Archives of News & Features

• Prepared to Abide
  David Guzik
  
  "If your Christianity is making you miserable ...-- all the time -- if it's making you constantly miserable, you're doing it wrong. Now if your Christianity is never making you miserable, youre probably doing it wrong as well. Isn't that true? Isnt that time when our connection with God should make us say, 'Lord, I need you. I'm nothing without you. I need you to forgive me. I'm a broken, destitute person apart from you. I need you, Jesus.' There's a time when a proper relationship with God brings us to desperation, but, friends, that's never where God wants to leave us. He wants to fill us." -- David Guzik, from his sermon "Prepared to Abide"
  (Read More)
  (posted April 4, 2023)
• Knowing the Bible is one thing. Knowing the Author is another.
  by iBelieve.com
  
  (March 3, 2023)
• To the Rock
  by Jamie Johnson
  Overwhelmed? There is hope. May we go to the Rock higher than us.
  (February 24, 2023)
• Bible Study Tool
  by Jamie Johnson
  This tool written by Jamie Johnson allows one to enter a Bible verse and it generates various links to helpful Bible Study sites and tools.
  (February 14, 2023)
• Full of Yourself
  by Jamie Johnson
  In a sense, we are to be full of ourselves, but as Christians, we are not to be full of our old nature.
  (January 1, 2023)
• Beyond the First Two Decades: 2022
  2022 Highlights of this Web Site.
• My Heart--Christ's Home
  (1st Edition 1954, Revised Edition 1986, 2nd Revised Edition 1992, New Expanded Version 2010)
  by Robert Boyd Munger / InterVarsity Press
  What if you were to consider every room of your heart being surrendered to Christ? What would change in, say, the dining room, a room of desires and appetites? What would change in the workshop? Would the work be impactful? What would change in the living room? Or what would need to be cleaned out of the closet?
  (Teaser by Jamie Johnson)
  (December 20, 2022)
• A Christian in sanctification
  
  (December 1, 2022)
• Jesus supported marriage between one man and one woman.
  
  (November 30, 2022) Related Article
• Resilience
  by Jamie Johnson
  In our culture of self-focus and demand for instantaneous catering to personal preferences, there is a profound lack of resilience built on identities in shaky foundations and a collapse when those foundations are challenged. What is true resilience and how can one have it?
  (October 27, 2022)
• Peace in a Hostile World
  
  by Alistair Begg
  In a world marked by division and enmity, a longing for harmony is not uncommon. Writing to the Ephesians, Paul addressed the world’s need for peace by identifying how the barriers that exist between people can be abolished. Alistair Begg conveys Paul's message that true peace is found nowhere else but in the person of Jesus Christ. Through the cross we have been given access to God, and as His followers we are called to demonstrate to the world the peace that is ours in Christ.
  (October 4, 2022)
• When Jesus hung out with sinners...
  
  Related verse: Hebrews 13:8
  Related article: Higher Calling
  (September 15, 2022)
• Why dedicate to an all-knowing God?
  by Jamie Johnson
  Why should people dedicate themselves to God to go to Heaven if He already knows who is and who isn't going to hell?
  (August 26, 2022)
• Walking Deeply
  by Jamie Johnson
  How does obedience factor into faith and walking deeply?
  (July 25, 2022)
• Higher Calling
  by Jamie Johnson
  Jesus dined with Zacchaeus, and Zacchaeus repented. That is, Zacchaeus turned his back on his sinful lifestyle and embraced a new life in Christ. Jesus didn't enable, elevate, promote or celebrate the extortion Zacchaeus practiced. That life was over. Jesus had and has a higher calling.
  (June 20, 2022)
• When We Die
  by Jamie Johnson
  In the Bible, it says that the believer's spirit goes and lives with Jesus upon dying. It also says you will be dead until Christ comes again. What do you think the Bible is telling us?
  (April 6, 2022)
• You Matter
  by Jamie Johnson
  Believers in Christ vary in personalities and in how they're gifted. It can be tempting to compare yourself to others. However, God can use the quiet and subtle just as He can use the outspoken and winsome. And you matter to Him.
  (February 20, 2022)
• Adrienne Johnson: Why I Am No Longer an Atheist | PragerU
  
  (January 26, 2022)
• Beyond the First Two Decades: 2021
  2021 Highlights of this Web Site.
• Be Careful of What Others Wish for You
  by Jamie Johnson
  What does the culture wish for you? With what are you tempted? You've heard the ad: "There's an app for that." Well, in regards to temptation, there's a truth for that. Or more accurately put: there's the truth.
  (December 6, 2021)
• The Greatest Love
  by Con Campbell, Our Daily Bread
  (November 30, 2021)
• Oh! If God were to put my salvation in my hands...
  by C.H. Spurgeon
  (November 30, 2021)
• Be Careful What You Wish For
  by Jamie Johnson
  When it came to God, the Israelites wished for other and wished for more, and there were consequences. We, as individuals, and our culture can make the same mistake.
  (November 18, 2021)
• Billy Graham's Last Message:
  The Cross of Christ
  "I want tell people about the meaning of the Cross, not the cross that hangs on the wall or around someone's neck, but the real Cross of Christ. It's scarred and bloodstained. His is a rugged cross. ... It is the Truth. He loves you, willing to forgive you of all your sins." - Billy Graham
• Gideon: Cowardice to Courage
  by Steve Draper
  Hear how God moved in the life of Gideon from cowardice to courageous:
  
  (February 2, 2021)
• Apo Stahl Johnthree and the Salonians
  
  by Jamie Johnson
  A short story written in honor of the 25th Anniversary of The Beacon Deacon Web Site:
  "Fragments of paper with handwritten words. That's all they were -- strange things to see in these times of no books, little paper, and even less who can write ... under the rule of The Unity."
  (January 7, 2021)
• Beyond the First Two Decades: 2020
  2020 Highlights of this Web Site.
• Hope in Uncertain Times
  by Jamie Johnson
  We are fickle people. We think that a new event or circumstance will fix everything. Often it only reveals further areas that need repair. Our hope should not be in temporal circumstance or things of earth.
  (December 27, 2020)
• 
  (December 8, 2020)
• He's more interested in capturing hearts
  quote from Ruth Chou Simons
  
  (December 1, 2020)
• The Voice
  by Jamie Johnson
  There are a lot of voices these days -- voices in the culture, voices in classrooms, voices in the media and on the Internet, voices of people and even our own voices. Sometimes the voices are repeating, ruminating reels of ruin. Sometimes they bring discouragement and fear. Sometimes they bring falsehood. What voices are you listening to?
  (November 25, 2020)
• "First, before I am white, before I am black, I am a child of God. We stand at the foot of the cross on equal ground. There is no oppressed and oppressor at the foot of the cross. ... Am I woke? No, but I do believe that there is something greater than being woke and that is the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
  - Monique Duson, Founder, The Center for Biblical Unity
• I am... He is ...
  DUDEronomy
  
  (September 10, 2020)
• God & Happiness
  by Dr. Kathy Koch
  
  (August 26, 2020)
• What do you follow?
  photo by Jamie Johnson
  
  (August 16, 2020)
• The Spoon
  
  (July 22, 2020)
• Walking with Coffee
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  When you walk with coffee, do you focus on if it spills or on your destination? When you walk with Christ, do you focus on your troubles or do you focus on Him?
  (July 11, 2020)
• And He has imputed His righteousness to us. Thank you Lord from a forgiven sinner always in need of your grace.
  Words from Jamie Johnson with image from Milko Milkov post on Charles Spurgeon Appreciation Page
  
  (July 7, 2020)
• Just-in-Case Idols
  by Mike Wittmer, Our Daily Bread
  "Where is your trust? Back-up idols are still idols. Thank God for His many gifts, and tell Him youre not relying on any of them. Your faith is riding entirely on Him."
  (June 16, 2020)
• Our Times: The difficulties in our nation
  Heard this in church given the difficulties going on in our nation that this is a time for repentance, revival and compassion.
  (June 15, 2020)
• The Sorrows of Minneapolis: A Prayer for Our City
  by John Piper
  From Beacon Deacon: In the wake of the George Floyd tragedy and the tragedies that have both preceded and followed it... It's a prayer not only for the city, but also for what it represents: the broken nation, broken culture and broken people. Injustice and oppression are real. May we do better.
  
  (May 30, 2020)
• Overcoming Worry | Discovery Series
  by David C. Egner
  
  (April 25, 2020)
• God hears, cares and invites
  by Xochitl Dixon
  
  (March 25, 2020)
• Daniel's response when faced with a circumstance outside of his control
  (March 15, 2020)
• Amidst the Coronavirus and locust outbreak.... and all things, God's Word says, "Do not worry..."
  Photo by Jamie Johnson
  
  (March 13, 2020)
• Persuaded in the Love of God
  
  (March 7, 2020)
• Erring on the side of love?
  by Jamie Johnson
  True love is framed in the truth, not divorced from it. Have compassion for the broken. Meet with them, put an arm around them, be a listening ear, extend grace, but don't taint the compassion into something else by celebrating the brokenness. By all means love, but don't compromise God's truth and condone sin in attempting to do so. Many have embraced a cultural definition of "love" and divorced it from God's holiness.
  (February 29, 2020)
• Are you having a bad chapter in life?
  
  (January 31, 2020)
• The LORD didn't check who's worthy. He checked for the blood.
  
  (January 30, 2020)
• Conversation with an Atheist
  by Jamie Johnson
  A recent conversation I had with a self-described "nihilist" and calling him to face reality, truth and faith while realizing I cannot argue anyone into Heaven.
  (January 15, 2020)
• Beyond the First Two Decades: 2019
  2019 Highlights of this Web Site.
• I have given Christ countless reasons not to love me...
  a quote by Paul Washer as depicted by Toby Mac #Speak Life
  
  (December 13, 2019)
• Jesus' "I Am" statements in John
  
  (December 11, 2019)
• Questions of Faith
  by Jamie Johnson
  What is faith? What is the basis of our faith? What are the fundamentals of the faith? Where do works fit in?
  (December 3, 2019)
• Burn the Ships
  by Jamie Johnson
  A good reminder: What ships do you need to burn? What false havens do you run into instead of Him and His Word the Bible? Let them go. And in doing so, you will be freed to minister and follow Jesus. It's time to burn the ships and move forward in Christ.
  (November 21, 2019, update from the original posted September 6, 2015)
• Study Guide: Matthew 2:13-23: Flight to Egypt and Herod Slaughtering Babies
  by Jamie Johnson
  In this study guide, I dive deeper into the text, using observations and interpretations, asking questions, finding answers in the Scriptures and original Greek text, and drawing application for today.
  (November 17, 2019)
• What Mask Do You Wear?
  by Levi Lusko
  A quiz (from Levi Lusko's book I Declare War), which explores the masks we wear when we're hurting. Yet, you are a "person who is made and loved by God. The truth is, your mask is holding you back. When you put on a mask, you are masking yourself off from God’s blessing."
  (November 14, 2019)
• "Be still and know that I am God"
  Beauty for Ashes -
  Hope and Healing in Jesus Christ
  
  (October 10, 2019)
• Lies About You
  Mark Hancock, CEO, Trail Life USA
  "God may be calling you to reject some lies and embrace some truths. He may be calling you to engage where your resume doesn't qualify you, or your lineage doesn't qualify you, or your experience doesn't qualify you. Listen, if what you are doing can be accomplished in your own strength, you have to ask yourself if it's worth doing anyway. He's not after what you can do for Him. He's asking what you will let Him do through you and in spite of you. It's time to hug God tighter, pursue the things you feel called to but have convinced yourself you can't. And by the will and power of Christ, beyond what you're able to accomplish yourself or even believe about yourself, you can believe the truth. He is the ultimate source of what is true about you. Believe that." (October 4, 2019)
• Social Justice & the Gospel
  links from Grace to You and The Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel
  
  (September 17, 2019)
• Being Biblical is being Christlike
  by Jamie Johnson
  Some claim that the Bible can get in the way of following Jesus. However, can one be truly Christlike without being Biblical? Can one be truly Biblical without being Christlike? Christlike is Biblical and Biblical is Christlike. They are inseparable. How else would we know the Person of Christ without the Bible? Why would Jesus stand against His Word?
  (September 16, 2019)
• The devil wants... vs. Jesus wants...
  @ThyKingdomCome
  
  (September 4, 2019)
• Encourage or Exhort?
  by Jamie Johnson
  Whoever has the gift of encouragement needs to exhort and encourage. Whoever has the gift of exhortation needs to encourage and exhort. Exhortation and encouragement are 2 sides of the same coin. One must not just comfort, but speak truth. And one must not just speak truth, but do so in love.
  (September 1, 2019)
• What in God's Name is happening in Christianity?
  by John L. Cooper
  "Is it any wonder that some of our disavowed Christian leaders are letting go of the absolute truth of the Bible and subsequently their lives are falling apart? ... I implore you, please please in your search for relevancy for the gospel, let us NOT find creative ways to shape Gods word into the image of our culture by stifling inconvenient truths. But rather let us hold on even tighter to the anchor of the living Word of God. For He changes NOT."
  (posted here August 12, 2019)
• 6 quick reminders from Galatians
  a post from Warriors of God
  
  (August 12, 2019)
• Don't Kiss the Truth Goodbye
  by Jamie Johnson
  In view of Joshua Harris' renouncing his faith, take warning: We need to get our eyes off of ourselves and onto God. We need to look to what the unchanging Word of God -- the Bible -- says, not the masses. We need to build our identity and foundation on Jesus Christ. We need to listen and ask questions, but do so with the truth of Scripture in mind. We change and we transition, but in the process, don't kiss the truth goodbye.
  (August 2, 2019)
• Which child is this?
  by Jamie Johnson
  I've read in the Bible where Paul writes that he put away childish things. And I've read in the Bible where Jesus says to let the children come unto Him. So, we are to do away with childish things while being childlike. An exploration of the Greek words for children adds insight to the question, "Which child is this?"
  (July 28, 2019)
• Got Understanding?
  by Jamie Johnson
  What other languages do you know? How do you learn them? You learn them from someone who knows the language or from a book (written by someone who knows the language). It's similar when it comes to spiritual matters.
  (June 12, 2019)
• When the Bible says, "Do not lean on your own understanding..."
  from Jesus Is the Way Ministries
  
  (June 12, 2019)
• By the grace of God...
  a quote from John Newton
  
  (May 22, 2019)
• Disappointment
  by Jamie Johnson
  During times of disappointment, our hearts can hurt, but they can also be fertile. Sometimes, the best place to be is to be looking to God with a broken heart. Sometimes, we feel so far down, we can only look up to Him. Though difficult emotionally, it is a good place to be spiritually.
  (May 16, 2019)
• That's My King!
  by S.M. Lockridge
  An excerpt from the famous sermon by the late S.M. Lockridge (from the 32nd Annual National Youth Conference in Santa Clara, California) describing Jesus.
  (April 10, 2019)
• Failed Philosophical Arguments
  by Jamie Johnson
  Addressing philosophical arguments such as the following: Can God create a stone He cannot lift? Does that question disqualify God being all-powerful? How can evil exist in a world God created? Does God experiences what we experience, if not, does that mean He is not all-knowing, and if so, does it mean He can be sinful?
  (April 5, 2019)
• Ten Reasons the Formerly Churched Left Their Churches
  Thom S. Rainer
  
  (April 3, 2019)
• Truth in the age of feelings...
  a quote from John Piper
  
  (March 26, 2019)
• Tactics - a summary
  by Jamie Johnson
  My summary of tactics inspired by the book Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Gregory Koukl.
  (March 21, 2019)
• We all have value and can be used by the Lord
  A video showing the truth of our value despite our background while reminding us that we aren't the message. He is.
  (March 14, 2019)
• Faith is...
  John Piper
  
  (March 9, 2019)
• Speaking to the LGBT Community With Grace and Truth
  by Cissie Graham Lynch
  Cissie Graham Lynch shares how to love those in the LGBT community without compromising Biblical truth.
  (February 2019)
• Abortion Violates the Image of God
  by Jamie Johnson
  Abortion denies seeing one knit together in the womb as being a person created in the Image of God and elevates humanity to a place of acting as God in determining personhood....
  (January 24, 2019)
• Why have a church home?
  Reasons why one should go to church as shared by Glenvale Church of God
  (December 29, 2018)
• Beyond the First Two Decades: 2018
  2018 Highlights of this Web Site.
• The First Person to Recognize Jesus
  A graphic posted by Reformed Christian Voice Radio showing the first person to recognize Jesus, a timely painting for the Christmas season.
  (December 15, 2018)
• Explaining the empty tomb: Did Jesus rise from the dead?
  by Justin Steckbauer, The Christian Post
  Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
  (December 3, 2018)
• 11 Diagnostic Questions For Your Heart
  by Authentic Manhood
  11 diagnostic questions, adapted from David Powlison's book, Seeing with New Eyes, to give you insights that may help you identify possible idols in your life.
• Our Only Infallible Rule
  by Burk Parsons
  Don't just read the Bible. Study it. Be not only a hearer of the Word, but a doer.... and a studier.
  (November 26, 2018)
• Thankful Heart
  by Petra
  During Thanksgiving and throughout the year, it is good to have a thankful heart. Enjoy the song Thankful Heart.
  (November 8, 2018)
• The Gospel
  A graphic from Life In 6 Words.
• Shattered Beyond Repair
  by Lysa TerKeurst
  What if there are no pieces to pick up, but only dust? Amid being shattered, there is still hope: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
  (October 4, 2018)
• Have you blown it so much that you can thwart God's plan for your life?
  A graphic answering that question.
• This is Why We Pray for Each Other
  Seen on The Word on Facebook
  A graphic showing just why we pray for each other.
• Created in (not evolved into) the Image of God
  by Jamie Johnson
  If we are created in the Image of God, then it only makes sense to believe in God creating as is written in Scripture instead of believing in the Darwinistic evolutionary narrative. After all, we cannot evolve into God's image.
  (September 1, 2018)
• Don't worry...
  Our Daily Bread
  
  (posted August 28, 2018)
• My hope...
  a quote from Charles Spurgeon
  
  (posted August 7, 2018)
• Going to Church...
  a quote from the late Rich Mullins
  
  (posted June 12, 2018)
• Isn't Judging Others Wrong?
  by Cooper Pinson
  We will only be able to see clearly to judge our brother (in a good way) if we first examine ourselves; after all, the sins we should be most concerned about are our own.
  (June 28, 2018)
• Dignity
  by Jamie Johnson
  What is dignity? Why should we walk worthy and treat others with dignity? How does the Christian's motive differ from the world's motive around practicing dignity?
  (June 24, 2018)
• And He shall be called...
  
  (posted June 12, 2018)
• The Worst Consequence of Skipping Church
  by Tim Challies
  "The Bible warns us that when we skip church we put other people at risk. The first sin of skipping church is the sin of failing to love others."
  (April 26, 2018)
• Worry versus Trust
  by Matt Smethurst
  
  (posted April 17, 2018)
• Cemetery
  by Jamie Johnson referencing Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston
  Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston writes in his book Unanswered (pages 76-77) that early Christians came up with a new term for burial practice from which we get our word "cemetery": koimeterion (κοιητηριον) from the word koimeteria (κοιητηρια), which refers to a temporary holding place of peaceful sleep. Christianity is a "resurrection-centric" faith.
  (March 21, 2018)
• 11 Bible verses about the future
  by Jesus Daily
  (March 3, 2018)
• Unseen Power
  by Jamie Johnson
  You cannot see the wind, but you can see the effects of the wind. It is likewise with God.
  (March 1, 2018)
• Steps to Peace
  by Billy Graham
  In memory of Billy Graham who passed away today, the Steps to Peace with God: • Admit your need. (I am a sinner)
  • Be willing to turn from your sins. (Repent)
  • Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
  • Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive him as Lord and Savior)
  (February 21, 2018)
• It's all I have...
  
  (February 21, 2018)
• Emphasize the Good
  From a Facebook post by Jeff Fisher
  "What we focus on can change the whole perspective of a bad day into a good day."
  (February 16, 2018)
• Which Yoke?
  From a Facebook post by Jeff Fisher
  Which yoke? The Lord's or Egypt's?
  (January 26, 2018)
• If you found out you were dying ...
  by TobyMac - #SpeakLife
  
  (posted January 25, 2018)
• Stop Beating Yourself Up
  by Bob and Debby Gass
  Until Heaven, you will struggle with sin. However, there's hope: God's not finished with you yet.
  (shared January 12, 2018)
• Mouse in the House
  by Jamie Johnson
  Sin may look cute and we may want to keep it as a pet, but in reality, it is destructive and invasive.
  (January 8, 2018)
• Are Millions of Christians Wrong About Jesus?
  by Dan Delzell of The Christian Post
  "Is it just a coincidence, or perhaps a delusion? And what about the common features found in their testimonies? Are believers just imagining these things?"
  (January 2, 2018)
• Baptism in Jesus - Receiving the Spirit
  by Jamie Johnson
  A quick study addressing these questions: What is baptism in Jesus compared to John's baptism? When does one receive the Holy Spirit? Were those baptized in John's baptism believers?
  (December 2017)
• Beyond the First Two Decades: 2017
  2017 Highlights of this Web Site.
• The Water Mill
  by Jeff Fisher
  A metaphorical poem capturing one's walk with the Lord and hope in Him for the journey.
  (November 7, 2017)
• "On Jesus' Side for the Poor"
  - an excerpt
  by Rich Stearns, World Vision Magazine
  
  Read the full article. (posted October 10, 2017)
• Lessons from a camera
  as heard on K-LOVE
  

  • Focus on what's important.
  • Capture the good times.
  • Develop from the negatives.
  • If it doesn't turn out, take another shot.

  (October 5, 2017)
• Is God Throwing Stones at You?
  by Pastor Francis Anfuso
  A little boy was playing with his toy sailboat on the shore of a quiet lake. When the wind pulled the sail boat away from the shoreline, he began to cry as it went farther and farther away. An older boy came upon the scene and began throwing stones at his tiny boat. The young boy cried, "Why are you throwing stones at my boat?" The older boy said, "I'm throwing stones on the far side of your boat to create some waves to bring the sailboat back to you. Trust me; I know what I'm doing." Whenever you feel like God is throwing stones at your life, realize they are meant to draw you closer to Him, not to drive you away." He says to all of us, "Trust Me, I know what I'm doing!" That's why the Bible says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart."
  (September 28, 2017)
• Find Peace With God
  by Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
  Begin your journey to peace. God loves you, but man is sinful and separated from God. However, God sent His Son Jesus to die for your sins! Would you like to receive God's forgiveness?
  (March 3, 2017)
• Is Your Church Sick?
  Online assessment by Jamie Johnson based on Anatomy of a Sick Church - 10 Symptoms to Watch by Thom S. Rainer
  A simple 10-question checklist of symptoms to rate the health of your church.
  (September 22, 2017)
• Nashville Statement
  by A Coalition For Biblical Sexuality
  A statement echoing the Biblical theology of sexuality in a sexually misguided culture.
  (August 30, 2017)
• The founders of every major religion said, "I'll show you how to find God." Jesus said, "I am God who has come to find you."
  ~ Tim Keller (August 22, 2017, Instagram)
• Books of the Bible
  
• The Gospel of Jesus Christ:
  1 Corinthians 15:3-4
  "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures"
  
  Curious? Questions? Contact me.
  
  (August 1, 2017)
• The Cross Has the Final Word
  Newsboys
  A song with a good title whose words ring true - the release of Newsboys' new single. Watch the video.
  (July 28, 2017)
• Own Your Attitude
  Jud Wilhite
  
  (posted July 7, 2017)
• Haven
  by Jamie Johnson
  In the loss of a dog, we see how pain over a death is an expression of love as well as other big lessons. During a time of our family's sadness, we see God in His creation as we remember our beloved dog Haven.
  (June 28, 2017)
• God's Love in the Trinity
  "Such a solitary God could not be eternally loving, for there was no one to love. 'Everything changes when it comes to Father, Son, and Spirit. Here is a God who is not essentially lonely, but who has been loving for all eternity as the Father has loved the Son in the Spirit. Loving others is not a strange or novel thing for this God at all; it is at the root of who he is.'"
  from Mark Johnson's article "How the Glory of the Trinity Provides Hope to Mankind" in Israel My Glory, November/December 2016, p.22, which quotes from Michael Reeves, Delighting in the Trinity (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2012), p. 41.
  (May 30, 2017)
• Five reasons to believe Jesus rose from the dead
  by Adam4d.com
  
  (March 28, 2017)
• Considerations for past, present, future:
  
  by Ann Voskamp
  (March 22, 2017)
• The Shack - A Book Review
  by Jamie Johnson
  With the release of The Shack movie in theaters, I feature my Fall 2008 book review of The Shack with a link at the end to a video asking, "Is the Shack a Christian Story?"
  (March 3, 2017)
• U.S. Senate Chaplain Dr. Barry Black final remarks at National Prayer Breakfast
  Speaker: U.S. Senate Chaplain Dr. Barry Black, courtesy of C-SPAN
  "My hope is built on nothing less than on Jesus' blood and righteousness...."
  (February 2, 2017)
• Should I post this political article on social media?
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  A "quiz" I wrote addressing that question and based on the article 7 Questions to Ask Before Posting about Politics on Social Media by Scott Slayton. Are you bringing heat or being light?
  (February 1, 2017).
• On Modernity, Divinity and Sexuality
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  Some use the modern translation argument to discount what the Bible says about Jesus' divinity, His being the only way to God as well as verses supporting marriage being between one man and one woman and verses showing the ungodliness of homosexuality. I take a look at a modern translation updated January 2017 to see what it says and determine if it is a reputable translation.
  (January 21, 2017).
• Beyond the First Two Decades: 2016
  2016 Highlights of this Web Site.
• Gospel Metaphors
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  In my last sermon at a particular nursing home, what is the most important thing for me to share? We are all equally as bad off in and of ourselves, but there is hope. There is good news. And today is the day to consider it!
  (Delivered on December 4, 2016 and June 15, 2012).
• Oh Say Can You See God is Sovereign?
  by Jamie Johnson
  On national and personal levels, we face trials and difficulties. However, are you remembering God's Sovereignty? Even if things don't work out the way you want, do you trust Him? Are you on His side? And are you seeking to influence instead of insult and seeking to bring healing rather than blame? You can only do that in Christ. Do you trust and see He is still there?
  (November 5, 2016)
• How the Father sees the Son
  by Jamie Johnson
  My earthly father saw the potential in me and the best in me and it shapes who I am. Yet, there are some days where I don't feel like I am that man he saw. However, that is how my father saw me. How does God see you? How does God see His Son? Are you in Christ?
  (September 24, 2016)
• Is Jesus sticking out?
  This is a cute story I heard and wrote in my journal. Sometimes, a child's concrete thinking reveals a profound truth.
  (August 28, 2016)
• Observant
  by Jamie Johnson
  Dogs are experts in observing human behavior and looking to them. They are mere animals, but to us they can be very special and loyal companions. We are mere humans, but in Christ, God calls us friends. Are you observant of Him and loyally looking to Him seeking help in obedience?
  (July 2016)
• The Gospel in 6 Minutes
  by John Piper
  A concise explanation of the Gospel and a plea to believe it.
• 5 Reasons for Believing God Still Exists
  by John Ankerberg
• John 14:6
  
• Blame Game
  by Jamie Johnson
  Aaron was the priest among the Israelites and brother of Moses, but he fell into sin by making the Golden Calf and he blamed the Israelites, following a progression resulting in sin and blame. How does this happen and what are we to do?
  (June 4, 2016)
• Sometimes A Question is Better than an Answer
  by John Stonestreet
  Six questions to have "winsome conversations about tough topics" as "Sometimes the right question at the right time is the best way to have a conversation with someone with whom you fundamentally disagree" -

  1. What do you mean by that?
  2. How do you know that is true?
  3. Where did you get this information?
  4. How did you come to this conclusion?
  5. What if you're wrong?
  6. What if you're right?

  (May 17, 2016)
• It's About the Relationship
  by Daniel Steggerda
  There's a lot happening in our world. And things are not really better in the U.S. with divisiveness, racism, politics and our own personal issues, which can fuel worry, anxiety and other things that distract us from what matters most: the Relationship with God.
  (May 5, 2016)
• Numb
  by Jamie Johnson
  Our world isn't safe. One only needs to look at the news headlines and see that we live in a dangerous world. One response is to become numb. However, numbness leads down a path against which scripture warns. May we not become numb. Rather, may we trust God and be good stewards and doers of good.
  (April 9, 2016)
• No Fear
  by Jamie Johnson
  Loathing and dreaded anxiety sometimes plague the mind with the cares of this life and fear sets in. How can we have no fear?
  (March 14, 2016)
• The Dangers of the Last Days
  
  (March 2, 2016)
• Primary Names of God
  
  (February 26, 2016)
• "The real Jesus..."
  by Frank Peretti
  An excerpt about the real Jesus from Frank Peretti's book The Visitation.
  (February 18, 2016)
• What is Man?
  by Jamie Johnson
  If man is so small, then what is man that the great and glorious God, Creator of the universe, is mindful of him?
  (February 7, 2016)
• A proud man...
  
  quote by C.S. Lewis, image by Wordables
  
  
  (January 26, 2016)
• Are you on the Lord's side?
  by Jamie Johnson
  Celebrating the 20th anniversary of this site, I ask you more questions: Are you wondering if the Lord is on your side? Or are you on the Lord's side?
  (January 7, 2016)
• Questions
  by Jamie Johnson
  There are many questions worth pondering in Scripture, but there is one question we all must answer and it is the most important one of all.
  (January 3, 2016)
• Beyond the First Decade (and finishing the second decade): 2015
  2015 Highlights of this Web Site.
• The Promised Ring
  by Jamie Johnson
  Advent celebrates that Jesus has come. Jesus has performed His work. Do you trust Him? He's coming back again. Are you ready? Are you sealed with the Holy Spirit, a deposit, the promised ring, guaranteeing you as part of the Church His bride to be with Him forever?
  (December 6, 2015)
• God transforms...
  
  
  (October 21, 2015)
• Casting Lots
  by Jamie Johnson
  Casting lots was a practiced used in the Bible to determine outcomes and make decisions. Was it by chance? Or was God using it? If God is sovereign, what is to be our response?
  (October 4, 2015)
• Burn the Ships
  by Jamie Johnson
  What ships do you need to burn? What false havens do you run into instead of Him and His Word the Bible? Let them go. And in doing so, you will be freed to minister and follow Jesus. It's time to burn the ships and move forward in Christ.
  (September 6, 2015)
• Jesus before Pilate and Herod: Luke 23:1-25: A Walk Through
  by Jamie Johnson
  God's will for Jesus was for Him to be subjected to the Sanhedrin, Pilate, Herod and the crowd. Though these people did evil, what man meant for evil, God redeemed for good. On which side do you stand?
  (August 2, 2015)
• Friction
  by Jamie Johnson
  In times of friction, are you hardening your heart? Or are you allowing God to bring you to the end of yourself through the momentary times of friction that you may live dependently on Christ?
  (July 5, 2015).
• God recruits from the pit, not the pedestal
  
  by Jon Acuff via 95.1 SHINEFM
  
  (June 18, 2015).
• 15 Quotes For An Anxious Heart
  From The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
  With all the bad news and destruction in the world, you or someone you know may be asking, "What's wrong? Will things ever get better?" Peace is possible, even in times that are difficult to understand. Be encouraged by these quotes and share them with friends.
  (June 12, 2015).
• God Wrote a Book
  by John Piper / DesiringGod.org
  Do you take for granted the Bible or daily invest time in the Miracle of God's Word and get to know Him? Do you see His Word as a window, not a wall?
  
  (June 9, 2015).
• "When we don't get what we deserve,
  that's a real good thing.
  When we get what we don't deserve,
  that's a real good thing."
  ~Newsboys
• A riddle:
  What is more powerful than God and more evil than the devil? The rich don't need it and the poor have it. If you eat it, you will die.
  

  The answer? Nothing!

• With What Are You Filling Your Life?
  by Jamie Johnson
  Is the object of your affection bringing you doom? If it is not God, then it already is or will. With what are you filling your life? If it is an idol, do you see that it will overwhelm you and lie to you? Will you turn to Jesus and see that only He can fully satisfy?
  (May 3, 2015).
• My Redeemer Lives in the Storm
  by Jamie Johnson
  We all have had storms, have storms and will have storms in life. Yet, our trials are not as great as Job's trials. We can learn from his response in his trials. During storms, can we confidently say, "I know my Redeemer lives" as Job did?
  (March 13, 2015).
• More Than a Feeling
  by Jamie Johnson
  Feelings come and go like the waves of the sea. Sometimes, feelings just are. However, is that what you are going to trust? Or are you going to trust more than a feeling?
  (February 1, 2015).
• Dream a Little Dream
  by Jamie Johnson
  One can be too optimistic or pessimistic. However, one can also be too realistic. Are you trusting realism and stifling dreams or are you being faithful to God with open hands, willing to change where He wants you to, whether it is heart or circumstances, willing to dream a little dream He has for you?
  (January 4, 2015).
• Beyond the First Decade: 2014
  2014 Highlights of this Web Site.
• Names of Jehovah
  The Names of the LORD God Jehovah.
  (December 16, 2014).
• What Are You Leaving Behind?
  by Jamie Johnson
  Wherever we go and wherever we are, we all have a gift to give, something to leave behind. What are you leaving behind for those who come after you or who have experienced or are experiencing some of life's journey with you?
  (December 7, 2014).
• Thanksgiving
  The word for "thanksgiving" is built on the words for "good grace" and the word for "grace" is built on the word for "joy."
  eucharistias εὐχαριστίας thanksgiving
  eu εὖ good + charis χάρις grace
  chara χαρά joy
  May you have joy in thanksgiving for God's good grace!
  (November 27, 2014).
• Heaven
  by Billy Graham
  "We never know what we truly believe until it's a matter of life and death. Billy Graham, along with a firefighter and a young woman forced to face the reality of death, share the Gospel message, and what really happens when we die."
  (November 10, 2014).
• God Is Merciful Not to Tell Us Everything
  by Jon Bloom
  "When God chooses not to tell us everything, he shows us more mercy than we realize."
  (November 7, 2014).
• Does God keep us safe?
  by Jamie Johnson
  Read the headlines and you will see bad news. And you will see that bad things happen to people, including Christians. There are verses in the Bible about safety and there is the question we ask, "Does God keep us safe?"
  (November 2, 2014).
• Groaning Creation, Groaning Saints, Groaning Spirit
  by John Piper
  Piper preaches on Romans 8:12-13, saying, "Be killing sin or it will be killing you" and to put sin to death by the Spirit. How? He mentions the Sword of the Spirit in Ephesians 6:17, which is the Word. Use and trust it! Being led by the Spirit in this battle is evidence that you are in Christ. Suffer with Him, not against Him. (Posted October 31, 2014; Delivered September 27, 2014, from the 2014 National Conference by John Piper. ©2014 Desiring God Foundation. Website: desiringGod.org)
• Seeing the Gospel Metaphors for Speaking a Believable Gospel
  by Jonathan Dodson
  Dodson reflects on the encounter Jesus had with the rich young ruler in Luke 18:18-30, saying "Jesus is a good evangelist because He dignifies the man's vocabulary. He devastates his expectations and then He delivers the Gospel in a way that makes sense to His listener." (Posted October 30, 2014; Delivered September 27, 2014, from the 2014 National Conference by John Piper. ©2014 Desiring God Foundation. Website: desiringGod.org)
• Is the Bible Full of Errors and Contradictions?
  by reasonsforhope^*
  A short video on properly interpreting the Bible, confronting bad and false views of the Bible by taking it in simple context.
• Destination Addiction
  
• The Gospel for Real Devotions
  by Jerry Bridges
  The Gospel is not just for the unbeliever coming to Christ. The Gospel is also for Christians every day since we still sin though we are saved sinners. We need to practice the Gospel every day in our devotions, in our time with God.
  (Posted October 15, 2014; This is a presentation delivered September 26, 2014, from the 2014 National Conference by John Piper. ©2014 Desiring God Foundation. Website: desiringGod.org)
• Why Won't God Show Himself?
  by Jamie Johnson
  Why doesn't God show Himself like He did in days of old? Does faith factor into this? If so, why and how?
  (October 5, 2014).
• Where Satan Will Attack You Today
  by Jon Bloom, Desiring God Blog
  "You wonder why it's so hard to find some peace of mind? Well, peace is hard to come by when you live in a warzone. ... And do you know where the front of the battle is? It’s in your head." -Jon Bloom
  (September 29, 2014).
• New Every Morning, New Every Moment
  by Jon Bloom, Desiring God Blog
  "The real illusion is not that old things appear new to us (like God’s mercies or a sunrise), but that new things ever appear old. ... God’s steadfast love and mercies for you are indeed new every morning. In fact, they are new with every new moment as he commits with a continually fresh resolve to keep his great faithfulness working for you." -Jon Bloom
  (Posted September 18, 2014; Written September 8, 2014).
• 5 Lies Christians Are Told
  by Frank Powell, Relevant Magazine
  A few of the lies Christians often believe that are hurting the Church.
  (Posted September 16, 2014; Written August 27, 2014).
• 13 Contrasts Between American and Biblical Christianity
  by Joseph Mattera, CharismaNews
  "... American evangelicals have exported a gospel replete with an American cultural paradigm that is not in line with the Hebraic paradigm of Scripture. Consequently, ... preaching can come across more like the 'American Dream' than sound, biblical teaching." ~ Joseph Mattera
  (August 8, 2014).
• Jesus Spoke in Parables
  by Jamie Johnson
  Some claim that Jesus speaking in parables means that either we cannot understand His words or that they are always up for interpretation. Yet, this argument falls short in trying to discount His claim to be the only Way to God.
  (August 3, 2014).
• Confusing lesser battles with primary ones?
  Here are some good words from Dr. Larry Crabb's book Connecting.
  (July 22, 2014).
• Put the Device Down and Look Up
  by Jamie Johnson
  This device-obsessed culture challenges experiencing true human interaction, being present and taking in the moment. Are you a master over and independent of devices or is it the other way around?
  (July 17, 2014).
• 4 Spiritual Laws
  Four laws that govern one's relationship with God, which are essentials regarding salvation.
  (June 11, 2014).
• Not Paupers
  by Jamie Johnson
  How many of us are living powerlessly? How many of us are using scraps instead of useful things with purpose? How many of us are living like spiritual paupers?
  (June 1, 2014).
• What is the Gospel???
  Do you believe in God? What do you think God wants from you? Would it surprise you that God wants a relationship with you that starts now and lasts forever?
  (June 11, 2014).
• John 3:16 in Greek
  The classic verse John 3:16 in English and Greek.
  (June 11, 2014).
• Seek the Lord ...
  a picture of pictures
  (June 11, 2014).
• Not Paupers
  by Jamie Johnson
  How many of us are living powerlessly? How many of us are succumbing to habits instead of living with purpose? How many of us are living like spiritual paupers?
  (June 1, 2014).
• Not a fence ...
  
• Life in 6 Words: The GOSPEL
  Dare 2 Share Ministries
  From the YouTube video: Life in 6 Words: The GOSPEL communicates the whole story of the Bible in 6 key truths that capture the essence of God and human interaction. In this powerful video, rap artist Propaganda unpacks a simple 6 letter acrostic that spells out the word "GOSPEL" and communicates Jesus' life-giving message of salvation.
  (May 25, 2014).
• More To This Life
  by Jamie Johnson
  Is there more to this life than living and dying? Are you just getting by day-to-day or do you realize that there is more to this life -- living for something more, or better said, for Someone more?
  (May 4, 2014).
• Man or God?
  by Jamie Johnson
  You make choices. Whether it is how we enter each day, how we interact with those around us, how we deal with suffering, or how we deal with things from a Biblical perspective instead of a worldly one, we have a choice. So what is the basis of your decisions? Man or God?
  (April 6, 2014).
• Any Longer
  by Jamie Johnson
  If you are in Christ, there is something more, something you have, and yet something you may have forgotten. Do we go through our routine, put in the same raw material and plug along, forgetting that we have something better, more specifically Someone better? Why live that way any longer?
  (March 2, 2014).
• Always There
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  Always There
  Always Hope
  I know You care
  In You I cope
  
  
  My voice I raise
  To God on High
  Jesus Christ I praise
  To me draw nigh
  
  (February 7, 2014).
• Thorns
  by Jamie Johnson
  When I think about struggles that will not go away, I call them "thorns." Thorns prick and stick. They hurt and they do not necessarily go away. Can we have victory? Is God still good?
  (February 2, 2014).
• Beauty
  by Jamie Johnson
  A new sub-site about beauty: Our culture has a problem with beauty. The self-obsessed, sex-idolizing, celebrity culture fuels the cultural disease that makes women into objects rather than respecting their dignity as human beings created in the image of God.
• The Pain Now is Part of the Joy Then
  by Jamie Johnson
  In grief, is the pain now part of the joy then? Is pain a cost of love? How can this be? What about God's love?
  (January 5, 2014).
• Beyond the First Decade: 2013
  2013 Highlights of this Web Site.
• Atheist View versus Christian View
  A picture where the text speaks for itself.
  (December 18, 2013).
• Voices
  by Jamie Johnson
  King Hezekiah of Judah heard discouragement from King Sennacherib of Assyria. How did Hezekiah respond? In this world of voices, are you trusting God and listening expectantly? And in doing so, are you laying down your concerns before Him?
  (December 1, 2013).
• Be Filled - Continuance
  by Jamie Johnson
  Sometimes we want to throw our hands up and give up instead of looking up. Instead, we need to calm down, kneel down and lay it down. We need to be filled and practice continuance.
  (November 3, 2013).
• Letting Go and Hanging On
  by Jamie Johnson
  Now is the time for letting go of the things that hinder, entangle and suffocate ... and hanging on to the things of significance, most importantly Jesus.
  (October 6, 2013).
• Passive Men
  by Jamie Johnson
  a written guide to his talk at a men's retreat
  A Message to Men: Passivity wreaks havoc on leadership, marriage, integrity and purity. Don't let life pass you by in the destructive path of passivity. Rather, be in life with intention in your marriages, in your families, in your communities and in faith.
  (September 20, 2013).
• Mandisa's 'Overcomer' Music Video World Premiere
  by Mandisa
  An inspiration to many, Mandisa's "Overcomer" video is "all about fighting adversity."
  (September 5, 2013).
• The Heart of the Matter
  by Jamie Johnson
  Can you season a piece of rotten meat to make it suitable to eat? No! You need new meat. Likewise, we cannot season our wicked hearts or aim our works to please God. We need new hearts.
  (September 1, 2013).
• What Are They Seeing?
  by Jamie Johnson
  There is a dilemma. This world is lost. What response are you giving? What are they seeing?
  (August 4, 2013).
• Penn Jillette gets a gift of a Bible
  by Penn Jillette
  Penn Jillette, an atheist, and celebrity of Penn & Teller, shares some thought-provoking words that challenge Christians to authentically share their faith.
  (August 1, 2013; Originally posted on YouTube on August 4, 2009).
• Risking For Freedom in Christ
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  Harriet Tubman was a slave who risked everything for freedom. All in Christ have something to risk to work out of freedom in Christ and pursue others towards that end. What are you willing to risk?
  (July 7, 2013).
• You Won't Relent
  A song by Bykota Worship on Spotify
  "You won't relent until you have it all. My heart is yours....dear Jesus."
• tech @ Beacon Deacon
  Just a simple sister site to share techie things...
  (June 18, 2013)
• When Trying Fails
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  Why should you be allowed into Heaven? What will your answer be? More importantly, what are you trusting for the payment of your sin debt? Are you trusting in your feeble works and attempts and trying? Or are you trusting in the perfect and Holy One Jesus Christ?
  (June 2, 2013).
• My Father is With Me
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  In a dream, I wasn't sure where I was, but my father was with me. Life is like that. Sometimes, we don't know where we are, but can you say that your heavenly Father is here with you?
  (May 5, 2013).
• What Are You Aiming For?
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  What are you aiming for? What are we aiming for? A better situation? Better health? Better roommate? Better paycheck? Are we aiming for Christ above all else?
  (April 7, 2013).
• Already There
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  We cannot see what is going to happen or what is happening – when we feel lost or do not know what tomorrow will bring. However, we can take comfort in the fact that God is already there.
  (March 3, 2013).
• #FallingPlates
  by Cru and strongfilms
  
  "We hope that you will consider the possibility of knowing God and his love for you. There is no other relationship we can experience that so completely satisfies the longings of the human heart and mind." - #FallingPlates / About Us
  (February 11, 2013).
• The Joneses are Overrated
  by Karen Ehman
  
  "On our computer news feeds. And smart phones. On Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. The 'look at me!' Joneses and all their profile-picture-perfect lives. It can tempt us to become jealous and discontent." - Karen Ehman
  (February 4, 2013).
• Transmissions From Exile
  by Matt Higgins
  
  A blog that has been exploring Biblical thoughts on current events, gray areas, and more since January 2012.
  (February 1, 2013).
• Where is the Hope?
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  The question, "Where is the hope?" still echoes today. In what or whom are you placing your hope? Is it in circumstances, in people, or is it in Jesus Christ?
  (January 3, 2013).
• Beyond the First Decade: 2012
  2012 Highlights of this Web Site.
• How Can I Keep From Singing
  by Jamie Johnson
  In a dream, my late father sang a song. I have come to discover what song that is.
  (December 7, 2012)
• Be Thankful
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  Do we have room to complain? Are we waiting for "the next thing" with our eyes on ourselves? Or are we going to be thankful and look to the Giver?
  (published November 15, 2012;
  sermon December 2, 2012).
• Excuses for Lust -- Revisited
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  I wrote Lust, Excuse Me in September 1999 to confront the multiple excuses people use to think lust is acceptable. I revisited it with a group of guys at a youth lock-in.
  (November 9, 2012).
• Is There a God?
  by Marilyn Adamson
  
  Does God exist? Six straight-forward reasons to believe that God is really there.
  (September 26, 2012).
• Jesus' Wife?
  by Jeffrey Fisher
  
  "To accept Jesus as married... Ultimately, I believe every true Christian can search the Spirit within them and discern that this is just another old lie..." - Jeffrey Fisher.
  (September 25, 2012).
• A Man, A Messiah, A Mat, A Message
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  A man has been disabled all his life. As people pass him by to a healing pool, Jesus asks if he wants to be healed and tells him to pick up his mat and walk. With whom do you identify? Where is your source of healing?
  (September 2, 2012).
• Love, Faithfulness, Righteousness, Peace - A Marriage
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  Jesus is faithful and moves us to love. He imputes to us His righteousness. He is our peace. It is like a marriage - the mystery of Christ and His Church.
  (August 14, 2012).
• Purpose
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  What is your purpose in general? What is your purpose today? What is your purpose right here? What is your purpose right now?
  (July 9, 2012).
• Gospel Metaphors
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  We are all equally as bad off in and of ourselves, but there is hope. There is good news. And today is the day to consider it!
  (June 15, 2012).
• Success
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  Success mostly has become diluted to a temporary achievement that will be forgotten after one leaves the world in which s/he tried to be so successful. What or who is the basis for your success?
  (June 6, 2012).
• Chuck Colson (1931-2012)
  Remembering an Evangelical Christian leader and a champion for prison ministry who passed away and went to be with the Lord on April 21, 2012.
• This is Discipleship
  by ccodyguy
  
  Programs and events may be helpful in the church but sometimes cause an inward focus instead of going to do work of the ministry of the Gospel.
• New Testament Theology Class Interview
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  My responses to a seminary student who asks questions about challenges for the church, theological issues at stake in those challenges, crucial foundational truths, and Biblical theology.
  (March 12, 2012).
• Failing to Love
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  The Bible tells us to love. That is our mark of being of God and knowing God. However, sometimes, Christians fail to love while some non-Christians seem kind. How can this be understood?
  (February 15, 2012).
• When God is Silent
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  At times God is silent, but it does not mean He is inactive. His silence has a purpose. Sometimes, even in His silence, He makes a statement.
  (February 5, 2012).
• One Day
  by Jamie Johnson
  Even in grief, I see that one Day, the grave will be unlocked, that my departed father, though bodily in the grave, is no longer there....and there is hope in that truth.
• Beyond the First Decade: 2011
  2011 Highlights of this Web Site.
• Conceived by the Holy Spirit
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  The first Advent was in the context of an unwed pregnant teenager whose betrothed was not the father. By modern standards, such a context would be deemed a disaster and abortion would be an option. However, the Baby - yes, the Person - in her womb was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
  (December 14, 2011).
• Intentional Living
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  While being mindful of eternity, are you joyful where God has called you? If you are just wanting to "get through this" to the next thing, are you really living?
  (November 28, 2011).
• Hope
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  There is not much room for hope in this world....if we are only looking at the world. To what or to whom are you looking to for hope? And what steals your hope? Where can you find lasting hope?
  (October 2, 2011).
• Beacon Deacon's Agora
  
  designed by
  Jamie Johnson
  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. And pray for the peace of the USA. Notice in JerUSAlem that USA is in the middle. We need to pray for peace for both. These bumper stickers I designed capture that message. Please spread the word.
• Letting Go
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  Life consists of multiple times of letting go, a process and choice. What are things of which you need to let go? And in the meantime, are you clinging to Him?
  (September 4, 2011).
• Beacon Deacon's Agora
  
  designed by
  Jamie Johnson
  With the upcoming 2012 Election, let's place our trust in One Whom we can trust … Jesus! I thought about that during the last election and here are some bumper stickers I developed to communicate that. Please spread the word.
• Washed
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  We are dirty and we cannot wash ourselves, but there is One who can and does so continually if we trust Him. It's not too late. Today is the day of Salvation!
  (August 7, 2011).
• When Others Disappoint You
  by Os Hillman
  
  "Beware of placing too much expectation on others. Realize that people will let you down from time to time, but do not let that impact your faith. Trust God to work even through these disappointments."
  (August 2, 2011)
• Are Your Kids Overscheduled?
  by Jim Daly
  
  "I wonder if in the interest of many factors including safety, keeping up with Joneses, acquiescing to kids’ desires, expectations of year-round training for young athletes and even a lack of imagination we’ve wound up overscheduling our children…?"
  (July 13, 2011)
• Fun Assessments
  The Treasure Tree Personality Assessment from the book The Treasure Tree by John & Cindy Trent, Gary & Normal Smalley, illustrated by Judy Love
  Right- or Left-Brain? - Are you a Right- or Left-Brain thinker?
• The Simple Truth
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  Are we so wrapped up in our theology and traditions that we miss the simple truth of the Gospel? I don't think that can be said about Mike, an evangelist who appears to ask the right questions with the right focus. Can it be said of you?
  (June 16, 2011).
• Fitting In
  by Jase Clamp
  
  "Maybe for a long time I’ve felt like I need to be the number one guy or that I need to do everything myself. I really don’t think I’ll have an effective life like that. My desire more now is that I’ll be effective and be able to apply my life such that it yields the most optimal impact."
  (June 1, 2011)
• One Year
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  Remembering my father on the one year anniversary of his passing.
  (May 11, 2011)
• Excerpt from The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
  by Edward Gibbons (1788)
  
  Five great reasons why civilizations wither and die.
• Making an Idol of our Family
  "Ironically, I wonder whether people who are very pro-family, and therefore fairly conservative in their values, may be more conformed to the world than they think, because I don't think two generations ago, we built our entire life around our children the way we do now. We got they be in the perfect school. They have to be perfectly happy. They have to have all the best things. I think that's a ... consumer kind of thing. ... It's a very contemporary secular approach to raising children and weirdly enough, we in the more ... evangelical church very often can be sucked into it and think that we're being pro-family when actually we are being conformed to the image of the world." - Dr. Tim Keller
• The Golden Rules of Living
  A list inspired by Jesus' words in Matthew 7:12.
  (March 31, 2011).
• The Decline of a Nation
  by Kerby Anderson
  
  Each of the great civilizations in the world passed through a series of stages from their birth to their decline to their death. Historians have listed these in ten stages.
• Meaning(less & ful)
  by Jamie Johnson
  
  In this world, is meaninglessness all there is? Even for us as Christians, is this it? Do we just go to church and raise up nice kids in clean homes? Is this all there is? Doesn't Jesus call us to more than this? What's meaningful?
  (March 10, 2011).
• Story of the Mexican Fisherman
  Are you looking for more or are you content where you are? "Know where you’re going in life - you may already be there."
  (February 2, 2011)
• You Are of Value
  by Jamie Johnson
  Despite no good in and of ourselves, we all have value that is given to us by God. What are you forfeiting your value for? Are you basing your value in worldly status and things or abasing your value in self-pity? Are you looking to worldly priorities or to Jesus Christ?
  (January 19, 2011).
• Beyond the First Decade: 2010
  2010 Highlights of this Web Site.
• The Geese and the Snowstorm
  A doubting man encounters God via frustration with geese.
  (December 9, 2010)
• What is Good?
  by Jamie Johnson
  Did you ever wonder where the concept of good came from? Why don't people consider bad things good or good things bad? Granted there are some rare circumstances where this does occur, but for the most part, there is a universal umbrella under which good things fall. Did someone just make up goodness?
  (December 1, 2010)
• Re-Kre8-ing Mythology
  by Kyle Vitasek
  A sad example that "re-creates the story of man and woman coming to be married, as our modern 'liberated' culture finds women taking matters into their own hands…This example has sadly become the norm in a post equality movement world where men default to waiting, rather than heroism to win their beauty"
  (November 16, 2010).
• What Love Really Means
  by JJ Heller
  "Listening to JJ Heller's What Love Really Means brings me to tears! What a beautiful reminder that no matter where you find yourself in life, God loves you… Really loves you, no matter what you have done or failed to do, He is always there. What an amazing message to share with everyone who listens."
  ~ SCOTT SMITH - K-LOVE Asst. Program Director/Music Director (SOURCE)
• When Paradigms Become Pharisaic
  by Jamie Johnson
  Grand and lofty theological paradigms - Is that what Jesus was really about? Often theological knowledge promotes marginalization and arrogance and misses the point when it becomes a form of Christian law.
  (November 1, 2010).
• Resumés and Rewards
  by Jamie Johnson
  We want recognition, status, and reward, but that's not where the real reward is. Being seen and being heard are not our motives. If no one ever knows how you are serving besides God and the recipient and yourself, then may that be enough.
  (October 5, 2010).
• Re-Cre8ing ToyMaking
  by Kyle Vitasek
  "Put down the Iphone or the remote and find a toy or activity that requires some imagination in order to play with it." (from the article)
  (September 14, 2010).
• What Kind of Gloves are You Wearing?
  by Jamie Johnson
  Right now, you are wearing some type of gloves. Where are they from? What are you doing with them? Who's watching? Are you worth mimicking?
  (September 6, 2010).
• Out Live Your Life
  by Max Lucado
  "[Y]ou and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. It’s not enough to do well. We want to do good. We want our lives to matter. So, let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did." Read More…
  (September 3, 2010).
• Dad would have been 81 today...
  Remembering Pop - my father, mentor, and friend on his 81st birthday.
  August 17, 2010.
• I am no good
  by Jamie Johnson
  First, the bad news: Yes, it's true: I am no good. And neither are you. Where is the hope?
  (August 2, 2010).
• Angel in the Waters
  by Regina Doman with pictures by Ben Hatke
  "In its mother's womb, a tiny baby grows, explores the waters, and talks with the angel who is there." from Sophia Institute Press - Official Site for the book
• The Light Shines in the Darkness
  by Jamie Johnson
  We see so much darkness in this world, but does the Spirit use this desperate display of life without God to propel us to life with God?
  (July 14, 2010).
• You Are Special
  by Max Lucado
  The story of Punchinello who believes that he isn't good enough because of what others think about him and of his discovery about who(se) he really is and what really matters.
• The Beacon Deacon Web Site Official Facebook Page
  June 29, 2010
  The official Facebook page of the Beacon Deacon Web Site has been launched.
• RIP, Dana Key
  Dana Key of the legendary Christian rock duo DeGarmo & Key has passed away.
  December 30, 1953-June 6, 2010
• Pop
  by Jamie Johnson
  Remembering Pop - my father, mentor, and friend.
  August 17, 1929-May 11, 2010.
• Sacrifice or Love?
  by Jamie Johnson
  Are sacrifices good or bad? In loving others, is there a sacrifice? (April 22, 2010).
• Why?
  by Jamie Johnson
  There are many, many questions that prove challenging for those who deny God, who deny Christ. (April 2, 2010).
• parentalrights.org
  Protecting Children by Empowering Parents (March 26, 2010).
• The Mount Vernon Statement
  Reaffirming commitment to Constitutional conservatism and the principles of the Declaration of Independence (Feb. 17, 2010).
• F.U.S.S.
  by Jamie Johnson
  Flawed Universal Spiritual Sentiment - the idea that the three major world religions (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam) aim for the same thing. Let's look at Islam and Christianity.
  (25 January 2010).
• Maxims
  by Jamie Johnson
  Maxims to live by in the Johnson Household and beyond (12 January 2010).
• Save the National Day of Prayer
  "Join us in defending this great American tradition and humble gesture to pray for her leaders as they work to govern our land."
  ~ from http://savethendop.org/
• Beyond the First Decade: 2009
  2009 Highlights of this Web Site.
• The Enemy That Will Defeat Us
  by Peter Heck
  Are we "falling victim to this culture's viral stupidity " -- politcal correctness. Will this enemy within be our undoing? (6 December 2009).
• The Manhattan Declaration
  A call of Christian conscience.
• For Sale!
  by Jamie Johnson
  Amassing idols and selling your soul. What is society selling and is it worth the cost? (20 November 2009).
• Not Evil, Just Wrong
  by http://www.noteviljustwrong.com/
  The true cost of global warming hysteria.
• Texting and Driving
  A cartoon illustration about texting and driving.
• Dismantling America
  by Thomas Sowell, Syndicated Columnist
  "Nothing is more consistent with Barack Obama's lifelong patterns than his placing in government people who reject American values." (quoted from ONENEWSNOW.COM, 25 October 2009).
• Labels
  by Angie Davis
  "Why do I have this need for others’ approval when the approval belongs to one person: Jesus Christ." (A Spring of Joy, 24 October 2009).
• Saved - faith or works?
  by Jamie Johnson
  Are we saved by faith, by works, or a combination? Do we choose God or does He choose us? (20-21 October 2009).
• Standing on the Promises
  by Louise Johnson
  In a busy, busy world, are we doing enough? Are we seeking man's approval or God's approval? Does quantity equal quality? (Johnson Journals, 10 October 2009).
• The Panel
  by Andrew Klavan
  contributing editor, City Journal
  What death by bureaucratic fiat might look like
  (The Wall Stree Journal, 17 August 2009).
• We Get It!
  by http://www.we-get-it.org/
  Do you get it? Stewardship - Take care of the environment and poor Biblically.
• The Truth About Angels & Demons
  by Westminster Theological Seminary
  A WTS web site responding to Sony Columbia Pictures movie "Angels and Demons" based on Dan Brown's novel.
• Darwinists’ Swine Flu Science
  by Peter Heck
  Casting pearls to swine: Evolutionary naturalists are using a familiar ploy: use bad science and condescend those who disagree.
• Looking for a Job?
  Lots of people are looking for a job during these trying economic times. This link offers various links to career resources. To those looking, Godspeed.
• Discourses
  by Jamie Johnson
  Lots of Bible, lots of logic, and lots of knowledge. So, now how do we engage the culture in meaningful discourse? This site is now fully open!
• Beyond the First Decade: 2008
  2008 Highlights of this Web Site.
• What Do You Expect?
  by Jamie Johnson
  Are you asking that question? Expectations and relationship: What's appropriate and what's not.
• Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West
  "All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke
• The Shack - A Book Review
  by Jamie Johnson
  A book review about the book The Shack by William P. Young.
• A Life Free of Clutter
  by Max Lucado
  An excerpt from Max Lucado's In the Grip of Grace challenging us to live free of clutter.
• She Taught Me to Swing on a Star
  by Jamie Johnson
  Hazel Jane Eckard Fisher, "Ma-Ma", my maternal grandmother passes from this life to the next. September 24, 1911 ~ July 3, 2008.
• Can You Meet ‘The 100 Thing Challenge’?
  by Luanne Austin
  How much stuff do you need? Is it time to "start decluttering" so we can "make space for God" and "welcome others into that space"?
• Hebraic Thought
  by Os Guinness
  A caution about logic and a call to obedience.
• Conflict…But Now…
  by Jamie Johnson
  All of us are experiencing conflict…Really! But what is God teaching you through it?
• Easter Again
  by Jamie Johnson
  A Rallying to the Lord's Battle (Opening Statements presented by the author at the March 2008 CPC Men's Retreat)
• One-Side Clyde
  by Jamie Johnson
  A poem challenging self-absorption
• Tragic Redemption - Book Review
  by Jamie Johnson
  A review of the book Tragic Redemption by Hiram Johnson.
• Beyond the First Decade: 2007
  2007 Highlights of this Web Site.
• Sexual Immorality/Idolatry: An Issue of Identity, Relationship, and Worship
  Sexualy Immorality and Idolatry? The solution: Identity in Christ, Relationship with Others and God, Worship God. (Notes from a talk by John Kuebler)
• Well done, Donnie.
  by Jamie Johnson
  Farewell to my friend Donnie Mongold who has passed on to be with Jesus.
• Integrity In A Sex-Saturated Culture
  Keeping Yourselves From Idols: Living as Men of Integrity In A Sex-Saturated Culture
• Hard Verses
  by Jamie Johnson
  "Hard" verses about homosexuality, women being silent, slavery, and more.
• 1 Thessalonians 9-12
  Inspirations from a sermon of Joe Slater
• Dr. D. James Kennedy (1930-2007)
  A beloved champion of the faith goes to be with the Lord. He spoke the truth passionately to impact the culture.
• Eye For An Eye & Judge Ye Not
  by Jamie Johnson
  Two Misused and Misunderstood Phrases and a Defense of Judgment
• HE: The Holy Spirit is a Person, not energy.
  by Jamie Johnson
  Arguments supporting the Holy Spirit as a Person.
• 234
  by Jamie Johnson
  What is the 2-3-4 Model for Accountability?
• VT Tragedy - April 16, 2007

  Pray for Virginia Tech amid their tragedy.

• Ample Proof?
  by Jamie Johnson
  A claim of "ample proof" for evolution.
• Bones of Contention
  by Jamie Johnson
  Have the tomb & bones of Jesus really been found?
• 3 Dark Men
  An essay by Jamie Johnson
• End of the First Decade: 1996-2006
  1996-2006 Highlights of this Web Site.
• Gay "Marriage"
  by Jamie Johnson
  Gay "Marriage" is NOT a Civil Right
• F.A.,L.S.E.
  by Jamie Johnson
  For Atheists, Logic Seems Extinct
• Wounds - A Talk by Jamie Johnson
  A talk from the 2006 CPC Men's Retreat
• Creationism Resources
  Creationism and Intelligent Design Resources
• The First Decade Online (1996-2006)!
  The first 10 years of the Beacon Deacon website

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