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Cultivate & Motivate
Learnings, teachings, and theology for anyone to reference during difficult times, stressful workdays, and times of study and growth.
Is Hell Real?
Some people think hell isn't a real place, but rather just a scare tactic used to manipulate people into obeying God. In this article, Costi Hinn addresses the uncomfortable doctrine of hell and clears up common misconceptions and blasphemous views of the all too real place of suffering and separation from God.
How Should a Christian Respond to Gossip?
In today’s world, it’s easy to become desensitized to the sinfulness of gossip. In this article, Albert Kilgore outlines the Bible’s clear condemnation of gossip and shares practical ways the Christian can respond.
The Licentiousness of False Teachers
We often focus on the need for false teachers to “repent of their teachings.” They ought to. But equally important is the need for sinful false teachers to repent of their sinful lifestyles. On the blog, Costi Hinn addresses the sad prevalence of licentiousness within the prosperity gospel.
How the Church Should Treat Those Who Identify as “Gay Christian”
The term “Gay Christian” has been circulating a lot recently. One cannot be a gay Christian because the title is a contradiction. To be gay is to actively be in sin, and to be a Christian is to follow Christ. On the blog, Costi Hinn unpacks how the church should engage with and respond to those making such claims, speaking the truth in love.
Theology Terms Explained: “Hamartiology”
Hamartiology is the theological study of sin and it comes from the New Testament Greek word hamartia which means to “miss the mark.” This is where we get the idea that sin is “missing the mark” of God’s standard (Romans 3:23) and the truth that without a solution for our sin we are damned to eternity in hell.
Theology Terms Explained: “Repentance”
Greek word for “repent” is metanoia and it means “a change of mind.” Repentance is not just regret for being caught in sin or having to suffer consequences from your own sin, repentance is a change of mind about your decisions and the sin those decisions led to.
The Romans Road to Salvation
Every Christian should know the gospel and be able to explain the gospel. Sadly, some Christians struggle with knowing what passages or truths to reference when sharing the gospel, or they know a few basic truths like, “Jesus died for your sins,” or “God loves you.” As believers, we ought to “always be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).
You Probably Think Sinful Anger is “Their Problem”, but It’s Yours
Every last person on earth.
That is who deals with sinful anger. Don’t believe me? This article will change that as we take a deeper dive into what the Scriptures have to say about sinful anger and some of the misconceptions that contribute to the church’s misunderstanding of what anger is. When we fail to understand anger in a biblical way, it becomes impossible to see the damage it does in our churches and our hearts.
Why Your Church Should Practice Church Discipline
One of the more-frequently misapplied passages of Scripture is Matthew 18:20, where the Lord Jesus is recorded as saying: “For where two or three have gathered in My name, I am there in their midst.” Whether this verse is thrown around at a men’s prayer breakfast, a church potluck, or a small group conversation in a living room, the subtle suggestion is that Jesus is not going to bother to show up when one of His followers is flying solo.
3 P’s Money Shouldn’t Get You in the Church
Over the past 17 years — in the prosperity gospel, the seeker-driven church movement, and reformed-ish world — I’ve seen my fair share of manipulative tactics by greedy preachers and by wealthy parishioners. It seems that one cannot simply relegate money-manipulation to one theological camp, or only to leaders. Rather, it is common anywhere sin resides and wages war within every human heart.
When Your Enemy Falls
How should a Christian respond when an “enemy” falls? Like any human being, a Christian is not immune to the temptations of gloating, celebrating, or even berating with an “I told you so” or two. Certainly we all will experience a heavenly moment when the wicked who have wronged us face a righteous judge (we will face Him too), but it is also possible that those who’ve wounded us will face consequences here on earth.
Signs of Christian Maturity
Some of the most important questions that arise in a Christian’s mind will (and should) have to do with spiritual maturity. Am I growing? How am I growing? Is “maturity” evident in my life? Have I been consistently (even if slowly) become more like Jesus?
The True and Better Judas Iscariot
It happens every once and a while. A big-name “sinner” claims he or she has been wrong. On hearing such a claim, some scoff: “Ha! Impossible!” Conversely, others start preparing the victory parade and inviting all to come celebrate—the sinner has repented!
3 Ways to Kill Gossip
You don’t tolerate gossip in the church. You slaughter it. If you don’t, it’ll slaughter sheep. There are few more sinister and Satanic assaults on the inside of the church than gossip. Like a parasitic demon, it often creeps in under the guise of victimhood; whispering to its host, “You really need to share your hurts and opinions with someone. It’s the Christian thing to do.”
Domenick Nati, Lauren Daigle, & Homosexuality
Lauren Daigle recently made headlines for an interview with Domenick Nati. Right near the end of his clip with her, he said he wanted to ask about her stance, as a Christian, on homosexuality and whether it’s a sin.
The Holy Spirit & You: Triumph or Tragedy?
There is a member of the Holy Trinity that is most neglected, misunderstood, and misrepresented, yet, He is an integral and equal part of the Godhead. Many of His works go unnoticed, while many foolish and outlandish practices are credited to Him. The feeble attempts to “reveal” Him by well-meaning believers, or preying “prophets”, do nothing to thwart the powerful truth that He is God – the Holy Spirit.
God, Greed, & the Prosperity Gospel
Beamers, Benz’s, and Bentleys. Mansions, maids, and millions. These terms are synonymous with the prosperity gospel. If you’re new to planet earth or haven’t watched television during the past ten years, here’s a simple definition of the “prosperity gospel” to get you up to speed: Jesus Christ minors in saving sinners, but majors in making you healthy, wealthy, and happy!
Five Strategies for Christ-Centered Parenting
How in the world are we going to raise godly kids in a sin-centered culture? For two decades, social media has evolved and exploded from days of primitive “My Space” accounts that had teens glued to the family computer (under some sort of supervision?), to the now ever-present Snapchat videos and pornography, in the palm of their hand.