Every advance of God’s kingdom in your life and in the world will face resistance. "There be dragons" out there that fight to keep the status quo. How do we slay the dragons in our lives? In God’s mission, how does the Gospel form this spiritual battle?

Everyone wants to be part of a meaningful community. The problem is "faux-community" teases us, lets us down and makes us cynical. How does the Hope of the Gospel form community unlike anything else in the world? What do an ancient viking word, branches, and Home Groups have to do with it?

Sometimes we can get so caught up in ourselves that we can miss the big picture of what God is doing. The prophet Joel called the people of God to repentance. After sending a plague as a wake-up call, they were to “rend” their hearts and not their garments. Why is repentance a life-giving practice? And what do Frank Sinatra and pop spirituality have to do with it?!

When the disciples were unwelcoming to Paul, Barnabas had his back. He bravely and boldly made a way for his new friend to experience Christian community for the first time. What is inclusive difficult? How can we reflect the God who makes a way for us and welcomes us into community?

A snowy day. A pit. And a lion. You’ve been there, haven’t you? You’re afraid to say "things could be worse" because they just might. Is it possible your worst days could be preparing you for future opportunities?

Sure, his name might appear on Bibles in hotels throughout the world but Gideon was anything but an "A-Lister" when it comes to heroes of the faith. But, in spite of his fear, doubt and ineptitude, we see how a loving and gracious God used even this "B-Lister" to accomplish his mighty purposes.

Too often throughout history, the voices/actions of women have been silenced in the world and even the church. Deborah and Jael showed brave leadership during a difficult season for the nation of Israel. How is God calling you to stand up in a world filled with fear? How can we break out of the boxes the world puts us in and be who God intends?

Too often we toil, stress and burn ourselves out. The Good News is: You were not designed to carry the weight of the world alone. Wisdom and help are available in unexpected places - but do we have the vision to recognize it?

Melchizedek is one of the most enigmatic characters in the whole Bible. Was he a random king in Canaan? Jesus Himself? Michael the Arch-Angel? Why was he so important to New Testament writers? Melchizedek represents a paradigm shift in human religion. From rules and religion to relationship and grace.

No one knows how to party better than God. The people of God ought to reflect that! Salvation is a gift from God - how can we cultivate lives of celebration and joy even in the tough times?