This is a page for articles that I consider my “core teachings” that I think would be beneficial and edifying for most people trying to better walk with Jesus. While hopefully everything on this site is of some merit, these twelve articles are my most recommended readings from my site.
Is it an “Easy Yoke” or a “Daily Cross”?
Is Christianity supposed to be easy, even restful? Or is Christianity supposed to be hard, a daily ‘death to self’ that demands much of us?
What Does God Want from Me?
“What should the interaction between the Divine and humanity look like?” Or, to put it more personally, “What does God want from me?”
Philippians 4: Paul Shows Us How to Functionally Center Ourselves on God
In the fourth chapter of the book of Philippians, Paul gives us some of the most famous and memorable verses in the Bible.
Beyond just being one of Paul’s “greatest hits”, there is some tremendously practical and approachable wisdom being given. Let’s look at a few things that stand out in Philippians 4:4-13.
Psalm 113: The Greatness and the Goodness of God
The God of the Bible is both great (holy, transcendent, powerful) and good (full of mercy, kindness, and compassion.) Any view of God that doesn’t hold both of these attributes simultaneously is going to misunderstand Who He is.
What Is (and Isn’t) Repentance?
Repentance is a matter of the present tense. Real repentance has to do with how you are currently responding to your current conviction. You can really repent, and still struggle.
Pride, Shame, and Humility, and How to Grow as a Christian
The way we grow in humility is to look at Jesus. To keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. This is the best path to all Christian growth.
“What If” vs. “Even If”: A Practical Path to Peace
In Christ, God has promised that all things will be redeemed for His people. He WILL overcome the world, and its brokenness.
“Godliness with Contentment” Lesson and Reflection
What does it mean for a Christian to be godly? What does it mean for a Christian to be content? How do those concepts intersect? And what do you do with that?
Two Common Questions About Missions
There are two BIG questions that people tend to want answered before they become missionaries: 1) Is God “calling” me? And 2) What would I do?
TR Hartley 