms, invite the church to keep growing, adapting, and connecting with people outside its walls.When the church celebrates and honors these unique contributions, it becomes a stronger, more balanced body. Both perspectives—rooted in tradition and innovative progress—are essential to fulfilling the church's calling. The result is a church that not only honors its history but also moves forward with purpose and vision. Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/    jeffbergen Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:30:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:19:14-05:00