Ministries

What is a personal relationship with God? It's a personal question with a personal answer. Some describe it as "being saved." Understanding from a Christian perspective what it means to "be saved" is crucial for understanding one's standing before God.

Christians who struggle with particular sins or temptations are often viewed by others (and even by themselves) with skepticism. Not only are others prone to question their level of spirituality, but some even question if they truly are part of the family of God at all. Do real Christians struggle? Or, are Christians somehow expected to be exempt from struggles and living above battles with sin and temptation?

In a cultural climate of tolerance and pluralism that preaches that there are any number of ways to know God and to get the life that you really want now, the Bible's exclusive offer of only one way to God--by forgiveness of sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ alone--is a hard sell. And yet, the teaching that Jesus is the only way to a restored relationship with God is one of the most clearly documented doctrines of the New Testament and forms the core foundation of biblical Christianity.

The Creator volunteering to die for His creatures who rebelled against Him is a truth far too wonderful for us to ever fully grasp. It makes no sense except to say that it's the focal point of all history that provides the clearest evidence of the mysterious and scandalous love of God.

The sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross is a problem for some people who don't see why it was really necessary for Him to die. The idea of forgiveness of sins is offensive to many because it requires an admission of need and an acknowledgment of guilt. The cross is first a humbling truth and then a freeing truth.

Many Christians believe that if they wrestle with doubts that their faith is weak. Could it be that the opposite is true? Too many Christians aren't challenged to test their faith by asking tough questions. The fear is that they will somehow abandon the faith if they question it. In reality, however, an untested faith is a faith without deep personal convictions.

In light of all the chaos, pain, sorrow, and evil in the world, many people of faith and those without faith question the reality of a good God who would allow for such a mess to go on. Either He's good but not really powerful enough to make a difference, or he's powerful enough but just doesn't care all that much. Who is He and what's He up to in a world that seems so flawed and broken?

Life is hard. Suffering and struggle are normal in a fallen world as fallen people who simply are not home yet. The real question isn't whether or not you will struggle. That's a given. But the core question is how will you struggle? Will you struggle well? Or will you struggle poorly?

God is described as a forgiving God. But are there some sins that are so grievous that make a person feel unforgivable? What does it mean to receive the forgiveness of a holy God who hates our sin? While it's that hope of forgiveness that is such good news, it's the fear of some how being unforgivable that robs us of the joy that God offers.

God's love is often a subject for debate when things aren't working out quite the way we expected. Can we be confident of His love when we're facing struggles? The question of God's love is vitally important, for if we truly believe that He loves us, that truth changes the way we view every obstacle and opportunity we face.

Trusting an book from the ancient world to provide wisdom to live life in the modern world seems irrational to many. So what makes the Bible worthy of that kind of trust for millions over thousands of years? There has to be more to the story than it's just a "good book." Who wrote it makes all the difference.

Faith is more of a journey, a pilgrimage, or a long walk. Just like the parable of Pilgrim's Progress written by John Bunyan, the journey of faith takes you through times of doubt, struggle, grief, and joy. But in the end, you get to know God more deeply and richly.

Investing in deep friendships is worth the effort. Join us as Gene Getz shares the foundations of meaningful friendships.

Join us as Gene Getz explains some of the reasons why men might not enjoy being a part of a church community.

Our culture today demands a lot of men. Join us as Gene Getz shares how important it is for men to be vulnerable and supportive of one another.

Honoring our parents is a biblical mandate. Join us as Gene Getz explains working through the challenges of honoring difficult parents.

There are many benefits to being a grandparent! Join us as Gene Getz shares the need to be a support and encouragement to your children and grandchildren.

An empty nest can have its joys and challenges. Join us as Gene Getz shares the importance of spouses maintaining a healthy relationship with one another.

Join us as Gene Getz explains that restored marriages after divorce are possible, but can be a difficult process.

The reasons for divorce can vary from couple to couple. Join us as Gene Getz discusses his views on the biblical grounds for divorce.