By David Faust A geode is a kind of rock that contains quartz or other minerals that have crystalized. On the outside a geode is nondescript—a plain gray or brown rock—but on the inside it’s filled with sparkling color. Like a geode, the Bible is such a common book, many don’t realize the treasures contained […]
Marks of Spiritual Fitness—Nehemiah 8 & 9
By David Faust When your body is healthy you sleep well, feel energetic, and enjoy a good appetite. Your weight, respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure fall within normal limits. How can you tell if your church is healthy? What are some signs that the body of Christ is fit, agile, and moving in the […]
Harnessing the Power of Synergy—Nehemiah 3
By David Faust Hellen Keller observed, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” On one occasion the Lord promised the Israelites who went to battle, “Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand” (Leviticus 26:8). That’s favorable math! The principle of synergy […]
Laugh or Cry?— Ezra 3:10-13
By David Faust When I was a Bible college professor, one day a ministry student told the class about a problem in the small urban church where he served as the preacher. “Our congregation constantly talks about the ‘good old days’ when the church was large,” he explained. “A picture taken years ago hangs on […]
Perilous Power—2 Chronicles 26
By David Faust Jesus never said, “Blessed are the powerful.” However our culture persistently communicates the message, “Assert yourself. Be the boss. Climb the ladder. Make a name for yourself.” The account of King Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26 cautions us about the perils of personal power. God made him successful. Precocious in his youth […]