Gospel.com Blog

Looking for a daily Bible study that delves thoroughly into scripture? Every weekday, Nancy Leigh DeMoss hosts the Revive Our Hearts Bible study/radio show, exploring Biblical topics with a special focus on issues important to women today.

This week, Nancy is concluding a series of studies on Psalm 23 (”The Lord is my shepherd…”) and how it applies to us today. (That series started on May 17, if you want to start from the beginning.) Next up is a three-week series called “The Attractive Christian Woman”–so if you like Nancy’s observations about Psalm 73, tune in next week for the start of the new series!

While millions of Americas were celebrating the Memorial Day holiday over the weekend, a major earthquake struck near Yogyakarta in Indonesia, causing widespread destruction–thousands of homes were destroyed and hundreds of villages affected.

International Aid sprang immediately into action after the earthquake hit, dispatching a portable health facility to provide medical help for thousands of people rendered homeless by the quake. Their work continues today–stop by their website for regular updates on the earthquake crisis as well as information on their ongoing efforts to help.

Is it possible to want something too much? Does desiring something too much actually work against us? Where exactly do “desire” and “want” fit into the Christian life, anyway? Blaine Smith tackles the question of desire in his most recent Nehemiah Notes essay.

Many observers have noted that the Christian church seems to “lag behind” the rest of culture–instead of taking a leading role in society, the church finds itself merely reacting to events and trends in the world around us. In our increasingly interconnected world, societal change can come rapidly–but if the church doesn’t anticipate change and prepare for it, it risks becoming a passive institution instead of an active and engaged cultural leader.

How can the church reclaim an active role in our world today while keeping its message intact? This is the question addressed by Carol Davis in a recent podcast from the Advancing Churches in Missions Commitment ministry. Give Davis’ presentation a listen–and ask yourself whether or not your church community is ready for the next cultural shift!

Young people today face a bewildering array of trauma in tragedy–from personal horrors like abuse to societal concerns like school shootings, natural disasters, and terrorism. But how can a young person, still coming to grips with their faith and identity, cope with so many issues that confound even jaded adults?

A new article at Youth Specialties discusses a crucial but often-overlooked aspect of youth ministry: helping kids navigate their way through life’s overwhelming traumas [PDF format]. How can you as a youth leader help the kids in your care deal with these issues without giving in to despair or denial? The article contains helpful advice for spotting the signs of serious trauma in children, and suggests that a Biblical response of lament can be the key to helping guide them through personal crisis.

Are you dissatisfied with your job or career and feeling called to do something different–but aren’t sure where God wants you to be?

If you’ve got that nagging sensation that God has a different plan for you but don’t know how to be sure, take a few minutes to read How to Find Work You Love to Do, an article at the Christian Career Center. It’s a thorough look at the process of finding a career that fits your God-given talents, and offers guidance for approaching a career change from the right spiritual perspective.

What are we to make of the Da Vinci Code controversy? Has the church responded to the issue wisely and effectively, or are there lessons to be learned from this about how to best engage cultural phenomena?

The ThinkChristian blog has just posted an audio interview with Mike Gunn, author of the new book The Da Vinci Code Adventure, about the DVC phenomenon and how Christians should engage cultural events. Whatever your take on the DVC craze, stop by and tune in for a different take on the book, the movie, and the hype.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you know that The Da Vinci Code has been causing all manner of controversy, discussion, and debate in Christian circles with its theological claims and startling popularity. Now that the much-anticipated movie is out, how should we approach this cultural phenomenon?

Hollywood Jesus has compiled a massive list of essays that address the question of how we should relate to The Da Vinci Code and other spiritual challenges from pop culture. While you’re there, be sure to check out their other reviews and essays related to Dan Brown’s bestseller. And Preview Online, an Alliance ministry that provides family-focused movie reviews and commentary, has a review of the movie up as well.

So you’re a grad student… and a Christian. How can you live as a witness of Christ amidst the pressure of research, coursework, and teaching? An article at Intervarsity’s Graduate and Faculty Ministries website lists out seven ways you can reflect Christ while a grad student. Consider incorporating these ideas into your everyday life at school (and stop procrastinating with that dissertation!).

Africa is at the heart of Gospel Communications’ GRAIDS (”Gospel Response to AIDS”) ministry. This month, a group of Gospel Communications staff and friends are traveling through sub-Saharan Africa, speaking to government leaders, educators, and students, to get a firsthand look at the region’s spiritual needs–and at the ways that Christian ministries can help. They’re journaling their travels at the Communique blog–stop by for pictures, blog entries, and podcasts from the group!