Reflections on the Bible Teaching Conference
On January 31, we hosted more lay leaders, Bible study teachers, small group leaders, and pastors on campus than we’ve ever had at the annual Bible Teaching Conference. In fact, it was the largest conference we’ve hosted on campus since relocating to Southern California a decade ago. It was a blessing for those of us […]
Hope in Suffering
Matt Bodden has bright eyes; he is affable and frank. He is an evangelist at heart, and his demeanor is warm and experienced without being hardened. Bodden has faced genuine adversity; his path to salvation was long and difficult and in 2016, Matt and his wife, Stacy, lost their third child to illness. Yet, for […]
Hope that Sustains
American teenagers are more depressed than ever and are struggling with resulting mental and physical health challenges. A recent secular article summarizing these issues concluded lost hope about the future was a major determining factor in this development. The Bible describes a situation like some are facing today: “We were completely overwhelmed – beyond our […]
Hope for the New Year
The longer you lead, the more susceptible you may be to discouragement, cynicism, and bitterness. Losing in the ministry battle hurts. It’s hard when evil prevails. No matter how hard we preach, teach, and counsel – some people still make horrible choices that destroy relationships, families, and churches. No matter how much we strategize, sinful […]
The Sound of Groaning: A Reflection on Romans 8:18-30
Recently, I was praying and couldn’t come up with words to say. What came out was a guttural sigh, which frankly left me annoyed. I said to myself, “Look at me- how pathetic. I can’t even articulate what I’m trying to pray- all I’m doing is groaning, and God doesn’t want to hear that.” I […]