Being a people-pleaser can be draining. You may find yourself saying “yes” when you really want to say “no”, going out of your way to avoid conflict, and putting other people’s needs before your own. This pattern can leave you feeling resentful, overwhelmed, and burned out. The good news is that with God’s help, you can find freedom from people-pleasing and become the person He has called you to be. What does the Bible say about being a people-pleaser? The Bible warns against being a people-pleaser in passages like Galatians 1:10: “For am I now seeking the approval of man,…
Author: Nicole Sands
What is Willow Creek? Willow Creek is an evangelical Christian megachurch located in the Chicago suburb of South Barrington, Illinois. Founded in 1975 by Bill Hybels, it has grown to be one of the largest and most influential churches in America, with over 25,000 attendees across seven locations in the Chicago area. The name “Willow Creek” comes from Willow Creek Community Church’s original meeting place – a movie theater called the Willow Creek Theater in Palatine, Illinois. Though the church now has its main campus in South Barrington, the name has stuck and become synonymous with its focus on contemporary…
The Bible has a lot to say about foolishness and warns against it repeatedly. Here is an overview of some of the major biblical teachings on foolishness: Foolishness is sinful and opposed to wisdom The book of Proverbs, which focuses heavily on wisdom, consistently contrasts wisdom and foolishness as opposites. Foolishness is depicted as a sinful mindset and behavior, while wisdom comes from fearing God and following His ways (Proverbs 1:7). Proverbs 10:23 says “Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.” Foolishness leads to all kinds of sin, while…
The end times refer to the period leading up to the second coming of Jesus Christ. It will be a time of great tribulation and suffering before Jesus returns to defeat evil and establish his eternal kingdom. The Bible provides many details about the end times to help Christians understand what will happen and how to prepare. Signs of the End Times Jesus said in Matthew 24:4-8 that before his return there will be an increase in false messiahs, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution of believers, and spiritual decline. We already see many of these signs unfolding today. While we cannot…
Diligence is defined as careful and persistent work or effort. The Bible has a lot to say about being diligent and hardworking in all aspects of life. Here is an overview of some of the key themes and verses in the Bible that discuss diligence: Being Diligent in Our Work The Bible encourages diligence and hard work in our jobs and vocations. We are called to work heartily and diligently, serving God through our work: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but…
Epektasis is a Greek word that means “extension” or “stretching out towards”. In Christian theology, it refers to the eternal progression or growth in the knowledge and love of God. The concept of epektasis conveys the idea that while believers come to know and experience God in the present, there is always more to discover. Even in heaven, the soul’s union with God will deepen progressively throughout eternity. Biblical Basis The main biblical source for the doctrine of epektasis is Gregory of Nyssa, one of the great Cappadocian Fathers of the 4th century. Drawing on Philippians 3:12-14, Gregory taught that…
A novena is a nine day period of private or public prayer to obtain special graces, to implore special favors, or make special petitions. The word “novena” comes from the Latin word “novem” meaning nine. This prayer practice traces its origins back to scripture and the time of Jesus. Here is an overview of the biblical origins and Catholic tradition of novenas. Biblical Origins of Novenas The practice of novenas has its beginnings in scripture. After Jesus ascended to heaven, the apostles prayed together for nine days while awaiting the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. As Acts 1:14…
The question of whether Jesus is found in the Old Testament has been debated for centuries. At the heart of this debate is whether the Messiah that was prophesied in the Old Testament refers to Jesus Christ as portrayed in the New Testament. There are several lines of evidence that point to Jesus being the fulfillment of Old Testament Messianic prophecies. Messianic Prophecies Throughout the Old Testament, there are many prophecies that point to the coming of a future Anointed One, or Messiah. These prophecies begin as early as Genesis and continue through the books of the major and minor…
Celtic Christianity refers to the early medieval Christian practices and traditions of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man and Brittany. It was a unique form of Christianity that developed in the British Isles during the 5th-7th centuries AD, blending Christian teachings and practices with elements of Celtic culture. Here is an overview of the key features and history of Celtic Christianity: Origins of Celtic Christianity Christianity first came to the British Isles through Roman Britain. However, it was not until the 5th century, when Roman rule collapsed, that a distinctly Celtic expression of Christianity began to emerge. Some of…
The issue of how Christian gun owners should respond to government gun confiscation is a complex one with no simple or definitive answers. As Christians, we are called to submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7) while also protecting life and liberty. With prayerful discernment and wisdom from God’s Word, we can thoughtfully consider various biblical principles that may guide our response. Pray for Guidance and Discernment First and foremost, Christian gun owners facing potential gun confiscation should pray for God’s guidance and discernment (James 1:5). We should ask God to search our hearts and reveal any wrong motives or sinful…
