“Stop expecting broken people to make whole decisions.”
- Unknown

Anthony Bourdain was a world traveler, food guru, celebrity, and television star. He successfully launched a food identity and empire and brought the eccentricity of world culture into our homes and lives.
On June 8th, 2018, Anthony Bourdain took his own life.
Kate Spade was an internationally known fashion designer. She had a creative tour de force of fashion, art, and celebrity.
On June 5th, 2018, Kate Spade took her own life.
Neither had a public profession or practice of saving faith in Christ. Yet these tragic deaths can remind believers of what the Word of God says – and doesn’t say – regarding deaths such as these. Romans 8 is very insightful (see Romans 8:28-39). In this passage, we are reminded that God orchestrates everything together for the good of those who love him, that God justifies and glorifies his children, that God allowed his own son to die on our behalf, and that no external force can pull us apart from God’s love. Wow! In addition to these amazing promises of the gospel, there are some key points we should remember.

Suicide is not the unpardonable sin. Nowhere does the bible teach that this act is unforgivable. Christians sometimes experience depression, mental illness, and even physical brain disease that can trigger a suicide, but God filters his grace through such tragedies. Who hasn’t been where Elijah was – depleted, discouraged, hopeless, lonely, and ready to give up (see 1 Kings 19:1-5)? Even Jesus told his disciples that his soul was overwhelmed with sorrow, even to the point of death (see Matthew 26:37-38).

We must focus on God’s grace, not the disgrace of suicide. It’s been said that when you’re right, nobody remembers; and when you’re wrong, nobody forgets. The greatest tragedy would be for anyone to dwell on a person’s one moment of weakness or confusion and neglect to pull into view the rest of that person’s life. God does not judge any of us on our final act – whether good or bad – but rather on the totality of our faith in Christ.

Avoid asking questions whose answers ultimately belong to God. When our faith falters, we cry out like Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, who said to Jesus after Lazarus’ sudden death, “Lord, if…” (see John 11:21). When we are surrounded by death, we may be thinking that same thing: “Lord, if only I had acted differently… if I could have been there… if only I had been more observant…”
If is a word that looks back on a past which cannot be changed. If raises a host of questions that no one but God can answer. Even if we had the answers, our pain wouldn’t be any less nor our sorrow any lighter. If looks backward, but faith looks forward. What we need in the presence of tragedy is faith – to believe in God’s grace and control. A faith that trusts Romans 8:28 to be true, that in all things (even tragic things), God works for the good of those who love him and who have been called according to his purpose.

For every ‘if’ you may have, there is a ‘then’ that follows. Remember the promises held within Romans 8. If only I had acted differently… then God would still love that person just as much. If only I could have been there… then God would still orchestrate every situation and circumstance for good. If only I had been more observant… then God would still justify and glorify his people through the blood of his son. Your ‘ifs’ won’t change God’s ‘thens’ – his promises remain.
The same truth for the Roman church is what we preach and teach for all: the blood of Christ makes it possible to pass over from death to life. This offer of grace… and Christ… and heaven is available for you. We want to point people toward the hope and eternal home promised to us in the gospel.
God stays near when our hearts are broken (see Psalm 34:18). He replaces our anxiety with joy (see Psalm 94:19). Broken hearts are not mended with easy answers, but with truthful ones. Let these biblical truths help you process tragedy in your own life and bring you comfort.

“Christianity is not for wimps. There are no cowards in heaven.”
- Troy Brewer

The Christian life is a bold endeavor. Like the courageous warrior who is called to fight a very daunting and death-threatening battle, this war should not be taken lightly. Warriors are outfitted with armor for both protection and advancement. Christians are living warriors, advancing God’s kingdom. We must put on the full armor of God (see Ephesians 6:13), which gives us a powerful advantage on the battlefield as well as the credibility of being God’s ambassadors.

The armor of God works defensively (see Ephesians 6:14-17), with the metaphorical breastplate (of righteousness) protecting vital organs such as the heart and lungs, the helmet (of salvation) protecting the skull, brain, and facial features, and the shield (of faith) preventing enemy strikes from penetrating through.
It also comes fully equipped with offensive weaponry. The warrior has shoes (of the gospel of peace), the belt (of truth), and a sword (the Word of God). While a sword is obviously an offensive weapon, the belt secures it. Belts included a band going around the waist, where the sword would hang, and a leather strap over one shoulder to help balance the load. Without the belt, the sword was not easily carried. Belts and swords go together.
In addition, shoes are not worn for defensive purposes. They aren’t needed to duck and cover or to hide away, nor is it necessary that warriors find a bit of comfort while walking over uneven soil. Instead, a warrior’s feet are intentionally fitted with the ability to charge the enemy, to provide strategic mobility for offensive domination.

Remove the metaphor and our spiritual reality offers points of defense as well as offense. Righteousness, faith, and salvation protect us from the enemy. We are saved by God’s grace through our faith (see Ephesians 2:8), which is counted to us as righteous (see Hebrews 11). These articles of weaponry are personal and private, things that Satan cannot steal and only God can judge. Defensively, we’re covered.
At the same time, we are given a greater offensive purpose. Where righteousness, faith, and salvation cover each of us individually, truth, gospel, and the Word of God are to be shared. These weapons advance the kingdom of God. They are not to be hidden, but blatantly exposed and spread like wildfire. Just as Paul said, we should make known the mystery of the gospel (see Ephesians 6:19-20) and declare it fearlessly. We may be grounded in the truth (defensive position), but we are also called to share it as a testament (offensive purpose).

Note the location of the armor on the body. Everything is placed toward the front. There’s nothing for our backside – it’s all going forward. The armor of God is designed for an offensive battle. With the breastplate and shield providing cover in front of them, warriors can take strides that will advance their position. Christians should be positioned appropriately, not with our backs exposed to the enemy but with the readiness to defeat them and move on to the next battleground. Jesus said he didn’t come to bring peace but a sword (see Matthew 10:34). This is why the war should not be taken lightly – we’re called to charge ahead.
Mark Balmer said that any time God commands us he also equips us. We are equipped in God’s mighty power (see Ephesians 6:10). Take comfort in this. Independent of him, we are weak. But his strength lightens our burden and propels us forward.
Also, remember this is God’s war we’re fighting, not our own (see 2 Chronicles 20:15). We will be hated because we are children of God. They hate God, so they hate us. It is a battle that has to take place, and those of us who endure the hardships will be saved (see Matthew 24:4-13).

Trained athletes often say they stay ready so they don’t have to get ready. We, too, should stay ready. Feet first, ready to share the gospel with those needing peace. Secure in truth, ready to discern the enemy’s schemes. Swords drawn, ready to testify to what we’ve seen and heard.
Before his death, Jesus commanded us to go – go and make disciples of all nations (see Matthew 18:19 & Mark 16:15). The good news is too good for us to stay quiet. We should be so overwhelmed by the goodness of the gospel that we can’t sit still. So go! You have impenetrable protection and immeasurable power. Keep moving, with forward momentum for the kingdom of God. He has already overcome the world (see John 16:33 & Deuteronomy 20:4) and will give us the victory!

“Your destiny will always include benefiting others outside of yourself.”
- Tony Evans

Real friends are hard to identify in today’s abnormally nonsocial and personal-device-driven world. What does a true friend look like? Writing this article and studying the scriptures for examples of true friendship made me take a hard look at my relationships with others and how I treat them. Many of my relationships seem to lack what is necessary for true friendship to develop. The truth can be rather humbling.

First, recognize that friends and neighbors are not the same thing. Jesus makes a clear distinction between a friend and a neighbor. Neighbors are everywhere and can be anyone, believers and nonbelievers alike. Several commandments can be summed up as “loving your neighbor as yourself” (see Romans 13:9-10) or treating them like you want to be treated. Being a neighbor can be as simple as showing basic human decency, acknowledging someone exists.
Neighbors also help in times of need. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus told of three different people’s responses to a poor man in the streets, beaten and stripped of his clothing. Two people chose to walk right on by, ignoring the man and remaining uninvolved. The third person did the “neighborly” thing and provided clothing and shelter for the man (see Luke 10:25-37). Jesus identified that person as a neighbor. If the other two didn’t act as neighbors, they are no more than strangers.

Strangers ignore each other. Neighbors acknowledge and help each other. Friends spend time together. They are close by and frequently available to hang out. Jesus spent a lot of time with his disciples – talking, eating meals together, sharing commonalities, praying. The gospels are filled with examples of believers getting together. Spending time with each other is how we identify those who have chosen to follow Christ (see 1 John 2:5 & John 15:14).

Friends also know each other intimately. They tell each other secrets. Jesus told his friends everything that was important to him (see John 15:15). In fact, he told them things he wouldn’t tell just anybody, including the very secret to the kingdom of heaven (see Matthew 13:10-11, 36-43). True friends know who you are. For a friend to know me personally, they must ask me questions to learn about who I am. However, my friends are few – a consequence of people not knowing what separates me from others.

True friends give of themselves. They suffer for your benefit. This can go beyond simply helping someone in need, an example of “I have two, take one.” Instead, it’s more like “I’ll give you my one and I’ll keep none.” It’s about losing yourself so that someone else can win, understanding that what is “lost” is less important than what someone else gains (see John 15:12-13). Jesus, being the ultimate friend, laid down his life for the benefit of those who spend time with him, know him intimately, and do what he teaches.

If Jesus is the best example of a true friend, how far will you go? Take a good look at your relationships with others. Do people acknowledge you and help you in times of need? Or do they go deeper, spending time with you and learn who you are? What about your actions? Do you see yourself simply being “neighborly” to those you call friends? Or do you frequently hang out with others and get to know them intimately?
Here’s the big kicker: what about your relationship with Jesus Christ? Do you spend time with him? Know his secrets? Are you willing to suffer for his name’s sake? Remember the story of the Good Samaritan. Those who ignore and remain uninvolved are strangers at best. Is Jesus a stranger… or a friend?

“Faith is believing the word of God and acting upon it.”
- James MacDonald

Believing the bible to be true starts a relationship with Jesus Christ. We believe after hearing the Word of God, and we’re able to hear when someone teaches us the scriptures (see Romans 10:14). However, believing is only the surface level – the initial stage – of Christianity (see John 3:16 & 20:29). Faith is next-level. Faith takes belief and puts it into action.

Belief is a simple acceptance of facts or information provided. For example, many people in America believe that Jesus was a historical figure who claimed to be the Son of God and is written about in the bible. Although believing in God is good, the demons are even accredited with that (see James 2:19). So what separates us from demons? Faith.
Faith is having complete confidence in something. Words like conviction and trust are associated with faith. Someone completely confident that God will do what he says he’ll do isn’t filled with anxiety but instead has a great sense of peace. This sounds similar to belief, but it’s deeper, stronger, requiring more discipline and purpose (see 1 Corinthians 4:2). Also, our beliefs are hidden; they stay in the mind. But faith can be observed. Being faithful means remaining loyal, dependable, and obedient. These are outward expressions of inward beliefs.
Faith requires both belief (in the mind) and behavior (in the body). It is what you do because of what you know, pairing something hidden (or internal) with something exposed (or external). You cannot live by faith without both trust and obedience, both assurance and action.

Once you hear the gospel and accept it as truth, you are saved (see Romans 10:9), which can happen quickly. Consider the thief being crucified next to Jesus. He heard the Word and believed in Christ at the end of his life as he hung on a cross (see Luke 23:32-43 & Acts 2:46-47). The church in Acts expanded rapidly, adding numbers daily. It only takes a moment to believe. But faith occurs throughout your life.
Faith happens when a belief intersects with a corresponding action. If you believe flying is a safe way to travel, your faith is found as you confidently board the plane. If you believe education is important, your faith is found as you earn your degree. If you believe that Jesus Christ is your savior, faith can be found when you tithe your paycheck, help a neighbor in need, study the scriptures, or worship the Lord. Faith is alive when your hidden thoughts and your observable actions correspond and intersect (see James 2:22). But if you believe in something and do not live it out, your faith is dead (see James 2:14-17 & Hebrews 3:18-19). And a dead faith is no way to live.

Faith is fascinating in that it connects past actions with future events. It looks to the future, hoping for things that haven’t happened yet (see Hebrews 11:1). However, one is proven faithful when looking back at their past actions (see Hebrews 11:13 & 11:39). A man is considered faithful when he doesn’t cheat on his wife (behavior in the past). A friend is considered faithful after spending quality time with another (behavior in the past). Hebrews 11 showcases many biblical characters who were proven faithful by their actions because of their convictions for the future.
Noah built an ark (past action) before God brought a flood (future belief). Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice (past action) before Isaac’s offspring continued his lineage (future belief). Joshua marched around Jericho seven times (past action) before the city wall crumbled to the ground (future belief). All these people lived out what was hidden in their hearts. Their faith was alive, and each was considered righteous because of their faith.

We, too, should live by faith (see Galatians 2:20 & Romans 1:17). If there is still breath in your body, be determined to have a living faith, where your actions match what you claim to believe. Pastor Tony Evans said that faith is in your feet. Therefore, walk in faith. Be an example to others, showing them what’s hidden in your heart. Take your relationship beyond belief to a faith that is very much alive.

“Inconsistent professors are the greatest stumbling blocks to the spread of the cause of Christ.”
- Charles Spurgeon

The Body of Christ is one body and yet many parts. Each believer is part of the entire whole. Faith grows and develops at differing speeds in each of us. This is done so that we might strengthen our faith, lift each other up, and build the kingdom of God.
Since God reveals himself through all kinds of circumstances and at various faith stages, living life together can be hard. We all hear the same sermon at church, so we expect to all be on the same page about the scriptures. But as we get together to talk things over, differences in biblical understanding surface. If we handle those surfaced differences poorly, it causes rifts between us, possibly hindering the faith of another. Avoid the stumbling block! Become the stone for believers to stand on, not to trip over.

Romans 14 and 15 give examples of disputable matters that may cause others to stumble and how we should handle them. These matters are neither right or wrong but express a difference of spiritual understanding and personal conviction between believers (see Romans 14:1-9). Perhaps the most obvious disputable matter today is alcohol. Some believers may be confident in having a glass of wine with dinner while others feel convicted to never put a drink to their lips.
Or consider the handling of money. Some will praise God for their high income and abundance of possessions – to both keep and give away; others feel called to a more modest living – taking care of their own household; still others believe that a life unencumbered by material things keeps the focus on Christ. These choices are neither right nor wrong (see 1 Samuel 2:7) and will be different for each member of the Body of Christ, based on their faith.

God’s instruction is first to the one with the more developed faith (see Romans 14:1 & 15:1) and second to the one younger in Christ (see Romans 14:3). The one confident in drinking wine at dinner shouldn’t argue with the one not drinking, maintaining that it is God-approved. Similarly, those choosing to live a life near poverty shouldn’t judge those with an abundance of possessions, claiming that their greed condemns them.
Winning the battle doesn’t matter. Acceptance by others doesn’t matter. Whatever your personal conviction or approval, keep it between you and God (see Romans 14:22). His opinion is all that matters.

Exposing such confidence in your faith (instead of keeping it to yourself) may be used against you, causing you to become a stumbling block to another. This is serious business. This is sin (see Romans 14:23).
Paul describes being a stumbling block as both a sin against that brother or sister and a sin against Christ (see 1 Corinthians 8:9-13). This means it goes beyond petty arguments with people and lends itself toward the spiritual destruction of fellow believers, harming both the stumbling block and the one who stumbles. To put it more bluntly, Jesus said that you’d be better off dead than causing a believer to stumble (see Matthew 18:6-9). He intentionally used severe language here to emphasize the seriousness of such actions.
Jesus goes on to say that if part of the body goes down, the entire body goes down. Causing another to stumble – even just in one area of life, say, drinking alcohol – will inevitably sour your entire reputation as a believer to that individual. The validity you once had is gone. Therefore, if your foot (or drinking in this case) causes you to stumble, cut it off so that the rest of you may be saved. Removing this one sin saves multiple lives.

Rather than voicing our opinions on our differences – being stumbling blocks – we are called to be pleasing to one another, lifting each other up – to be stepping stones (see Romans 15:1-7). God’s people should be clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (see Colossians 3:12-13). Such garments raise us up and bind us together. We should forgive of each other just as God has forgiven us. Remember, God’s opinion is the important one.
Stumbling blocks wound others and themselves. Stumbling blocks sin against Christ. Don’t cause another to stumble. Instead, live in harmony with each other, focusing on common bonds, loving one another in Christ. Be a platform to lift each other up.

“Your belief in the future creates your behavior in the present.”
- Jasen Hansen

The bible contains roughly 500 verses on faith and another 500 verses on prayer. But it holds over 2,000 verses about money and possessions. Second only to salvation, God’s Word discusses money more than any other subject. If sheer quantity is any indication of the importance and value of a subject, then handling money must be a very important topic for Christians to address.

Jesus states that we cannot serve under the direction of both God and money. One pulls us toward a life of self-reliance and greed while the other encourages us to remain dependent and generous. Between God and money, there is only room for one master (see Matthew 6:22-24).
By itself, money is not inherently evil. It is the idolization of financial independence that conflicts with God’s will. God is also not anti-wealth. Oftentimes, he’ll greatly increase our income and possessions so that we can be a blessing to others. Money is not evil, and God is not stingy. It’s what we do with what we’re given that determines the moral outcome.

Jesus has a lot to say about treasure – literal treasure (income, assets, etc.) – and the impact it has on our lives. Bank statements today give us more information than just account balances. They act as windows to the heart. Where we put our treasure dictates what we care most about, thus revealing our transparent hearts (see Matthew 6:19-21). In other words, our money habits determine and expose the most important parts of our life.
You can only serve one master. When money is our master, the focus is financial security, outward appearances, having an abundance, living for today. This is reflected in our spending habits. Big house, fast car, gourmet meals, extravagant trips. These things are not inherently evil, but ultimately they only benefit life here on earth. With God as our master, the focus is honest earnings, supporting our family, helping others, growing God’s kingdom. This also is reflected in our spending habits. Paying taxes, food and shelter, charitable giving, tithe and offerings. These things are not God’s plan for our poor demise. Rather, the benefits of honest earnings and caring for the Body of Christ extend beyond this physical life.

It starts with identifying who it all really belongs to. We are created beings, only here for a moment. The earth and everything in it existed before we were born, and it will continue to exist long after we’re gone. In Psalm 50, God claims to have no need for a sacrificed bull or goat because “every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills” (see Psalm 50:7-13). He goes on to say that the world and everything in it belongs to him. That’s the difference between the created and the Creator – the one that creates it owns it. And the one who owns everything needs nothing. But we… we are needy. We need the owner to carry the contract, taking the necessary risks on our behalf.
It is this dependence that God is looking for, the acknowledgement that we cannot save ourselves, even with a big bank account. Money is a resource – used for living, giving, and fun. But God is the source. Wealth and honor come from the ruler of all things (see 1 Chron 29:12). What we – created beings – utilize every day through income and assets is just a resource. Imagine how much more effective it would be if we called directly upon the source. God explicitly asks us to call on him in the day of trouble (see Psalm 50:14-15) so that he can be our source and our deliverer.

Money can grip us and direct our steps, or God can. The choice is yours. Take a look at your bank statement. Is your treasure going toward temporary thrills? Or are you investing in the development of God’s kingdom? You may need to change your financial habits. Remember: your heart follows the direction of your treasure, so spend it wisely.

Prayer. It can be redundant, confusing, even intimidating. I get it. Especially when today’s culture seems to flatter those who make a production out of what should be kept secret and criticize any who refuse to join the showboat. But prayer doesn’t have to be daunting. In many ways, it’s the simplest of conversations because, if it’s honest, the One who hears it will accept whatever you have to say.
The way I pray has most definitely morphed and evolved over the years. The bible contains certain passages dedicated to best prayer practices – Matthew 6:5-13, for example, where Jesus explicitly teaches his disciples how to pray. But what impacted my prayer life the most were smaller nuggets hidden all throughout the scriptures. These nuggets all seem to reiterate Jesus’ words.

Nehemiah is one of those hidden gems. He was cup bearer for King Artaxerxes. Mid-conversation with the king, Nehemiah immediately sends up a short, silent prayer. No doubt he prayed for the right way to humbly and confidently ask the king for a favor (see Nehemiah 2:1-5). Nehemiah’s prayer must have only taken a moment in length as it was right in the middle of a conversation with somebody else. And yet it was heard by God and accepted as good.

In 1 Samuel, we find Hannah overwhelmed with sadness because she didn’t have children. Through tears, she soundlessly prayed over her situation, pleading with God to give her a son. Hannah’s lips were moving as she prayed, but no sound could be heard. Eli, the priest, saw her lips moving and thought she was drunk since she wasn’t saying anything (see 1 Samuel 1:10-17). To an onlooker, her behavior seemed sketchy. But it in fact was genuine. Hannah’s prayer was mistaken for drunkenness. And yet it was heard by God and accepted as good.

Paul’s letters throughout the new testament – addressed to fellow believers from all over – start with some sort of greeting. Oftentimes, he shares how he thanks God for them in his prayers (see Colossians 1:3-4). He is thankful to hear their faith in Christ is growing and see their love stretching out toward others. Not only is he thankful, but Paul specifically thanks God for other believers maturing in their faith. His prayers were heard by God and accepted as good.

Paul also encouraged other believers to pray all the time, in everything (see 1 Timothy 2:1-4 & Ephesians 6:18). He acknowledges that prayers should be of all kinds including requests, petitions, intercessions, of thanksgiving, for believers, for nonbelievers, for those in authority, asking for peace, godliness, and holiness.
Alistair Begg, senior pastor of Parkside Church, related a healthy prayer life to a nagging cough. By this, he meant that a Christian’s prayer life should never really go away. Like a persistent cough, it should always be there, in your face, a multiple-times-daily need. When believers pray persistently – in all ways at all times – our prayers are heard by God and accepted as good.

Prayer doesn’t have to be a big production. Do it silently – what is done in secret pleases the Lord. Do it anywhere – despite what others think, no situation is beyond the reach of God. Do it often – when you’re thankful, in need, concerning yourself or others. These small prayer nuggets are in the scriptures for instruction and demonstration. Reflect on them. Go deeper in prayer. He’ll hear you.