All posts by Jeff Hagen

23Nov/23

The Power of Gratitude: A Journey through Hebrew, Jewish, and Christian Traditions

November 23, 2023Weekly BlogGratitude, Happiness, Hebrew Traditions, Jewish Culture, Linguistic Connection, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Spirituality, Todah, Universal Emotion, Way of Life, YadahJeff Hagen

“Gratitude is the key to happiness.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Gratitude is a universal human emotion, deeply embedded in the fabric of cultures around the world. Yet, it holds a particularly profound significance in Hebrew and Jewish traditions, where it is not merely an emotion but a way of life.This deep-rooted appreciation for blessings received has profoundly impacted Christianity and, subsequently, American culture and the world at large.

17Nov/23

Christian guy makes case for more masculine worship

November 17, 2023Weekly BlogChristian publisher, Conquering King, doctrinally sound, effeminate themes, evangelical Church, Joshua Haymes, masculine worship, missionary, robust expression, worship musicJeff Hagen

Joshua Haymes, Christian publisher and missionary to urban America, has made an appeal for more masculine sounding worship in our churches.

Joshua highlights a pressing concern within the modern evangelical Church—namely, the prevalence of effeminate themes in worship music. The plea for a shift from songs portraying Jesus as a romantic figure to those emphasizing Christ as the Conquering King resonates with the desire for a more robust and doctrinally sound musical expression.

09Nov/23

The Suppression of Truth in History, the Sciences, and the Media

November 9, 2023Weekly Blogbelievers, Christian leader, explore, information, narratives, reality, society, teachings, Truth, truth suppressedJeff Hagen

In a world inundated with information, it is crucial for believers to discern the truth from the carefully crafted narratives that often distort reality. As a Christian leader, I have been compelled to explore the ways in which truth is suppressed in various facets of our society. Drawing from the teachings of the Bible, this post aims to shed light on how and why truth is often obscured in history, sciences, and the media.

02Nov/23

Three Keys for Men to Experience Spiritual Breakthrough

November 2, 2023Weekly BlogAdmitting Need, Bible Study, Biblical Stories, Christian men, King David, Men's Devotionals, Moses and Exodus, repentance, Spiritual Breakthrough, spiritual growthJeff Hagen

In 2020 Chris Bolinger, author of few best-selling Christian men’s devotionals, published a post on “Who Reads the Bible More, Men or Women?” (https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/who-reads-the-bible-more-men-or-women.html)

It provides some insight into the challenges that men face when it comes to spiritual growth.

Here I offer three keys for men to experience spiritual breakthrough based on the data from these surveys:

25Oct/23

Men Lifting Holy Hands: A Call to Worship and Service

October 25, 2023Weekly Blog1 Timothy 2:8, apostle Paul, dependence on God, hands, Jewish tradition, men, Prayer, priestly act, Roman gesture, surrender, worshipJeff Hagen

Is there something to men lifting their hands to God in prayer or worship?

In his first letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul writes, “Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling” (1 Timothy 2:8). This simple phrase, “lifting holy hands,” has a rich meaning and significance.

19Oct/23

On Men and Loving Truth

October 19, 2023Weekly BlogDavid, ideal vs. reality, Israel's kings, man after God's own heart, masculinity, relationship with truth, religious perfection, repentance, Saul, TruthJeff Hagen

This piece explores the contrast between cherishing truth and striving for religious perfection, using the stories of David and Saul, two of Israel’s kings, to exemplify this dynamic. It boils down to our relationship with truth. Do we love it and pursue it, or do we avoid it and refuse to develop a taste for it.

13Oct/23

When Helplessness Becomes Power

October 13, 2023Weekly Blogabundant life, Freedom, God's grace, performance, religion, righteousness, spiritual helplessness, spiritual journey, Spirituality, trust in ChristJeff Hagen

When we place our trust in Christ for personal forgiveness and righteousness (a right relationship with God), we embark on a spiritual journey. Along this path, our aim is to taste the freedom of approaching God on His terms, without the need for our own performance. For many, this promising start is succeeded by years of striving to lead a spiritual life. Why? I believe it’s because a part of our inner makeup is inherently religious. “Religion” revolves around my endeavors to please God. Genuine spirituality revolves around my relationship with God through Christ, given freely and received freely.

05Oct/23

Romans 1:14-17 Spiritual Power: A Dynamic of Weakness and Strength

October 5, 2023Weekly Blogability, Christian life, dependency, gospel, Holy Spirit, Paul, power, salvation, spiritual power, strength, weaknessJeff Hagen

Power is the ability to do something or to produce a desired effect. It can be physical, mental, or spiritual. In the context of the Christian life, spiritual power is the ability to live and witness for Christ in a way that is effective and transformative.

28Sep/23

Redeeming Time and Influence “Biblical Perspectives on Value and Purpose”

September 28, 2023Weekly BlogAdvertising, Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, Influence, Intrinsic Value, Life's Worth, NIV, Success, Time, Timing, Value of Time, wisdomJeff Hagen

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NIV) beautifully encapsulates the profound truth about the value of time: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.”

22Sep/23

Romans 1:8-13 – Spiritual Gifts in Team-building

September 22, 2023Weekly BlogCategories of Spiritual Gifts, Jesus' Disciples, Ken Boa, Kingdom of God, Ministry Gifts, Motivational Gifts, Romans 1:8-13, spiritual gifts, Team Building, teamworkJeff Hagen

Romans 1:8-13

“Teamwork is the secret that makes common people achieve uncommon results”.

– Ifeanyi Enoch Onuoha, Nigerian Poet & Author

Author: Jeff Hagen