Coronado Island is an idyllic Southern California destination that attracts locals and tourists by the thousands each summer. One popular picnic spot is Spreckels Park, which boasts a sprawling swath of lush green grass, a gazebo, playground equipment, and towering shade trees. There is just one problem: the park is nestled in the center of the nearly 33-square-mile island, … [Read more...] about Do Your Priorities Align With God’s Will?
Not sure where to start? Spend some time in Faith Basics. The articles in this section will introduce you to core teachings of the Christian faith and offer practical suggestions for deepening your walk with the Lord.
Faith Basics
Is There a Wrong Way to Worship God?
If you were to ask ten people to define “worship,” you would probably receive ten different answers. Some might describe worship as a church service or express a preference for “contemporary worship” or “traditional worship.” Others might say it’s the musical part of a church service. Still, others might refer to a feeling or an attitude. Each of these descriptions portrays an … [Read more...] about Is There a Wrong Way to Worship God?
Bible Overview: A Simple Introduction to God’s Word
In 2019, Ancestry.com surpassed 15 million customers in its DNA database. According to their blog, “It is a true sign of how deeply important it is for people to connect and learn about their past.” Indeed, something deep inside drives us to discover our roots and understand who we are. While we can learn a lot from genetic testing, only the Bible reveals our origins, … [Read more...] about Bible Overview: A Simple Introduction to God’s Word
How to Become a Christian
A Note From Dr. David Jeremiah: I know God is real, and I know He loves me. I know that He loves you, too, whoever you are, whatever your circumstances may be. I’ve been through the good times and the bad times of life, and God has always been there for me. He has never failed me. But neither has He kept me free of problems or heartbreak. In this world, we must contend with … [Read more...] about How to Become a Christian
What Is Baptism and Why Is It Important?
As of February 1, 2022, Father Andres Arango resigned from his role as the pastor of St. Gregory Parish in Phoenix, Arizona, because the Diocese of Phoenix determined that the thousands of baptisms he had performed during his twenty-year career were “invalid.”1 Why? When Father Andres administered the sacrament, he would say, “We baptize you in the Name of the Father and of the … [Read more...] about What Is Baptism and Why Is It Important?
A Guide to Christian Prayer: Q & A
Most Christians would agree that prayer is an essential spiritual discipline. We know that Scripture tells us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and it promises, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him” (Psalm 145:18). Yet only 55% of Christians “say they rely a lot on prayer and personal religious reflection when making major life decisions.”1 Even the … [Read more...] about A Guide to Christian Prayer: Q & A
Ask, Seek, Knock: How to Seek God’s Guidance
When American novelist and playwright William Goldman asked his two young daughters what he should write his next novel about, one said, “Write about a princess,” and the other said, “Write about a bride.” So he wrote The Princess Bride, published in 1973. Even though Goldman had won two Academy Awards for screenplays and wanted to sell his novel to a movie studio, The Princess … [Read more...] about Ask, Seek, Knock: How to Seek God’s Guidance
How to Know You Are a Christian
Someone once said that sitting in church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than sitting in a garage makes you a car. The apostle John would agree with that sentiment. His first epistle, the book of First John, is devoted to helping God’s people identify truth and discern genuine spirituality. As with his gospel account, John tells us exactly why he wrote this first letter: … [Read more...] about How to Know You Are a Christian
Biblical Guidelines for Christian Meditation
Life can be truly dizzying if we lose our perspective. Kati Metro, 74, was hiking near Phoenix, Arizona, when she fell, injuring her face, wrist, and hip. A rescue helicopter flew in, and workers strapped her to a stretcher. Unfortunately, the winds were fierce, and a line failed that was supposed to prevent the stretcher from spinning as they pulled it up to the helicopter. … [Read more...] about Biblical Guidelines for Christian Meditation
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Because of the prevalence of coal mines in West Virginia, that state has been in the news many times due to mining disasters. The thought of going several miles underground to work is a scary thought to most of us, but the hardworking people of West Virginia have learned to live with the dangers involved. Jesus’ death was the most significant event in history. It fueled a … [Read more...] about Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Am I Going to Heaven?
God wants everyone to join Him in heaven. No matter who you are or what you’ve done, He is prepared to welcome you. There is only one requirement: You need to seek His forgiveness before you leave this world. If you repent of your sin, confess it, and trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you will be saved from the spiritual penalty of your sin and be freed to enjoy … [Read more...] about Am I Going to Heaven?
Why Did Jesus Teach in Parables?
It’s been said that a picture’s worth a thousand words, and that’s probably accurate. If you had never witnessed a sunset, I could spend hours describing one, and your mental picture might still be inadequate. In the absence of the real thing, it would require a picture for you to appreciate the immensity and beauty of a sunset. But then there are abstract concepts, like … [Read more...] about Why Did Jesus Teach in Parables?