Complete Listings for Short Stories Short Inspirational Devotionals: Encouragement to Help You On Your WayThese short devotionals are based on those we send out in our free emails . It’s free to subscribe, plus you get a free e-book of short stories! Looking for holiday devotionals? View our holiday devotionals. When You Don’t Feel Like ItWe all struggle with spiritual discouragement and lethargy. Some days our circumstances threaten to overwhelm us, and we struggle just to pray. Many times we just don’t feel like doing the things we know we should. For one reason or another, God sometimes seems far off and unreachable. David faced times like these in his life. The Psalms are filled with verses that express his despair and feeling of abandonment. Yet the Psalms also give us the key to living victoriously during the dark periods of life. Let’s take a quick look at Psalm 119:89-95 * . “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations; You established the earth, and it stands. They stand this day according to Your ordinances…” My circumstances or feelings have not changed God. He is the same God today as He was when He hung the stars in the sky, led the Israelites through the Red Sea , and fed the five thousand. “For all things are Your servants…” All things, even the things affecting me right now, are God’s servants. The circumstance, people, and events around me are all under God. They are His servants, designed to help and bless me spiritually. “If Your law had not been my delight, Then I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have revived me. I am Yours, save me; For I have sought Your precepts. The wicked wait for me to destroy me; I shall diligently consider Your testimonies.” Recalling God’s faithfulness and control over everything that touches us gives us strength to walk with God even when we feel like giving up in despair. After all, our feelings and circumstances have not changed God. He is perfectly capable of sustaining us if we will only let Him. We simply need to choose to delight in and diligently consider God’s precepts (His principles and character) despite how we feel. Choosing to delight in God might not be easy. It might even involve hard work. But only God can revive and save our soul from spiritual lethargy. Next time you feel spiritually drained or inadequate, remember that you have a choice. You can wrap yourself up in excuses and self-pity, or you can choose to draw your strength from an unchanging God. These short devotionals are based on those published in our free e-newsletters . It’s free to subscribe, plus you get a free e-book of short stories! Continually Surrounded“The LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” Psalm 32:10, 11 God controls and allows every detail of our lives. Nothing happens without His knowledge and approval. Every day, little changes in schedule or small irritations occur. Everyday, we can choose to let these obstacles upset us, or we can rest in the knowledge that God lovingly ordained them as small irritants to help us look to and rely on Him. For example, we can grumble about the frustrating traffic jam that is keeping us from getting somewhere on time, or we can remember that God knows about our deadlines and view the time sitting in traffic as an opportunity to pray. We can complain, or we can rejoice. May we allow the knowledge that we are continually surrounded by God’s unfailing love to permeate our lives and chase away our complaints and fears. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 Of all the Israelites, perhaps no one strove harder to please God than Saul of Tarsus. Every area of his life conformed strictly to the Law. No one could accuse this respected Pharisee of lacking zeal. He was a man with a mission-a mission to please and serve God. But on the road to Damascus, Saul’s life changed entirely. From now on, he would no longer try to please God himself. Instead, he would press on with the goal of knowing Christ. “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Philippians 3:8 (NIV emphasis added). Saul (now called Paul) had a new mission-a mission that remained constant amid ever-changing circumstances. It didn’t matter whether he was preaching to a crowd or sitting in a damp prison. Paul now had one goal before which everything in his life bowed. Paul wanted to know his Lord. How about you? Is knowing Christ–fellowshipping, trusting, and depending on Him-the goal toward which you’re striving? Ask God to help you press on to know Him today. Watering AgainJesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10 NIV Living in a house without an automatic sprinkler system has been an eye-opening experience for me. It has made me realize just how often grass needs watered. And it’s helped me learn the hard way that grass will simply die without a continual water supply. As I watched the sprinkler the other day, it occurred to me that, much like grass, we continually need water. We need watered each and every moment of our lives. We need to draw from God’s Living Water—His life. Only as we continually draw from Christ His life and strength will we be able to grow strong amid the scorching heat and searing winds of life. Are you drawing from Christ, your Living Water, today? Or are you trying to live on your own? God’s life and strength awaits you. Let Him water your soul over and over again each day. “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” Hebrews 3:15 NIV Are we living in God’s presence today, this moment? Are we drawing from His strength? Are we seeking to know Him and the power of His resurrection today? Leave the past and the future with the Lord and resolve to cling to Him and dwell in His presence today. He truly has the whole world in His hands, and His strength is perfect—moment by moment. You must be logged in to post a comment. Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. We’re on a mission to change that. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. What Is So Important About Christian Hope?John Piper Twitter @JohnPiperCelebrate the reformation this october with us, celebrate the reformation with us, celebrate the reformation with us this october, celebrate the reformation with us in october, grace conquers our failings, why paul soars into doxology. What is so important about Christian hope? If our future is not secured and satisfied by God then we are going to be excessively anxious. This results either in paralyzing fear or in self-managed, greedy control. We end up thinking about ourselves, our future, our problems and our potential, and that keeps us from loving. In other words, hope is the birthplace of Christian self-sacrificing love. That's because we just let God take care of us and aren't preoccupied with having to work to take care of ourselves. We say, "Lord, I just want to be there for other people tomorrow, because you're going to be there for me." If we don't have the hope that Christ is for us then we will be engaged in self-preservation and self-enhancement. But if we let ourselves be taken care of by God for the future—whether five minutes or five centuries from now—then we can be free to love others. Then God's glory will shine more clearly, because that's how he becomes visible. When God satisfies us so deeply that we're free to love other people then he becomes more manifest. And that's what we want above all. What's the difference between a Christian definition of hope and the way it is usually used? The word "hope" in ordinary English vocabulary is generally distinguished from certainty. We would say, "I don't know what's going to happen, but I hope it happens." When you read the word "hope" in the Bible (like in 1 Peter 1:13—"set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ"), hope is not wishful thinking. It's not "I don't know if it's going to happen, but I hope it happens." That's absolutely not what is meant by Christian hope. Christian hope is when God has promised that something is going to happen and you put your trust in that promise. Christian hope is a confidence that something will come to pass because God has promised it will come to pass. How do we build our hope in God? Hope is a portion or part of faith. Faith and hope, in my mind, are overlapping realities: hope is faith in the future tense. So most of faith is hope. The Bible says, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). This implies that hope, like faith, is also strengthened by the word of God. Hope comes from reading his precious and very great promises and looking to Christ who purchased them. I would sum it up like this: The most important verse in the Bible for me, probably, is Romans 8:32: He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Now that last part is hope producing! But it's grounded in the rock-solid statement that "God didn't spare his own son." So the essence of what we look to in the Bible to build our hope is, What has Christ done for me in my sinful condition that enables me to know that I will not come in to judgment and condemnation and that all things are working together for my good? And the answer is that Christ died for me, rose again for me, and therefore all the promises of God are yes in him. So let's look away from the circumstances that confront us, look to Christ, look to the promises, and hold fast to them. Hope comes from the promises of God rooted in the work of Christ. 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To All The WorldThe world is a confusing place right now. We believe that faithful proclamation of the gospel is what our hostile and disoriented world needs. Do you believe that too? Help TGC bring biblical wisdom to the confusing issues across the world by making a gift to our international work. The Existence of GodOther essays. The existence and attributes of God are evident from the creation itself, even though sinful human beings suppress and distort their natural knowledge of God. The existence of God is foundational to the study of theology. The Bible does not seek to prove God’s existence, but rather takes it for granted. Scripture expresses a strong doctrine of natural revelation: the existence and attributes of God are evident from the creation itself, even though sinful human beings suppress and distort their natural knowledge of God. The dominant question in the Old and New Testaments is not whether God is, but rather who God is. Philosophers both Christian and non-Christian have offered a wide range of arguments for God’s existence, and the discipline of natural theology (what can be known or proven about God from nature alone) is flourishing today. Some philosophers, however, have proposed that belief in God is rationally justified even without theistic arguments or evidences. Meanwhile, professing atheists have offered arguments against God’s existence; the most popular is the argument from evil, which contends that the existence and extent of evil in the world gives us good reason not to believe in God. In response, Christian thinkers have developed various theodicies, which seek to explain why God is morally justified in permitting the evils we observe. If theology is the study of God and his works, then the existence of God is as foundational to theology as the existence of rocks is to geology. Two basic questions have been raised regarding belief in God’s existence: (1) Is it true ? (2) Is it rationally justified (and if so, on what grounds)? The second is distinct from the first because a belief can be true without being rationally justified (e.g., someone might irrationally believe that he’ll die on a Thursday, a belief that turns out by chance to be true). Philosophers have grappled with both questions for millennia. In this essay, we will consider what the Bible says in answer to these questions, before sampling the answers of some influential Christian thinkers. Scripture and the Existence of GodThe Bible opens not with a proof of God’s existence, but with a pronouncement of God’s works: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This foundational assertion of Scripture assumes that the reader not only knows already that God exists, but also has a basic grasp of who this God is. Throughout the Old Testament, belief in a creator God is treated as normal and natural for all human beings, even though the pagan nations have fallen into confusions about the true identity of this God. Psalm 19 vividly expresses a doctrine of natural revelation: the entire created universe ‘declares’ and ‘proclaims’ the glorious works of God. Proverbs tells us that “the fear of the Lord” is the starting point for knowledge and wisdom (Prov. 1:7; 9:10; cf. Psa. 111:10). Denying God’s existence is therefore intellectually and morally perverse (Psa. 14:1; 53:1). Indeed, the dominant concern throughout the Old Testament is not whether God is, but who God is. Is Yahweh the one true God or not (Deut. 4:35; 1Kgs. 18:21, 37, 39; Jer. 10:10)? The worldview that provides the foil for Hebrew monotheism is pagan polytheism rather than secular atheism. This stance on the existence of God continues into the New Testament, which builds on the foundation of the uncompromising monotheism of the Old. In his epistle to the Romans, the apostle Paul insists that God’s “eternal power and divine nature” are clearly perceived from the created order itself. Objectively speaking, there can be no rational basis for doubt about the existence of a transcendent personal creator, and thus there can be no excuse for unbelief (Rom. 1:20). Endued with a natural knowledge of our creator we owe God our honor and thanks, and our failure to do so serves as the primary basis for the manifestation of God’s wrath and judgment. The apostle’s robust doctrine of natural revelation has raised the question of whether anyone can truly be an atheist. The answer will depend, first, on how “atheist” is defined, and second, on what precisely Paul means when he speaks of people “knowing” God. If the idea is that all men retain some genuine knowledge of God, despite their sinful suppression of natural revelation, it’s hard to maintain that anyone could completely lack any cognitive awareness of God’s existence. But if “atheist” is defined as someone who denies the existence of God or professes not to believe in God, Romans 1 not only allows for the existence of atheists – it effectively predicts it. Atheism might then be understood as a form of culpable self-deception. Paul’s convictions about natural revelation are put to work in his preaching to Gentile audiences in Lystra and Athens (Acts 14:15–17; 17:22–31). Paul assumes not only that his hearers know certain things about God from the created order but also that they have sinfully suppressed and distorted these revealed truths, turning instead to idolatrous worship of the creation (cf. Rom. 1:22–25). Even so, his appeals to general revelation are never offered in isolation from special revelation: the Old Testament Scriptures, the person of Jesus Christ, and the testimony of Christ’s apostles. Elsewhere in the New Testament, the question of the existence of God is almost never explicitly raised, but rather serves as a foundational presupposition, an unquestionable background assumption. One exception would be the writer to the Hebrews, who remarks that “whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (11:6). In general, the New Testament is concerned less with philosophical questions about the existence of God than with practical questions about how sinners can have a saving relationship with the God whose existence is obvious. As in the Old Testament, the pressing question is never whether God is, but who God is. Is Jesus Christ the revelation of God in human flesh or not? That’s the crux of the issue. Arguments for the Existence of GodConsider again the two questions mentioned at the outset. (1) Is belief in God true ? (2) Is it rationally justified ? One appealing way to answer both questions affirmatively is to offer a theistic argument that seeks to infer God’s existence from other things we know, observe, or take for granted. A cogent theistic argument, one assumes, would not only demonstrate the truth of God’s existence but also provide rational justification for believing it. There is a vast literature on theistic arguments, so only a sampling of highlights can be given here. The first generation of Christian apologists felt little need to argue for God’s existence for the same reason one finds no such arguments in the New Testament: the main challenges to Christian theism came not from atheism, but from non-Christian theism (Judaism) and pagan polytheism. Not until the medieval period do we find formal arguments for the existence of God offered, and even then the arguments do not function primarily as refutations of atheism but as philosophical meditations on the nature of God and the relationship between faith and reason. One of the most famous and controversial is the ontological argument of St. Anselm (1033–1109) according to which God’s existence can be deduced merely from the definition of God, such that atheism leads inevitably to self-contradiction. One distinctive of the argument is that it relies on pure reason alone with no dependence on empirical premises. Various versions of the ontological argument have been developed and defended, and opinion is sharply divided even among Christian philosophers over whether there are, or even could be, any sound versions. Cosmological arguments seek to demonstrate that that the existence of the universe, or some phenomenon within the universe, demands a causal explanation originating in a necessary first cause beyond the universe. St. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) famously offered “Five Ways” of demonstrating God’s existence, each of which can be understood as kind of cosmological argument. For example, one of the Five Ways argues that any motion (change) has to be explained by some mover (cause). If that mover itself exhibits motion, there must be a prior mover to explain it, and because there cannot be an infinite regress of moved movers, there must be an original unmoved mover : an eternal, immutable, and self-existent first cause. Other notable defenders of cosmological arguments include G. W. Leibniz (1646–1716) and Samuel Clarke (1675–1729), and more recently Richard Swinburne and William Lane Craig. Teleological arguments , which along with cosmological arguments can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, contend that God is the best explanation for apparent design or order in the universe. Simply put, design requires a designer, and thus the appearance of design in the natural world is evidence of a supernatural designer. William Paley (1743–1805) is best known for his argument from analogy which compares functional arrangements in natural organisms to those in human artifacts such as pocket watches. While design arguments suffered a setback with the rise of the Darwinian theory of evolution, which purports to explain the apparent design of organisms in terms of undirected adaptive processes, the so-called Intelligent Design Movement has reinvigorated teleological arguments with insights from contemporary cosmology and molecular biology while exposing serious shortcomings in naturalistic Darwinian explanations. In the twentieth century, the moral argument gained considerable popularity, not least due to its deployment by C. S. Lewis (1898–1963) in his bestseller Mere Christianity . The argument typically aims to show that only a theistic worldview can account for objective moral laws and values. As with the other theistic arguments there are many different versions of the moral argument, trading on various aspects of our moral intuitions and assumptions. Since such arguments are typically premised on moral realism —the view that there are objective moral truths that cannot be reduced to mere human preferences or conventions—extra work is often required to defend such arguments in a culture where moral sensibilities have been eroded by subjectivism, relativism, and nihilism. Cornelius Van Til (1895–1987) gained some notoriety for his forceful criticisms of the “traditional method” of Christian apologetics which capitulated to “autonomous human reason.” Van Til held that any respectable theistic argument ought to disclose the undeniability of the triune God revealed in Scripture, not merely a First Cause or Intelligent Designer. He therefore advocated an alternative approach, centered on a transcendental argument for the existence of God, whereby the Christian seeks to show that human reason, far from being autonomous and self-sufficient, presupposes the God of Christianity, the “All-Conditioner” who created, sustains, and directs all things according to the counsel of his will. As Van Til put it, we should argue “from the impossibility of the contrary”: if we deny the God of the Bible, we jettison the very grounds for assuming that our minds have the capacity for rational thought and for reliable knowledge of the world. Since the renaissance of Christian philosophy in the second half of the twentieth century, there has been renewed interest and enthusiasm for the project of developing and defending theistic arguments. New and improved versions of the classical arguments have been offered, while developments in contemporary analytic philosophy have opened up new avenues for natural theology. In his 1986 lecture, “Two Dozen (or so) Theistic Arguments,” Alvin Plantinga sketched out an entire A to Z of arguments for God, most of which had never been previously explored. Plantinga’s suggestions have since been expanded into a book-length treatment by other philosophers. The discipline of Christian natural theology is thriving as never before. Basic Belief in the Existence of GodStill, are any of these arguments actually needed? Does confidence about God’s existence have to be funded by philosophical proofs? Since the Enlightenment, it has often been held that belief in God is rationally justified only if it can be supported by philosophical proofs or scientific evidences. While Romans 1:18–21 has sometimes been taken as a mandate for theistic arguments, Paul’s language in that passage suggests that our knowledge of God from natural revelation is far more immediate, intuitive, and universally accessible. In the opening chapters of his Institutes of the Christian Religion , John Calvin (1509–1564) considers what can be known of God apart from special revelation and asserts that a natural knowledge has been universally implanted in mankind by the Creator: “There is within the human mind, and indeed by natural instinct, an awareness of divinity” ( Institutes , I.3.1). Calvin speaks of a sensus divinitatis , “a sense of deity,” possessed by every single person in virtue of being created in God’s image. This internal awareness of the Creator “can never be effaced,” even though sinful men “struggle furiously” to escape it. Our implanted natural knowledge of God can be likened in some respects to our natural knowledge of the moral law through the God-given faculty of conscience (Rom. 2:14-15). We know instinctively that it’s wrong to lie and steal; no philosophical argument is needed to prove such things. Similarly, we know instinctively that there is a God who made us and to whom we owe honor and thanks. In the 1980s, a number of Protestant philosophers led by Alvin Plantinga, Nicholas Wolterstorff, and William Alston developed a sophisticated defense of Calvin’s notion of the sensus divinitatis . Dubbed the “Reformed epistemologists,” they argued that theistic beliefs can be (and normally should be) properly basic : rationally justified even without empirical evidences or philosophical proofs. On this view, believing that God exists is comparable to believing that the world of our experience really exists; it’s entirely rational, even if we can’t philosophically demonstrate it. Indeed, it would be quite dysfunctional to believe otherwise. Arguments Against the Existence of GodEven granting that there is a universal natural knowledge of God, there are unquestionably people who deny God’s existence and offer arguments in their defense. Some have attempted to exposed contradictions within the concept of God (e.g., between omniscience and divine freedom) thereby likening God to a “square circle” whose existence is logically impossible. At most such arguments only rule out certain conceptions of God, conceptions that are often at odds with the biblical view of God in any case. A less ambitious approach is to place the burden of proof on the theist: in the absence of good arguments for God’s existence, one ought to adopt the “default” position of atheism (or at least agnosticism). This stance is hard to maintain given the many impressive theistic arguments championed by Christian philosophers today, not to mention the Reformed epistemologists’ argument that belief in God is properly basic. The most popular atheistic argument is undoubtedly the argument from evil. The strong version of the argument maintains that the existence of evil is logically incompatible with the existence of an all-good, all-powerful God. The more modest version contends that particularly horrifying and seemingly gratuitous instances of evil, such as the Holocaust, provide strong evidence against God’s existence. The problem of evil has invited various theodicies : attempts to explain how God can be morally justified in permitting the evils we encounter in the world. While such explanations can be useful, they aren’t strictly necessary for rebutting the argument from evil. It is enough to point out that given the complexities of the world and the considerable limitations of human knowledge, we are in no position to conclude that God couldn’t have morally justifying reasons for allowing the evils we observe. Indeed, if we already have grounds for believing in God, we can reasonably conclude that God must have such reasons, whether or not we can discern them. Further Reading- James N. Anderson, “Can We Prove the Existence of God?” The Gospel Coalition , April 16, 2012.
- Greg L. Bahnsen, “ The Crucial Concept of Self-Deception in Presuppositional Apologetics ,” Westminster Theological Journal 57 (1995): 1–32.
- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion , Book I, Chapters 1-5.
- William Lane Craig and J. P. Moreland, eds, The Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology (Wiley-Blackwell, 2009).
- John M. Frame, Nature’s Case for God (Lexham Press, 2018).
- C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (Fontana Books, 1955).
- Alvin Plantinga, Knowledge and Christian Belief (Eerdmans, 2015).
- Cornelius Van Til, Why I Believe in God (Committee on Christian Education, Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 1966).
- Jerry L. Walls and Trent Dougherty, eds, Two Dozen (or so) Arguments for God (Oxford University Press, 2018).
- Greg Welty, Why Is There Evil in the World (And So Much Of It)? (Christian Focus, 2018).
This essay is part of the Concise Theology series. All views expressed in this essay are those of the author. This essay is freely available under Creative Commons License with Attribution-ShareAlike, allowing users to share it in other mediums/formats and adapt/translate the content as long as an attribution link, indication of changes, and the same Creative Commons License applies to that material. Get your FREE copy of "The Pursuit of God," one of the most influential Christian books ever.(check your email for download instructions.), 10 christian short stories that will lift your heart. In many ways, the Bible is the greatest epic novel ever written, its stories weaving together to deliver God’s word and the tale of humanity’s salvation through Jesus. But, sometimes … it can be hard to relate to events that happened soooo long ago. Right? Luckily, many authors with a Christian worldview have recognized that fact over the centuries, and they’ve left us with hundreds (thousands!) of fictional stories that convey Biblical messages and lessons in their narratives. Many of those tales have been manifested as short stories, and many of those are now available to us on the web. Ah, technology! In that spirit, then, here are five websites that offer up Christian short stories to help you engage your faith even more fully, along with one select story from each site that I’m sure you’ll love as much as I do. Christian PerspectiveChristian Perspective is a really interesting website that focuses on, as they put it, “Math from a Biblical Worldview.” That’s certainly not a tagline you hear every day! But they do offer up a lot of math-related resources, and the content all exudes a Biblical worldview. Even though I am a mathematician by training, though, probably my favorite part of the Christian Perspective site is the “ Short Stories ” section. Subtitled, “Christian Short Stories with a Message,” these tales deliver on that promise in a big way. In general, the stories flow well and are easy to read and “get into,” but they still manage to convey ideas from scripture. In fact, each one ends with a verse that relates to the story itself. Good stuff, indeed! A story you’ll love : “ Nothing Can Separate “ Inspire21.comInspire21.com is a fairly simple website that offers up inspirational materials in a variety of modes … ecards, quotations, humor … and, of course, short stories! The stories run the gamut of human emotions, but there is always a Biblical tie. And, let me warn you … some of these tales are raw when it comes to tearing at your soul. I can almost guarantee you’ll be in tears if you read through them all. A story you’ll love (but that will make you sad) : “ the son” Variety ReadingFirst things first … this is not a sophisticated website, and it has a decidedly 1990s feel. But I think that’s part of the charm of Variety Reading, which is actually a subdomain of a more updated site called Carl’s Guides. Variety Reading, though, shows that you don’t have to be fancy to get the job done, or to share God’s word and Biblical lessons. On the “ Inspirational Christian Stories ” page, Variety Reading presents almost 80 pieces, most of which would fall into the “flash fiction” category … and all of which will make you think (and maybe cry!). All in all, Variety Reading is can’t-miss reading if you’re in the mood for a quick-hit Bible parable. A story you’ll love: “ Call from God “ Gateway to JesusGateway to Jesus is yet another simple website that looks like *maybe* it hasn’t been updated in a while. But like some of the sites above, this one offers readers a host of Biblical thoughts and lessons, couched in the context of fictional contemporary stories. There are other sections to the site, too, like “Inspirational Thoughts for the Day” … “Inspirational Christian Music Videos” … “Our Daily Bible Story and Scriptures.” If you’re looking for short, inspirational stories that flow like water, though, “ Short Inspirational Stories ” is the place for you. Many of these stories have been told for years in all sorts of settings, and you’re likely to recognize at least a few. But Gateway to Jesus gathers them all in one place and is yet further testament to the power of simplicity. A story you’ll love: “ The Shadow of the Cross “ Heavens InspirationsHeavens Inspirations is an entire site devoted to literature, music, and other artistic representations of faith. Another older site, Heavens Inspirations nonetheless offers timeless stories of how God’s glory and mercy works into our lives in ways we could never imagine. The stories and poems on these pages will make you think and, hopefully, slow down a bit and take stock of what’s really important in your world A story (poem!) you’ll love: “ Slow Dance “ What do you think … did you love these websites and stories as much as I do? Do any of them make the cut of becoming one of your favorite internet stops? What other sites do you love for reading Christian short stories? Let me know in the comments! 15 Essential Biblical Texts | |
10 Bible Verses About Anxiety and Tough Times1 Peter 5:7 — The Original “Let Go and Let God”Focus on Jesus: 28 Verses to Help You Stay Centered200+ Christian Quotes to Inspire and Enlighten25 Inspirational Prayers for Strength and Wisdom from GodHow to Build a Workable SOAP Bible Study ScheduleHow Many Chapters Are There in the Bible?20 True Bible Verses About Love and Loving🎉 Our next novel writing master class starts in – ! Claim your spot → Discover weekly, the best short storiesLooking for a steady supply of christian short stories? Every week thousands of writers submit stories to our writing contest. Featured stories Activity feed African American Asian American Coming of Age Contemporary Creative Nonfiction High School Historical Fiction Inspirational Middle School People of Color Science Fiction Speculative Teens & Young Adult Transgender Urban Fantasy Win $250 in our short story competition 🏆We'll send you 5 prompts each week. Respond with your short story and you could win $250! Authors to follow1390+ Christian Short Stories to readSubmitted by writers on Reedsy Prompts to our weekly writing contest . If you’re looking for the best Christian short stories, whether they’re funny, didactic, or inspirational, this page is for you. 🏆 Winning stories“ 10 ways to explain your husband's death to your son ” by zack powell. 🏆 Winner of Contest #163 Content warning: Themes of death***1. Tell the truthBe gentle but honest. This is your son's first time experiencing death, his only rodeo.He is five years old, wild-eyed and sugar-crazed and baby-toothed. A sweet boy. He doesn't complain about going to church or preschool. He picks up the toy cars in his room without being asked, lowers the seat after using the toilet. Some days you feel as though you've won the lottery.At night, he helps y... “ THIS IS THE DAY WE DIE ” by Abigail Airuedomwinya🏆 Winner of Contest #103 THIS IS THE DAY WE DIEDepression sounded like a half-witted song, one that couldn’t be sung at home or school or the church. It was something so ephemeral that it seemed to have lost its meaning. It was unlikely that one of the children would somehow become infected with the virus. Life with the Bishop was simple: mornings with prayers and a plate of fried bananas; afternoons with Jesus and rosaries and seashells; evenings with stories and hymns. There was no way a child living with Bishop would end up being contaminated... ⭐️ Recommended stories“ a touch of heaven ” by stephanie redieske. ⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #213 “Look around you,” Grandpa whispered as he gently rested his left hand on my right shoulder, and waved out in front of us with his right. “This is what I see every day now.” I looked out over rolling emerald hills, towering, snow covered mountains in the distance, and glistening, white-capped waves crashing into the sandy coast. I had never seen so much natural beauty in one glimpse. I thought to take a picture,... “ A Simple Act of Kindness ” by Murray Burns⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #195 A Simple Act of Kindness“The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves.”-Amelia EarhartRule #1- Four downs to get the ball across the goal line (telephone pole); no first downs.Rule #2- Pass rusher must count three “Mississippies” before rushing the quarterback. (No cheating.)Rule #3- No catching the ball on a bounce off the side or roof of a ... “ A Raw Deal with the Devil ” by Augustine Maddox⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #188 (Story contains allusions to torture, but no actual depictions of it) “So, what’s the catch?” The demon hesitated. The sulfurous smoke billowing from his form dissipated slightly as his concentration wavered. His wings drooped. The arm he had been holding out lowered; the contract in hand, written in red ink on shining golden paper, dimmed. “The…catch?” He rumbled, bemused. “I t... Introducing Prompted , a new magazine written by you!🏆 Featuring 12 prize-winning stories from our community. Download it now for FREE . ✍️ All stories“ mended ” by amanda stogsdill. Submitted to Contest #267 Mendedby Amanda Stogsdill "This call is from Teresa. To accept, press two. You can speak now." An automated female voice directed me."Hello?" I waited, licking my lips."Hi. How are you?" Teresa asked. Her voice was soft, and a little flat.“All right,” I replied, “And you?”"About the same. Stuck inside these four walls. Nothing to do. How's everyone?""We had Tyler's party last week. Same water slide as always. Until the kids get bored, that's what it'll be."Silence. "Wish I was there." Teresa's voice trembled, "Do they ask about me?"Yes, Tyle... “ Assigned Angels ” by Myra CookIt's funny how God puts stumbling blocks in your way so you can learn to overcome obstacles and to trust him. Starr and Dawn me under the circumstance of a car accident caused by a demon in a red mustang. These two ladies didn't know each other but was destined to meet by God's grace. Here's what happened and how they overcame the obstacles of their injuries and how God appointed his angels to guard them from the enemy. News bulletin: "There's been a car accident on I-75 heading towards Hamilton Blvd., looks like two cars collided... “ April, 1974 ” by Renee YanceyPBS doesn't have weather alerts. Thank God the big picture window’s curtains were open. An unbelievable sight that had all three adults paralyzed as they looked out at it for a moment. A whirling gigantic force that is quickly making its way across the open field. The children, laying across the shag carpet, eyes glued to Sesame Street, are blissfully unaware of the approaching danger. It is the thought of the children that frees them from the paralytic fear. They run towards them. He grabs his daughter. She doesn't have time to ask what's w... “ The Ultimate Script ” by Joe SmallwoodSubmitted to Contest #266 "If the voices in your head had any say, any say in the matter at all, how would they account for themselves?"One voice to another. Not quite fair. A fair question would begin with "Who is speaking?"Wouldn't they?I'm not quite with it yet. I'll let you know."But it isn't only a matter of perspective. Or you would be able to answer."Who are you?Answer who are you. Do it!"I said, I would let you know."Rubbish. I turn in and there is more than I can take in. Dreams that are neither here nor there. I wake up thinking I know what is what. What a ... “ Let There Be Light... Eventually ” by Matt RobsonIf morning had been invented yet, God would have woken up on this particular morning feeling rather chipper. Today was The Day. The big one. The one he’d been planning for all eternity. Summoning his ‘To-do’ list, he glanced at the small sheet and the single item written across the top in neat, block capitals. CREATE THE UNIVERSE He vanished the list and clapped his hands together with a sound akin to what humans would eventually name thunder, rubbing them in anticipation. “Right”, he announced to no one in particular, and to all of th... “ Why do you write? ” by Ngozi Essu Why Do You Write? “I’m sorry. Your story isn’t what we are looking for.” Chidinma rubbed her hand under the table. The cafe felt stifling, even though there were four AC units at each corner. She never liked cafes. Why pay $12.30 for a cup of coffee when you could make your own at home? It bothered her that Lindsay's coffee was still untouched. Chidinma felt out of place here—this wasn't her country, so why did she feel like she was begging them to recognize her? “Not what you are looking for?” she stammered—a bad habit. Nesara was a s... “ Twest ” by Dr. Jael Zebulun3 p.m. July 29, 2017, Houston, Texas. I re-planned that day a thousand times in my mind. I could have left at a different time. I could have gone to the apartment office when I saw their car pull in backwards, could have asked someone to walk me to my Jeep (although it’s common enough to park facing out, but now my hair prickles when I see someone park that way). Could have stayed in the office until they left. Perhaps if I had simply gotten in my Jeep, closed the door and locked it, ignoring the young man yelling, “Hey!”... “ The Old Man at Elephant Rock State Park ” by Daniel RogersSubmitted to Contest #265 2020 was an epidemic year. It was the year the biggest argument of our twenty-five-year marriage erupted. Like a volcano, my wife's frustrated and angry scream sent shock waves that knocked me off my feet. At that moment, I knew something had broken. We buried the issue by pretending it was an ordinary argument and focused on the viral threat plaguing our world. We had essential jobs, so we weren't trapped inside the house together. Life continued through COVID-19, and so did our anger. We slept on the bed seams, talked very little, and wond... “ Heaven or Hell ” by Kendra CalhounWhat should I bring with me? This was not the first time I asked myself or a fellow companion this same question. I answered this question countless times when I was alive. Was the weather warm, would I need clothes for the gym and what about my bathing suit? Should I bring it in case there was a pool at the hotel? I spent hours picking out the right outfits to make sure I had everything that I needed, if not more then I needed. Better to have that extra shirt in case we decided to have a casual dinner instead of only having formal dinner at... “ The Whirlwind ” by Grady SimpsonThe Whirlwind David Manker’s conscience did not bother him about not attending church today. He deserved a Sunday off. He felt burned out from the same old religious ritual. Relax and fish—that’s what he needed. How could a day be any better than going fishing? If Deacon David could catch enough delicious Sunday trout, he’d invite the preacher to dinner. David chuckled at the thought of watching the preacher eat Sunday-caught fish. Unfortunately, Deacon David didn’t yet understand that what may seem boring is a gift of life and that life is ... “ Her Burden To Carry ” by Dana Orr“No, God, please!” Leilani screamed. The glorious vocal chords God himself had created for her thrumming beneath her cries. “Please, I didn’t mean it! Please! God?!” But God didn’t listen to her cries, and cast her down to Earth in a towering rage. ~~~ Leilani stirred on the plush ground and pulled a pearly feathered wing over her face. The sun in her eyes was forceful, though, gleaming through the dainty feathers as she tried to sleep. She yawned softly and rose from where she lay on the ground under a peaceful willow tree. Her long, s... “ Transport ” by Crymes KingExcitedly awaken; eerie visuals plus soundings effuse from a recently “gifted” (mom & dad’s birthday presentation) black 65 inch 4K UHD Hisense Smart TV blaring the “Gen-Z” championed Netflix series, “Stranger Things”. Young Justin, along with his sister, mother and loquaciously-intelligent father are set to embark on a highly anticipated family vacation to Yellowstone national park—A markedly protracted distance from their modest Springfield, Virginia residence. Awaking in Grizzly fashion, as if arising from an extended w... “ The Story of Eve ” by Howard Seeley“It all seemed so easy, in the beginning, if I had only known how things would turn out.” As Eve gazed across the barren land, she spotted that all too familiar city sitting in the horizon. A tear ran absently down her cheek as she thought, “Had I only known how heavy the price was to settle my curiosity.” Unable to restrain herself, Eve’s mind drifted back to the past.Her first real memory she had was Adam peering down at her. With no thoughts or language to call her own, she knew she was vulnerable. But instinctively, she realized Adam was... “ Memories ” by Ashley D. GilyardSubmitted to Contest #264 July 30, 2023 Gayle opened the box labeled Pictures and Memories and sank into the abysmal puddle of her own making. The first picture out of the box was one face-down bearing the date: July 30, 2022, exactly one year ago today. The picture displays the man Gayle loved and still loves on his wedding day to another bride. A picture of two friends, moments before he said, “I do.” Gayle didn’t want to be there and opted to stay away, but as her beloved said to her, “I can’t get married without you. You have carried me through so much and I tru... “ one ticket for the souls of the damned ” by Seni MeniThe muffled snarls got louder when the guests filtered in. The wood creaked from the stress of the ghouls pressing against it. These sounds were still audible, even under the jolly marching band positioned along the docks; even under the clink of champagne glasses. As the water spat on the shores, the city folk spat back at the boat behind their decorated masks, held up by a stick between gloved fingers. The dress-code was black: black like the dammed souls banging on the oak. It was suitably mocking. It was suitably fitting. The city folk w... The Best Christian Short StoriesIf you’re Christian, you likely want to read stories about people like you: people who share your Christian ethos of practising kindness and forgiveness instead of listening to blinding ambition and temptation. Christian literature is remarkably diverse, ranging from devotional, parable-like short stories inspired by the Bible, to inspirational Christian short stories (for children and adults alike) featuring ordinary people doing their best to make the world a better place for everyone. From C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton to Francine Rivers and Frank E. Peretti, there’s no shortage of successful Christian authors out there. Here, you can discover the voices working within the short story form that might be next to join the Christian literary canon. Looking for the newest in Christian fiction?This page features the Christian stories submitted to Reedsy’s writing contest every week. At the very top of this page, you’ll find winning or shortlisted stories, all available to read for free. Clicking on each story will show you any additional thematic tags, so you can identify stories of interest faster. And if one writer’s work particularly resonates with you, why not visit their profile and click ‘Follow’, so you can stay up to date with their new writing? Up-and-coming writers need all the support they can get — this could be one of your acts of random kindness! If you're looking for more great stories, you can find our favorite contest entries anthologised for your convenience in Prompted , our new literary magazine — make sure you check out your free copy! Find the perfect editor for your next book Over 1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy, come meet them. Oops, you need an account for that! Log in with your social account: Or enter your email: Bring your short stories to lifeFuse character, story, and conflict with tools in Reedsy Studio. 100% free. "The seed is the word of God…" – Luke 8:11 Sincere Prayer is the Language of FaithIn Mark 11:24 Jesus said, “What things you desire, when you pray, believe that you shall receive them, and you shall have them.” In this Economic HappinessWe know how prone we are to be intoxicated by great wealth. On the other hand there is at least an equal amount of temptation with deep poverty. No Option to RunWhen the ancient People of Faith were making their way out of Egypt they felt safe and positive about their journey. The Pharaoh had given Religion Beyond ReasonThere are at least fifty-five miracles in the Old Testament and many supernatural interventions. In the New Testament Jesus performed thirty-seven miracles in only a Forgiving People Who Don’t Say I’m SorryWhen the disciples asked Jesus how many times people should forgive other, He responded with a hyperbolic number (70×7) which meant an unlimited number of One Day at a TimeIn Mathew 6:34 Jesus taught us that we should not “worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will take care of the things of itself. Sufficient unto Gift of FaithFaith leads us into a relationship with God and all that God has for us. We are redeemed by faith. Renewed by faith. And we Knowing God and Knowing OurselvesKnowing God and knowing ourselves go hand in hand. When we get closer to God we learn more about ourselves. John Calvin, a prominent church Take Time for Quiet Time!When we have so much to do we are often reluctant to take time out of our day for Quiet Time with God. Yet, when Second Chances Second EffortsIt is rare that a person gets it right the first time around. The People of Faith frequently stumble and fall because of inexperience, weakness, Wounding the WoundedIn Psalms 69:26 David writes, “for they have persecuted the ones you have smitten, and talk of the grief of those You have wounded.” This Marching in the WildernessIn Psalms 68 David wrote Oh God when you went out before your people, when You marched through the wilderness with them. David was referring Whole or Half-Credit There is nothing in the natural world in which God is not the original source. All the motions and characteristics of the natural world are The Difference Between Happiness and Spiritual ContentmentThere is a difference in feeling happy and feeling a deep sense of spiritual contentment. They can run concurrently but they are not the same. Pitching Our Tent in the Presence of God In the Book of Numbers, we see that the ancient people of faith lived in simple yet functional pavilions and tents. The Tabernacle where they Wisely JudgeWisely Judge Should I judge the wicked? The truly evil in the world? Can I hope for earthly justice? For evil and for good? Wicked Common and Uncommon InterventionIt is certain if the world was left on its own without intervention from God, either directly or indirectly, it would fall into disrepair and Love is Only Real ClaimLove is Only Real Claim My sins are my own. Any goodness is Yours. You forgive and forget My Guilt has been purged. Nothing left Reducing Stress and AnxietySometimes feeling stress and anxiety requires a clinical or therapeutic response. It can be short or long term. When needed we should reach out for Four Reasons for AdversityAdversity is a way that God develops patience. James wrote that the trying of our faith work toward or develops patience. In Scripture patience is Holy TemplateHoly Template Psalms 51 David the prophet, a sacred King. His kingdom a shadow of the Kingdom to come. Some lessened the shadow till Jesus did Business and Careers from a Christian PerspectiveI admit that there are successful businesses and careers that have little or nothing to do with being a Christian; they are monetarily successful because Joy to the World!Joy to the World is a beloved Christmas hymn. This Christian advent hymn was written by Isaac Watts. He lived between 1674 and 1748. Watts The World Created is the World Maintained Our world is immersed in some real and challenging problems. Some of them will be very difficult to control or improve. To mention what I Thanksgiving Pause Thanksgiving celebrations in Christendom have deep historical and spiritual roots. Even as far back as Moses; although Jewish, he was a founder of the faith Jesus is Heaven to Me As people faith we know there is a Heaven; not what we see when we look up to the clouds or sky or when gazing The Beginnings of Divine FavorThe people of faith are compelled to please God. Yet, they know that pleasing God all the time is beyond their reach. But they do The Mustard Seed and the Leaven Jesus spoke figuratively in parables; making use of an ordinary style of discourse yet always profound and prophetic. In Mathew 13:31 – 33 we read Two Mites from the HeartRecorded in the Book of Mark and Luke there is a true story of a poor widow who gave two mites to the church treasury. Imperfect FaithFaith involves knowledge. For example, we are called to faith through some method of preaching or teaching. We are also sustained in our faith because The Wings of Faith and Hope I had a modest upbringing so I didn’t fly in an airplane until I was 23 years old. I remember that it was raining very Knowing God Will Take Care of UsGod led Abraham in various directions with no guarantees other than an inward assurance that God would take care of him. Abraham’s life was not Guilt Can Make Things BetterIf we are honest, we have all made many mistakes in our personal, social, and spiritual lives. Saint Augustine wrote about his moral and ethical Nothing is Impossible With GodThere are serious threats in our world today. There are threats which we could agree or disagree, yet, most of us would agree that climate Pausing Before We RespondWhen we are passionate about something or someone it can motivate us to make a decision when we need to get something accomplished. So this My Neighbor My FriendI was reading an excerpt from one of my commentaries, that our neighbor is injured when we act toward them in any other way than Moderation and Christian DiscipleshipWe could think the disciplined Christian life would be too restrictive or not much fun. But it isn’t. It is wholesome fun and certainly more How to Know it is LoveSome joke and actually might think their lives would be better if it weren’t for the people in it! Well, some people can make life Giving God Something to BlessThere is an unintentional misstep we often make when we ask God for help. We ask God for something but never really give Him anything Judge Myself More HarshlyJudge Myself More Harshly Judge me if you must,Accuse me if you will.Yourself excuse so easily;Yet, so easy to accuse me still. But you should Simple FaithJesus encouraged His followers to have faith but never insisted on a faith beyond simple belief. In Luke 17:5-6, when the disciples asked Jesus to When Passions Run HighIt is natural to want to act or make decisions when our passions run high. Sometimes this can be helpful because being passionate about something Help is on the Way!In our weakest moments God is standing by to strengthen us. The strength we need can come directly from God, the secret comforts through prayer The Poor in SpiritA Christian friend shared with me that one of his grown children asked him to say a prayer over her and her family, somewhat like Love Never FailsLife is complicated and sometimes confusing. We might not be feeling good about ourselves or we are going through some challenging circumstances. Paul wrote In It is Well With My SoulIt Is Well With My Soul When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou has Finding Out Who We Really AreKnowing God and knowing ourselves go hand in hand. A prominent church teacher wrote that nearly all the true wisdom we might have, that is Assurance and Divine CareBiblical Abraham was led about in various directions with no guarantees other than an inward assurance of divine care. Abraham’s challenging life experiences were not This is Our Father’s WorldThis is Our Father’s World To think our world is ours alone, This world of ours, our God does own. The moon, the stars, the Blessed are the MeekThe word meek in the Scripture comes from a Greek word which means “not easily provoked.” It is very easy to be provoked. It is Blessed are the Poor in SpiritSeveral years ago, I was visiting with a parishioner and good friend, who told me that one of his grown children had asked him to Blessed Are They That MournJesus said “Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.” (Mathew 5:4). As we look at this verse today, there are two mainstream interpretations. Blessed are the Peacemakers“Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.” (Mathew 5:9) Peace Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where Being Christian.Discover a fresh perspective on faith with "50 Short Essays on Being a Christian" – a thought-provoking journey through the landscape of modern Christianity. Whether you're deeply rooted in Christian tradition, on the fringes of faith, or simply curious, these essays offer something for everyone. They're not about having all the answers – they're about loving the questions. About the Book50 Short Essays on Being Christian is a thoughtful and innovative exploration of faith in the modern world. This collection offers a kaleidoscope of perspectives on what it means to be a Christian, presenting a series of gently interconnected reflections that invite readers to view Christianity through multiple lenses. Each essay in this anthology examines a different facet of Christian life, faith, or thought. The topics range from the deeply personal to the broadly philosophical, touching on subjects such as doubt, grace, environmental stewardship, interfaith dialogue, and the intersection of faith with science and technology. Rather than presenting a monolithic view of Christianity, these essays celebrate the diversity and complexity of lived faith. The book's unique approach lies in its deliberate variety of voices and structures. Each essay is crafted as if written by a different author, employing a wide array of literary styles and formats. Readers will encounter personal anecdotes, poetic reflections, thought experiments, letters, and even imagined dialogues. This diversity of form mirrors the multifaceted nature of faith itself, demonstrating that there is no single "right" way to experience or express one's Christianity. Importantly, 50 Short Essays on Being Christian is not an evangelical work, nor does it claim to present definitive answers. Instead, it offers a gentle, lyrical, and musing tone that encourages reflection and open-ended exploration. The essays do not shy away from difficult questions or contradictions, but rather embrace the tensions inherent in a living faith. This book is designed to appeal to a wide audience. For those deeply rooted in Christian tradition, it offers fresh perspectives and new avenues for reflection. For those on the fringes of faith or outside it entirely, it provides an accessible and non-threatening window into the varied world of Christian thought and experience. Seekers of all kinds will find material for contemplation and discussion. Ultimately, 50 Short Essays on Being Christian is an invitation—to think deeply, to question openly, to embrace mystery, and to see the sacred in the ordinary. It's a book that doesn't claim to have all the answers, but rather celebrates the beauty of the questions themselves. In a world often divided by rigid ideologies, this collection offers a refreshing vision of Christianity as a thoughtful, inclusive, and ever-evolving journey of faith. About the AuthorTom Rhodes is a dedicated Christian writer with a passion for helping believers grow in their faith. With years of experience in ministry and a deep understanding of Scripture, Tom offers practical insights and guidance that inspire readers to live out their faith in tangible ways. You'll hear from us soon.Christian Faith: Ancient Religion Essay- To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
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Christianity is one of the many religions that exist in the world today. In addition, it is among ancient religions that were developed by patriarchs. It is largely based on the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. The events and teachings of Christ are depicted in the New Testament. As the world’s largest religion, Christianity has, and continues to influence the lives of many people around the world. The Christian faith has several beliefs and doctrines that are meant to influence people into living authentic lives. For example, ity teaches that Jesus is the son of God, he is the way to salvation, and he was sent by God (the Father) to save the world from sin. In addition, it has several precepts that form its foundation as both a religion and way of life. Examples of core Christian teachings include forgiveness, peace, love, salvation, resurrection, belief in Jesus Christ, the second coming of Christ, and worship. Things that appeal to me about the Christian faith include the teachings on love, sacrifice, hope, salvation, ad peace. All the teachings of Christianity are based on one major precept: love. In all his teachings, Jesus maintained the importance of loving both God and fellow humans. Love is a force that is capable of transforming people, communities, nations, and the world. Christians are always reminded that love is the greatest responsibility that God gave man when he created Adam and Eve and put them in the Garden of Eden. Jesus taught that love was the greatest commandment that God gave humans. Through loving God, believers prepare themselves to love other humans despite their religious beliefs. Another precept is sacrifice. According to the Christian faith, God sacrificed Jesus for the sake of humanity. This was an overt expression of love. On the other hand, Christ sacrificed his life by suffering on the cross in order to save humanity. This teaching is very important because humans are required to make sacrifices in their everyday lives for the sake of other people. On the other hand, Christianity gives hope to its followers by teaching that there will be an afterlife. This gives hope to followers because they live knowing that their good deeds will be rewarded in another life. Hope is a very important aspect of human life because it strengthens, motivates, and energizes people to do good deeds. In addition, the teaching on salvation gives life a purpose. Christians live their lives with the knowledge that the afterlife will give more happiness and fulfillment. Finally, the Christian faith advocates for peace and coexistence among people. Jesus taught that it was important to love one’s enemies and avoid retaliation. In addition, he taught about the importance of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a core Christian teaching and belief that is a sure way to peace. With war and turmoil prevailing in today’s world, the teaching would go a long way in promoting peaceful coexistence in the world. Jesus taught that peacemakers are blessed and worthy in the presence of God. Christianity lauds the importance of peace and forgiveness as requisites for an authentic life. Jesus proclaimed that he had given peace to his disciples after his resurrection. Christianity’s teaching on peace is based on the work that the Holy Spirit does through believers who transform the world. Christians have worked hard to bring peace in the world through promoting their teachings. - Catholic Social Teaching Program
- The Latter Day Saint Movement
- Self-Forgiveness: The Step Child of Forgiveness Research
- Rene Descartes: A Brief Perspective
- Human Rights: Humanitarian Intervention
- Hell Debate in the Scripture
- The Status of Animals in Religion
- Ludwig Feuerbach on Religion as a 'Projection'
- Politics and Religion Interdependence
- Corinth - Life at First Century
- Chicago (A-D)
- Chicago (N-B)
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Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy . To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive. Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy . Follow C.S. LEWIS: C. S. Lewis Essay Collection: Faith, Christianity and the ChurchBy C. S. Lewis DescriptionThe definitive collection of religious essays by C.S. Lewis, plus a selection of letters, brought together in a substantial paperback volume As well as his many books, letters and poems, C.S. Lewis also wrote a great number of essays and shorter pieces on various subjects. He wrote extensively on Christian theology and the defence of faith, but also on various ethical issues and on the nature of literature and story-telling. This second volume (of two) collects together all Lewis’s religious essays. Grouped together by topic, there are over 50 essays covering The Search for God, Aspects of Faith, The Christian in the World, The Church, and also a selection of his Letters on the subject of Christianity. Praises & AwardsProduct details. ISBN: 9780007136537 Imprint: HarperCollins On Sale: 20/05/2002 List Price 14.99 GBP BISAC1: Humanities / Christian spirituality & religious experience BISAC2: Literature Studies / Prose: non-fiction |
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Explore an expansive list of short theological essays from over different 100 authors on key theological terms and concepts. ... The Christian Life. The Christian Life. Christopher Ash . Cultivating Practical Godliness. Donald Whitney . The Trinity and Christian Devotion. Ryan M. McGraw .
These (very) short essays about unexpectedly experiencing God in the world today include feelings of joy, sadness, laughter, anger and anything in between.
These (very) short essays about unexpectedly experiencing God in the world today include stories of perseverance, love and gratitude. These (very) short essays about unexpectedly experiencing God ...
Posts about Short Christian Essays written by joehutchison. New Book: Nine Fruits of the Vine and Five Little Foxes. 2023 author's proceeds go directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The first section of this book is made up of nine chapters - the Nine Fruits of the Vine.
In these (very) short essays, readers describe the ways in which they encountered God. The Lord can be present even in people or situations we least expect.
The Christian life is based upon the work of God in the new birth, justification, the gift of the Spirit, the forgiveness of sins, and our union to Christ. The goal of the Christian life is to be conformed into the image of Christ and, as a result, to share in God's rule on the earth to the glory of God. Using various means of grace, such as ...
The wisdom of excavating the gospel depths of a story Jesus tells. 192 pages. Marilynne Robinson, When I Was a Child I Read Books (2013). Wisdom-filled essays on a variety of topics from one of the best living Christian writers. 224 pages. N. D. Wilson, Death By Living (2013).
Whether you are a student looking for essay ideas or simply curious about the faith, here are 115 Christianity essay topic ideas and examples to inspire your writing: The significance of the birth of Jesus Christ. The life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Exploring the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
These Short Christian articles embrace some of Scripture's most profound and complex Passages and Godly principles. Every effort has been made to reflect the intended message of the original Old and New Testament writers. Though respected, the opinions of others and denominational views are not considered. Attempting to build a future based ...
How she longed to play with them! "Now, Rebecca," she remembered her father telling her that morning. "You can't play in the snow today.". "Why not, Father?". Rebecca had asked. Every day, the neighborhood children gathered at a park just behind Rebecca's house. "Just trust me, Rebecca. It's not what's best for you today ...
Absolute hope and purpose can be gained by trusting in Jesus, and you will find them in these Inspiring Christian short stories and articles. Inspirational Articles. "God Sent an Angel to Help Me". This is my true life story: I was on the street, down on my health, and luck, with nothing to do but commit suicide until God sent His angel to help me.
God in the Dock (US, 1970); Undeceptions (UK, 1971): This is the classic collection of essays on theology and ethics. Beware of the tiny abridged God in the Dock (1979). Other abridgements include The Grand Miracle (1982), First and Second Things (1985), and Christian Reunion (1990) with that essay that's missing from my list below.
In these (very) short essays, they explain how they faced these struggles with the help of God. They demonstrate God's presence in tough situations, even when life seems hopeless. I lived in ...
Complete Listings for Short Stories. - An Angel hitched a Ride. - How Great the Love of Wildheart. - ALL THINGS FOR THE GOOD. - The Backwoods Preacher. - A Change in Faith. - Black and White. - SHADOW KNIGHTS Amnesia's Dreams Part 2. - ' The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked: who can know it?'.
The circumstance, people, and events around me are all under God. They are His servants, designed to help and bless me spiritually. "If Your law had not been my delight, Then I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have revived me. I am Yours, save me; For I have sought Your precepts.
Christian hope is a confidence that something will come to pass because God has promised it will come to pass. How do we build our hope in God? Hope is a portion or part of faith. Faith and hope, in my mind, are overlapping realities: hope is faith in the future tense. So most of faith is hope.
Philosophers both Christian and non-Christian have offered a wide range of arguments for God's existence, and the discipline of natural theology (what can be known or proven about God from nature alone) is flourishing today. ... (Christian Focus, 2018). This essay is part of the Concise Theology series. All views expressed in this essay are ...
10 Christian Short Stories That Will Lift Your Heart. January 23, 2020 Hugh Christian Fiction. In many ways, the Bible is the greatest epic novel ever written, its stories weaving together to deliver God's word and the tale of humanity's salvation through Jesus. But, sometimes … it can be hard to relate to events that happened soooo long ago.
Over 1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy, come meet them. Read the best Christian short stories for free on Reedsy Prompts. Be it for kids, funny, devotional, or inspirational Christian stories; our collection includes them all. Choose now from 1390+ short Christian stories and start reading online!
January 16, 2023 joehutchison. "Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God." (Mathew 5:9) Peace Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where. Continue reading. Christian Essays and Poems: Author and Executive Director of the Directory Group the home of ChristianCounselorDirectory.com and ...
50 Short Essays on Being Christian is a thoughtful and innovative exploration of faith in the modern world. This collection offers a kaleidoscope of perspectives on what it means to be a Christian, presenting a series of gently interconnected reflections that invite readers to view Christianity through multiple lenses.
Examples of core Christian teachings include forgiveness, peace, love, salvation, resurrection, belief in Jesus Christ, the second coming of Christ, and worship. Get a custom essay on Christian Faith: Ancient Religion. 181 writers online. Learn More.
He wrote extensively on Christian theology and the defence of faith, but also on various ethical issues and on the nature of literature and story-telling. This second volume (of two) collects together all Lewis's religious essays. Grouped together by topic, there are over 50 essays covering The Search for God, Aspects of Faith, The Christian ...