14Mar/24

Antidotes to the Secularization of Urban Men

In the United States, the distinction between urban and rural populations has been a topic of interest for sociologists and researchers for decades. The differences in lifestyle, values, and beliefs between these two groups have been well documented. One significant difference is the level of secularization, with urban men generally exhibiting higher levels of secular attitudes and beliefs compared to their rural counterparts. Historically, urbanization has been associated with a decline in religious adherence. For example, the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century saw a significant shift in population from rural to urban areas, accompanied by a decline in church attendance and religious affiliation.

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06Mar/24

Called, Not Distracted: Prioritizing God’s Will in a Busy World

The modern Christian man faces a battlefield unlike any his forefathers encountered. While past generations wrestled with external hardships, the contemporary Christian grapples with a different enemy: distraction. A plethora of seemingly good activities — endless entertainment, career pressures, and even well-intentioned volunteer work — can consume precious time, leaving men far from the deeper connection with God they crave.

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28Feb/24

The Rise of the Nones and Nons: A Seismic Shift in American Faith Life

Based on the data from various studies over the last few years, it appears that in the past 50 years, the American religious landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with two major trends emerging: the rise of the nones and the nons (non-denominationals). The nones, those who claim no religious affiliation, have grown from a mere 5% of the population in 1972 to a staggering 27% in 2022. Similarly, non-denominationals, or those who identify with independent, non-denominational churches, have increased from 2% to 14% in the same time frame.

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22Feb/24

Are We Too Busy for Discipleship?

Many Christians feel too busy for discipleship, even though they say they are interested in it.

A recent study by the Barna Institute [https://www.barna.com/research/christians-too-busy/] dispelled the myth that the main reason Christians are not involved in discipleship is a lack of time. In fact, those who are already involved in discipleship communities tend to be just as busy as those who are not. The real reason, according to the article, is a lack of prioritization.

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08Feb/24

Reconciling Faith and Anxiety

The apostle Paul authoritatively declares to the believers of his time:

„do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.“ Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

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24Jan/24

Keep it light!

It’s no secret that the world can sometimes feel like it’s spinning out of control. But we have the ultimate weapon to combat the chaos – our sense of humor! That’s right, the Bible even says so:

Proverbs 17:22 (NIV) says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

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19Jan/24

Paul’s Five Practical Commands

The apostle Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthians to address various issues and challenges that the church in Corinth was facing. At the very end, he gave a concise and powerful summary – five clear commands, of how Christians should live in a hostile world.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV)

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11Jan/24

The Shepherd’s Staff and the Scepter: A Call for America’s Renewal

The Biblical saga of David and Saul in the Old Testament offers a poignant reflection on the tension between the old and the new, the established and the rising. In their contrasting figures, we see starkly portrayed the struggle of an established order clinging to power and the audacious rise of a young David, anointed by God, ushering in a new era.

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