Confronting Bad Theology in the Church
by Jody Burkeen on May 21st, 2024
In the heart of every church lies its theology—the study and understanding of God. Good theology nurtures faith, guides practice, and fosters a healthy spiritual community. However, when theology goes astray, the consequences can be detrimental, leading to confusion, division, and spiritual harm. Confronting bad theology is crucial for the health and growth of the church. This blog explores why it... Read More
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Understanding Bible Translations: Which Ones Should We Trust?
by Jody Burkeen on May 18th, 2024
When it comes to reading and understanding the Bible, choosing the right translation can significantly impact your study and comprehension. There are thousands of Bible translations, each with a different approach to the language of the Bible and the interpretation of its message. With so many options, it’s difficult to know which to trust. This blog will outline the characteristics of Bible trans... Read More
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Good Shepherds
by Jody Burkeen on May 15th, 2024
The voices we listen to matter immensely in the quest for spiritual growth and deeper biblical understanding. After I wrote the blog series on false teachers, I was asked, “Who would you suggest we listen to?” It was a great question and made me think for a minute. I told you my dislikes, so I have listed some of my favorites in no particular order. This is not an exhaustive list either.This blog ... Read More
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Recognizing False Teachers: A Guide for Church Members
by Jody Burkeen on May 6th, 2024
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A Critical Review of Andy Stanley’s Teachings: Lukewarm Understanding of Scripture
by Jody Burkeen on May 4th, 2024
Andy Stanley, the founder of North Point Ministries, one of the largest Christian organizations in the USA, is renowned for his pragmatic approach to Christianity and church leadership. While his modern methods and communicative style have garnered a vast following and admiration, they have also sparked significant debate within traditional evangelical circles. He is also the son of Charles Stanle... Read More
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Examining The Teachings of Bill Johnson- Bethel Church
by Jody Burkeen on May 3rd, 2024
Bill Johnson, the charismatic leader of Bethel Church, is a figure of substantial influence in the charismatic movement, known for his teachings on miracles, healing, and the supernatural. While many find his ideas revolutionary and affirming, others express deep concerns about the theological implications and practices associated with his ministry. This blog post explores these concerns:1. Theolo... Read More
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Revisiting Leadership and Accountability: A Critical Look at Mark Driscoll’s Character
by Jody Burkeen on May 2nd, 2024
Mark Driscoll, former pastor of Mars Hill Church and now a leader at The Trinity Church in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been a polarizing figure in modern evangelical Christianity. His dynamic preaching style and straightforward approach to biblical interpretation have attracted many followers. However, Driscoll's ministry has also been marred by controversy, leading to serious discussions about past... Read More
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A Critical Examination of Michael Todd's Teachings
by Jody Burkeen on May 1st, 2024
Michael Todd, known for his dynamic preaching and the rapid growth of Transformation Church, has become a prominent figure in contemporary Christianity. While his approach has attracted a vast audience and revitalized the faith of many, it has also sparked debates concerning his theological interpretations and practices. His clips on social media seem to be on point, but after further investigatio... Read More
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Rethinking Spiritual Leadership: A Closer Look at Steven Furtick's Teachings
by Jody Burkeen on April 30th, 2024
What is a false teacher?False teachers are people who try to interpret the Bible in new ways, claiming that they have a "new Revelation" or a "new way to interpret scripture". They are often arrogant, ignorant of spiritual truth, and spend their time speculating in foolish ways. False teachers are usually popular and have followers, which can lead to the blaspheming of truth. They may come across... Read More
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The Importance of Biblical Forgiveness
by Jody Burkeen on April 23rd, 2024
The Importance of Biblical Forgiveness The concept of forgiveness is found at the heart of many religions and spiritual traditions. The Bible has much to say about forgiveness, and whatever one’s beliefs, those who study the subject or need help in their personal lives will find much to be drawn from the Bible’s teachings on and examples of forgiveness. In this blog, we will introduce this topic, ... Read More
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One Campaign: A Step to Deepen Your Walk with Jesus
by Jody Burkeen on April 9th, 2024
One Campaign: A Step to Deepen Your Walk with JesusIn a world of distractions and endless to-dos, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters in our spiritual journey. The One campaign encourages believers to focus on one simple, achievable action that can significantly deepen their walk with Jesus.Why One Thing MattersIn the biblical story of Mary and Martha, Jesus highlights the value of focus... Read More
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Embracing the Spirit for a Life of Peace: Reflections on Romans 8:6
by Jody Burkeen on March 13th, 2024
To live "in the flesh" is to be guided by our basest desires and instincts. It's a life that prioritizes materialism, self-gratification, and earthly pleasures. Read More
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Recent
Two Thieves. One Cross. One Choice.
November 13th, 2025
A Word to Ignite Church After Reading the New Barna State of Pastors Report
November 12th, 2025
Serve Like Jesus
November 10th, 2025
The Weight and the Wonder of This Calling
November 1st, 2025
Reformation Day: Getting Back to the Word
October 31st, 2025
Archive
2025
March
Back to the BasicsThe Danger of Walking Away from the CrossWhen the Lukewarm Get UncomfortableThe Top 10 Reasons a Church DiesA Call To Be Set ApartPursuing Holiness – Part 2: What It Looks Like in Our Lives and the ChurchBack to the Basics: The Role of Discipleship for the Mature BelieverBack to the Basics: Worship Is a Lifestyle, Not a Sunday Morning ThingBack to the Basics: Returning to a Life That Reflects ChristThe Worst Thing That Ever Happened Was the Best Thing That Ever HappenedBack to the Basics: Giving Is a Lifestyle, Not Just a DonationThe Process of Church Discipline A Pastor’s Heart on Tithing: Let’s Return to Faithful Giving
April
Back to the Basics: Evangelism Isn’t OptionalFrom Head to Heart: Reading Scripture for Transformation, Not Just InformationMan Up and Lead – God's Design for the HomeHead in the Sand: The Danger of Ignoring HolinessGossip: A Spiritual Battle We Must FightLaziness and Complacency in a Christian’s Life: A Wake-Up Call for the Family, the Church, and the KingdomWe’re Here for You—In the Valleys and on the Mountaintops
May
Would You Come to Church With Me?” – The Simple Words That Could Change a LifeGrace: The Power to Do What He’s Called You to DoOur Love for Jesus Should Look Like Hate to OthersWhy Is It Only Offensive When You Talk About Jesus?The Dangers of Deconstructing Christianity as a Christ FollowerPerfected in Christ — Not Perfect YetBattling Depression with Scripture and Prayer: A Pastor’s Heartfelt EncouragementAltar or Stage? The Difference That Changes EverythingThis Hit Me Today: Don’t Just Listen—Live ItWe Live By DyingThe Altar: A Sacred Space for Encounter and Surrender
June
Pride: The Root of All SinThe Difference Between Continual Sin and Oops SinGod Doesn’t Care About Your Happiness—He Cares About Your ObedienceBack to the Basics: 4 Non-Negotiables in the Kingdom of GodConfronted by the Living WordQuitting Has Become the American Way — But Fruit Comes Through Faithful EnduranceTwo Seas, Two Lives: What the Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee Teach Us About DiscipleshipTrue Repentance: More Than Just Saying “Sorry”Why Do I Keep Running from God When I Know I Should Run Toward Him?If There Is Dust on Your Bible, There Is Dust on Your HeartWar or Murder? A Biblical Response to the Iran Conflict—and Why We Stand with IsraelChristianity Is Like a Rock TumblerThe Doctrine of Perfection: A Dangerous HeresyChristianity: Inclusive to All, Exclusive to Follow
July
True Friends: When Loyalty Is TestedTrue Freedom: Independence in ChristThe Less Truth You Know, the Easier It Will Be to Be Led AstrayWe Don’t Need Good Advice—We Need the Good NewsOne Generation Tolerates, The Next CelebratesTithing Again: Why It Still MattersMiracles and a Wicked Generation: Why God Doesn’t Perform to Prove HimselfIf You're a True Christian, Then You've Changed the Way You LiveThe Affair at the Coldplay Concert: When God Brings the Darkness to LightIt’s Hot… But Not That Hot, A Wake-Up Call from the HeatNo, the Gospel Is Not Woke—It’s RighteousFaith Is Spelled R-I-S-KWhat Is Grace, Really? Understanding the Unmerited Favor of GodPart 2: Grace in the Garden: The First Act of Redemption Tracing Grace Back to GenesisPart 3- Grace Through the Law: The Old Testament Isn’t Grace-Free
August
Part 4- Jesus: The Fullness of Grace Grace Has a NamePart 5- Justified by Grace You: Don’t Work for What’s Been Paid ForPart 6- Grace That Transforms: Grace Doesn’t Leave You Where It Found YouPart 7- When Grace Hurts Receiving What You Didn’t Ask ForPart 8- Grace for Others: Extending What You’ve ReceivedFeed the Sheep, Not Entertain the GoatsPart 9-Growing in Grace: This Is Just the BeginningPart 10- The Future of Grace Grace: Will Carry You HomeThe Power of a Simple InvitationWhy the Natural Man Cannot Understand the Things of GodThe Natural Man’s Responsibility Before God’s CallWhy “Unspoken Prayer Requests” Are UnbiblicalAsk the Pastor- Why Yoga Is Not Compatible with the Christian FaithMy Job as a Pastor Is Not to Entertain You, It’s to Prepare You for EternityYou Don’t Need a Voice When You Have a VerseDon’t Waste What God Has Given YouSimple Ways to Share the Gospel and Your TestimonyAsk the Pastor: Guarding Your Heart Without Closing It OffAsk the Pastor: Can Someone Lose Their Anointing?Ask the Pastor: Can Someone Be Too Far Gone to Be Saved?Your Testimony is Pre-Evangelism, Not the Gospel. Only the Gospel Saves
September
Guest Post- Josh Westfall- Faith and transformationThe Value of Believing the GospelFill Your Bucket of WorshipWhen Tragedy Strikes: How God Can Turn Loss into PurposeDiscernment Without Judgment: Welcoming While WatchingWe Need to Be Ready: A Coming Exodus from the LGBTQ CommunityA Shepherd’s Warning: Don’t Drift AwayIt Takes All of UsEureka Days and Weekly Challenge
October
Description Doesn’t Mean Prescription: Reading Bible Stories with DiscernmentPrayer Is a Heart IssueWhy I Struggle with Halloween- A Pastor’s Honest ReflectionKeep Your Eyes Forward: Racing Toward the Finish Line of FaithWhen You Think You’ve Figured Out ChristianityRunning to Win Again: Reclaiming Discipline in Body and SpiritThe Difference Between a Lukewarm Christian and a Devoted ChristianReformation Day: Getting Back to the Word
