Find all Pertaining to Life podcasts here: http://rickthomas.net/series/pertaining-to-life/

Find Show Notes, with graphics at this link: http://rickthomas.net/dynamic-small-group-experience/

We have visited several churches that have small groups. In every one there is a form to express interest and you are asked to provide your age group.

Every church I've ever been to wants to group small groups according to age. Am I the only one who is confused by this? What is the effectiveness of this method?

I'm not sure if this is done because it is an easy way to group people or because it is the best way. Maybe I am not seeing this correctly and someone could enlighten me.

Did you know it's possible to know God, but still have a hard heart? Knowing and experiencing God does not insulate you from being a hard-hearted Christian.

How has your week been since Easter? Have your thoughts been stabilized by the victory we have in the resurrected LORD? How has the residual effect of Christ’s coming out of the tomb affected your life this week?

The resurrection was a singular event intended to have ongoing power. It’s like a recyclable gift that you can use over and over again. It never loses it’s power on the Christian’s life. It’s never diminished from what it can do for you, even if you have been a Christian for decades.

You can find the article here: http://rickthomas.net/diagnosing-the-four-steps-to-a-hard-heart/

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You can find the article here: http://rickthomas.net/five-helpful-marks-to-see-if-someone-has-changed/

What is the truest indicator of a person who has authentically changed? How can we really, really know–as much as one can know? Paul gives us our answers.

Phil was caught in sin. He repented of his sin. His wife is unsure if he was truly changed. The reason she is unsure is because Phil does not appear to be different. He is not doing what he was doing before, but that is about it.

You can find the article here: http://rickthomas.net/to-live-the-resurrected-life-you-must-die-to-yourself/

The more effectively you appropriate the death of Christ into your life the more effectively you'll be able to enjoy a resurrection kind of Sunday every day of the year. A resurrection can only come after a death.

One of the interesting things about Easter, which is not intended to take away from the day in any way, is how similar it is to every other day of the Christian experience. No doubt Easter has a slight emotional bump over the other days, but it's like looking at a field full of beautiful flowers noticing one standing a pedal or two higher than the rest.

Christ risen indeed is easier to celebrate than practically apply to our lives. He's out! Now what? What does Gospel transformation mean to you practically? This weekend there is a heightened awareness of the Gospel: the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christians around the world are celebrating what is considered by many to be the centerpiece of His work on earth.

Read article http://rickthomas.net/he-is-risen-indeed-now-what/

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The resurrected Christian is a different kind of person--someone the world has never seen outside our community. The Christian is as different as darkness and light, death and life. For some Christians, the authentic reality of their new birth is hard to practicalize in their day-to-day lives. The cross of Christ settled our eternal sin problem with a holy God, while the resurrection of Christ opened a new and better way for us to live with Him forever.

The cross forgave us and the resurrection gave us an eternal and accessible relationship with the Father. The resurrection of Christ transports forgiven people into a new way of thinking and living.

You can find the article here: http://rickthomas.net/are-you-a-tomb-dweller-or-a-resurrected-christian/

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The resurrection of Christ was a huge problem when it happened. It was hard to fathom or accept. Things have not changed. Do you believe in the resurrection?

You can find the article here: http://rickthomas.net/man-alive-the-problem-with-the-resurrection/

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You can find the article here: http://rickthomas.net/do-better-than-bible-study-spend-time-with-god/

Have you ever thought about the difference between a Bible study versus being with God, while studying His Words? There is a relational difference between the two.

I know when a person asks how much time you spend with God that it can send echos of guilt through the soul. My goal is not to probe you for guilt-motivating purposes, so relax a bit. I just want you to think about the difference that can exist between studying the Bible versus entering into a relationship with God while reflecting upon His Words.

How many reasons can you think of as to why this is a mind-blowing Easter? Tell the Lord. Share those things with your friends. Amaze yourself all over again.

You can find the article here: http://rickthomas.net/ten-reasons-this-is-a-mind-blowing-easter/

Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here rickthomas.net/donations/

You can find the article here: http://rickthomas.net/if-your-friend-is-not-changing-consider-this/

If you know someone who is not changing, do not despair. There is a way to think about them and the dynamics of change. In this article I’m going to break down one of the essential elements to the change process. I’ll begin with a story about an unchanging person.