Jesus's final prayer reveals the ultimate purpose of prayer and why it matters. He prays for himself, his disciples, and his church, emphasizing the importance of spiritual vitality, love on display, and unity in the church. These elements are crucial for the church's evangelism efforts and its defense of its faith, making love on display the church's most powerful apologetic. [... more]

Developing a deeper relationship with God through regular Bible study, prayer, and reading great books can lead to spiritual growth, personal development, and a more fulfilling life. By setting aside time for quiet time, using resources to provide structure and insight, and enjoying the journey of learning, individuals can cultivate a more intimate connection with God and live a life that is pleasing to Him. [... more]

Great Christians have a practice in common: reading great books. This habit broadens their world, sharpens their mind, and transforms their lives. By reading biographies of ordinary people who did extraordinary things, Christians can gain a deeper understanding of God's attributes and develop a personal relationship with Him. [... more]

Dr. Alan Benson preaches about the importance of living a life of greater resolve, aligning one's life with God's priorities, and being spiritually productive, stable, and vital. He draws from Colossians chapter 1 and encourages listeners to make a values-based decision to live for Jesus, even in the face of adversity. [... more]

Jesus teaches that true and lasting joy comes from abiding in Him, the true vine, and that this joy is a fruit of the Spirit that can be nurtured and increased through consistent connection with Christ. [... more]

Stephen Davey continues his series from the book of Acts, teaching on how to identify false teachers in the church. He explains that false teachers can arise from within the church, using the same vocabulary but with a different dictionary, and that they often prey on vulnerable women and introduce destructive ideas. He also emphasizes the importance of being critical of those who would become spiritual advisors or teachers, being a student of the New Testament and its doctrine, and being aware that discernment and insight are developed through studying the word and submitting to its author. [... more]

Temptation can be a powerful force, often disguised as a justifiable need, and can lead to devastating consequences. The story of Samson's downfall serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of compromising values and the importance of honesty and vulnerability in relationships. [... more]

A church's spiritual vitality is often masked by appearances of life, but true vitality comes from a living relationship with God. The church in Sardis, as described in Revelation, is a prime example of a church that has lost its passion for God and is on the verge of spiritual death. However, with a call to wake up, strengthen, remember, and repent, the church can regain its spiritual consciousness and revive its ministry. [... more]

Renewing your spiritual vitality requires recommitting to the pursuit of holiness, watching out for pitfalls that hinder your pursuit, and understanding what's at stake in your pursuit. The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint, and it's essential to have an eternal perspective, valuing eternity far more than the temporal. [... more]

Developing a deeper relationship with God requires a commitment to regular Bible study, prayer, and spiritual growth. Chip Ingram shares four ways to take your spiritual walk to the next level, including reading great books that broaden your world, sharpen your mind, inflame your heart, and develop your skills. He emphasizes the importance of creating a quiet time with God, setting your heart on doing what God wants you to do, and making a covenant with Him to meet with Him daily. [... more]

Great Christians have a passion to be pleasing to the Lord, and they practice certain habits to achieve this goal. One of these habits is reading great books, which can broaden one's world, sharpen one's mind, and deepen one's faith. By reading books that challenge their thinking and broaden their understanding of the world, great Christians can develop a more accurate view of God and themselves, leading to a life of transformation and spiritual growth. [... more]

The risen Christ looks upon the church in Sardis, revealing a stark contrast between its outward appearance and inner reality. Jesus chastens the church, warning of its moral laxity and lack of spiritual vitality, but also encourages those who remain faithful, urging them to strengthen what remains and repent. The message is a call to spiritual awakening, a reminder that the church's true essence lies not in its programs or achievements, but in its spiritual life. [... more]

The church's purpose is to be a community of believers who are devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, and the breaking of bread, while relying on God's presence and power rather than human ingenuity and technique. [... more]

Dr. Cheryl Davis examines the church's lack of spiritual vitality in modern times, citing the importance of God's inherent power, or dunamis, which is essential for producing marvelous works and giving dominion over Satan. [... more]