History of the Altar
by Jody Burkeen on July 24th, 2024
The altar is a prominent feature throughout the Bible, serving as a sacred space for worship, sacrifice, and communion with God. Its evolution from the Old Testament to the New Testament reveals its profound significance in the spiritual lives of God's people. Today, the altar continues to play a crucial role in church practices, especially in prayer and worship. Let’s explore the biblical history... Read More
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Understanding Luke 11:1-4: The Lord's Prayer
by Jody Burkeen on July 22nd, 2024
In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 11, verses 1-4, we encounter one of the most profound and cherished passages in Christian Scripture: the Lord's Prayer. This prayer, taught by Jesus to His disciples, encapsulates the essence of Christian piety and the heart of our relationship with God. Let's delve deeper into these verses to understand their significance and application in our daily lives.Luke 11:1... Read More
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The Seven Stages of Grieving: A Biblical Perspective
by Pastor Jody Burkeen on July 15th, 2024
Grieving is a natural part of human existence, and throughout the Bible, we find many examples of individuals and communities navigating the deep waters of sorrow and loss. The seven stages of grieving—shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing, and acceptance—offer a framework that helps us understand and process our emotions. Let’s look at each stage through the lens of Scripture and ... Read More
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Finding Comfort in the Midst of Loss: A Biblical Perspective on Suffering
by Jody Burkeen on July 9th, 2024
The loss of a loved one is one of the most profound and painful experiences a person can endure. The grief can be overwhelming, and the void left by the departed can seem impossible to fill. However, believers have a unique source of comfort and hope amid our suffering: the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. The Bible offers profound insights and assurances to help us navigate our grief and find pea... Read More
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How I Stay Above Reproach
by Jody Burkeen on June 18th, 2024
A pastor’s position as a congregation leader calls for an impeccable lifestyle. A pastor’s role is not only about leading a group of believers but also about, for example, living a life that portrays Jesus’ words and cautions. Being above reproach takes a lot of work. Staying above reproach requires a pastor to have a life grounded in some basic ethics and disciplines that will help them as they l... Read More
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5 Ways Christians Can Build Their Faith
by Jody Burkeen on May 27th, 2024
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy for Christians to find their faith taking a backseat. Yet, building and maintaining a strong faith is essential for living a fulfilling and purposeful Christian life. This past week on my podcast, I discussed these areas and thought it would benefit you all. Here are five practical ways Christians can build their faith and deepen their relationship... Read More
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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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Recent
Running to Win Again: Reclaiming Discipline in Body and Spirit
October 24th, 2025
When You Think You’ve Figured Out Christianity
October 15th, 2025
Keep Your Eyes Forward: Racing Toward the Finish Line of Faith
October 9th, 2025
Why I Struggle with Halloween- A Pastor’s Honest Reflection
October 8th, 2025
Prayer Is a Heart Issue
October 6th, 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 Spirit
