Articles Tagged 'Religious'

For over 30 years, Heartlight has shared articles to help people live for Jesus in everyday life. While we are no longer publishing new articles, this enduring collection features relevant pieces throughout the year to encourage faith, offer biblical perspective, and speak to real-world joys and struggles.

Beyond the Reach of Corruption and Decay

Phil Ware writes out of a quiet time study of Matthew 6 and the memory of the crass motivation often behind our behaviors, even our most religious behaviors.

Are humans that predictable? Are people really so selfish? Do we nearly always pursue some payoff or reward in every situation?

The Shear

Phil Ware continues his series on becoming JesuShaped disciples.

We are called to live in the strong currents where Jesus' Kingdom meets the world and those trapped by darkness, and we need to know there is both danger and richness as we live in 'The Shear.'

The Way of Jesus #2: Unsettling the Religious Status Quo

James Nored and Phil Ware remind us of the deadly consequences of a religion that forgets the love of God for broken people and the mission Jesus has for us to the lost world and helped define the way of Jesus through the cross to the empty tomb.

We must always remember that God's love for broken people and our call to his mission must matter most.

Viewing People as Jesus Did!

Phil Ware reminds us of the four ways we often view people that are very crass and treats them as less than human, then he compares that to how Jesus views people.

We can view people in ways that demean their value to God instead of viewing people as Jesus does!

X > !

Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in virtual worship through words and music using YouTube videos to honor Jesus as greater than anything or anyone.

Jesus won't let us classify him as just another good teacher: He challenges us to decide if he is Lord, liar, or lunatic!

Beyond Religious Places, Practices, and Rituals

James Nored and Phil Ware remind us of the deadly consequences of a religion that forgets the love of God for broken people and mission Jesus has for us to the lost world.

We must always remember that God's love for broken people and our call to his mission must matter most.

Living Beyond the Formula

Jordan Harrell helps us understand what Jesus meant when what matters is in our hearts!

Jesus > You + X (all your dos) + Y (all your dont's)!

Beyond Religious Places, Practices, and Rituals

James Nored and Phil Ware remind us of the deadly consequences of a religion that forgets the love of God for broken people and mission Jesus has for us to the lost world.

We must always remember that God's love for broken people and our call to his mission must matter most.

Not a Patch, but a Whole New World

Phil Ware continues looking at the gospel of Mark and reminds us that Jesus isn't a patch on religion or a new joy to infuse old and stale religion; he is an altogether all new thing.

Pursue Jesus. Completely pursue him. You will notice that while you are not religious, you are being drawn to a holy character and gracious compassion that religion longs to impart, but cannot!

Viewing People as Jesus Did!

Phil Ware reminds us of the four ways we often view people that are very crass and treats them as less than human, then he compares that to how Jesus views people.

Too often as human beings, we tend to view people in ways that demean their value to God and reveal the diminished value we place upon them.

The Grace of Dropping Stones

Tom Norvell reminds us of a well known truth we so often forget and even more infrequently apply.

Would I be willing to drop my stone first?

Lifestyle: Connecting Others with Jesus

Phil Ware finishes his series on "The Andrew Effect" about connecting people with Jesus by reminding us how Jesus viewed people.

How we view people impacts our lifestyle

His Hands Will Touch You, Too!

Max Lucado writes about the man born blind in John 9 and reminds us that even though no one else notices us as a person, Jesus does.

When you see this man, who do you see?

Rules for Building a Snowman?

Rubel Shelly reminds us of the keys to following Jesus by pulling our leg about a bunch of rules for building a snowman.

So there are actually rules for this?

Meeting God Outside the Box!

Phil Ware continues his series on Out of the Box and Luke 8 and Luke 9 and the limiting expectations we have for encountering and meeting God.

Where can we go and meet God?

Bribery, Cursing, and Lying

Brian McCutchen reminds us that the Cross is a nasty, hurtful, despicable place where Jesus died.

What do you see around Jesus?

Our Failure to See God

Rubel Shelly looks at how easily the religious of Jesus' day dismissed what he did and reminds us that it is still happening today.

How could this happen?

The Hardest Lesson Lost

Phil Ware continues his series on the prodigal son called The Journey Home focusing this week on the older brother and the hardest lesson to lose: that it is better in the Father's house!

Are we the older brothers?

SpiritFire - Two Choices

Phil Ware kicks off a series called SpiritFire on the Holy Spirit and emphasizes we have to either walk by the flesh or by the Spirit.

Which do you choose?

Have We Missed the Point?

Ron Rose talks about the difference between living with faith and being religious and asks if there is a difference between being a Christian and being religious.

Is there a real difference? What would you say?

Strange Neighbors

Phil Ware talks about weird neighbors and who God has sent us to hear so we can lead them to Christ.

Why would God place us in close proximity to these people?

Post 9-11, Prayer, & Politics

Phil Ware reflects on 9-11 and reminds us to pray, while directing us to read and think through our faith.

Are you ready for the bumpy ride?

Getting Close to God

Bill Denton reminds us that the Pharisees' problem wasn't their love for Scripture, but their willingness to condemn others and justify themselves.

Are you righteous enough to get close to God?

The Jesus Vibe: The Shear

We are called to live in the strong currents where Jesus' Kingdom meets the world and those trapped by darkness, but we need to know there is both danger and richness.

Why would anyone want to live in a place with such strong currents?

What Do You Think?

While spiritual leaders have wisdom and knowledge, they are not always right and we should seek to answer many of our own questions ourselves using the Bible as our guide.

Sometimes, don't you think you ought to find the answer for yourself?