“I’m calling on the God of Moses, the One who opened up the ocean. I need you now to do the same thing for me” were the words being sung by hundreds of fellow worshippers around me. Standing in the third row, I clutched my hands together on my chest because they felt too heavy to lift. The lump in my throat wouldn’t allow me to sing without cracking. Closing my eyes, hot tears ran to the corner of my eyes before rolling down my cheeks. As more tears continued to flow, I moved my hands over my mouth to quiet the impending sobs. As if the bright yellow shirt I’d chosen to wear that day wasn’t b ..read more

There is a scene from Jane Austen’s novel Sense and Sensibility, portrayed in the 1995 classic movie, that perfectly captures the hypocrisy of two females regarding their artful words. As they decorate their hats in the sunny parlor, chatting about possible suiters and marriage futures, young Miss Lucy Steele garners enough courage to confess, “It is a very great secret. I’ve told nobody in the world for fear of discovery.” Mrs. Fanny Dashwood, dressed to the nines, speaks gently to reassure her young friend: “I am the soul of discretion.” “If I dared tell…” Lucy nervously responds. “I can as ..read more

There’s been much written and discussed in the past few months about antisemitism. On the day I sat down to write this, in the news, there was yet another horrific example played out in a criminal act against a young person in a local school in our area. When we consider how long this has been happening, we want to cry out with Psalm 69, “More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause (4)…You who seek God, let your hearts revive. For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners (32b-33).” Much of what I’ve read in articles recent ..read more

The CGN Podcast is Back with a New Name and New Episodes! The CGN Podcast is the official podcast of the Calvary Global Network. Formerly known as Mission & Methods, this season on the CGN Podcast hosts Nick Cady and Brian Brodersen are talking about what’s new at CGN, from Brian Brodersen’s changing role to ministry-related discussions about difficult pastoral transitions, evangelistic strategies, training resources, and more. Episodes are released biweekly on Wednesdays, so subscribe today on your favorite podcast app, or listen on cgnmedia.org. Here are this season’s episodes so far ..read more

Editor’s Note: This is the third article in a series on rest for our souls. Click here to read the first article, “Jesus Offers a Greater Rest,” and here to read the second article, “Five Obstacles to Christ’s Rest.” Also, Bruce Zachary will lead a workshop on Intentional Relational Leadership at the CGN International Conference on June 23-26 in Costa Mesa, California. Life in this world can be very discouraging, but today we find a hope that will be sure, steadfast, and provide encouragement and comfort for your soul! Your greatest need is rest for your soul. The night that I received Jesus ..read more

In any form of storytelling, authors frequently employ modes of comparison between characters. Sometimes characters complement one another, resembling each other’s traits, actions, or other distinguishing features (e.g., Frodo and Bilbo in The Lord of the Rings). Other times characters act as literary foils to one another, each representing opposite characteristics of the other (e.g., Harry and Draco in Harry Potter, or Edward and Jacob in Twilight). Characters who have similar features can be considered analogous or in analogy with one another. Character analogy is one tool the biblical auth ..read more

In the ancient text of Leviticus, within the details of ritual and sacrifice, lies a profound truth about peace. The Peace Offering, outlined in chapter 3, verses 3, 10, and 15, transcends mere tradition, unveiling the very heart of human consciousness. Here, the choice of animal for sacrifice reflects not only the offeror’s devotion but also their socio-economic standing — a tangible expression of their commitment to peace. The peculiar detail of this offering begins with the burning of the liver and the kidney, both organs designed to detoxify the body. Next is the fatty lobe above the kidn ..read more

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on January 6, 2024. Phil and his wife Joy will be featured speakers at the CGN International Conference (June 23-26), sharing together on “Heirs of the Grace of Life” from 1 Peter. Protective or Paralyzing Whether we like it or not, fear is a factor in all our lives. And that’s not always a bad thing. Fear of punishment often keeps a child from making wrong choices. Fear of going to prison may keep adults from committing crimes. But fear can also keep people from realizing the potential God has placed within them. Fear can also paralyze ..read more

In my 18+ years of pastoring, I have officiated a lot of funerals. Each one is unique, with particular opportunities to minister to the remaining friends and family of the deceased—and particular obstacles that make it harder to serve and help and proclaim God’s comforting and confronting truth. For some funerals, it has been a cherished friend and ministry partner. For other funerals, it has been an almost complete stranger who visited the congregation and sat in the back a few times or a relative of someone that attends the church. I have assembled seven lessons I have learned over the year ..read more

Editor’s Note: This is the third article of a three-part series on how to develop disciples who will, in turn, make disciples of others. Click here to read the first article and here to read the second article. Bruce Zachary will provide an overview of this process during the workshop on Intentional Relational Leadership at the CGN International Conference June 23-26 in Costa Mesa, California. In addition, you can read Bruce’s free ebook on “Intentional Relational Leadership” ahead of time by clicking the link here. “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the ..read more