Category Archives: Christian Life

Pain and Suffering

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Don Merritt

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged attitude, Bible, Christian, encouragement, hope, inspiration, Jesus, life, love, perspective, photos | 2 Comments

Generous or Selfish?

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Don Merritt

The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged attitude, Bible, Christian, Devotional, encouragement, hope, inspiration, Jesus, life, love, perspective, photos | 9 Comments

Enough of that stuff!

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Don Merritt

Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged attitude, Bible, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, Jesus, life, love, perspective, photos | 5 Comments

Jesus’ Example

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Don Merritt

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged Applied Theology, attitude, Christian, discipleship, encouragement, hope, Jesus, life, love, perspective, photos | 9 Comments

Opportunity and Suffering

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Don Merritt

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged attitude, Bible, Christian, encouragement, hope, inspiration, Jesus, life, love, perspective, photos | 9 Comments

Life 101

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Don Merritt

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged attitude, Bible, Christian, Devotional, encouragement, hope, inspiration, Jesus, life, love, perspective | 13 Comments

Case Study: An Introduction to “Strategy”

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Don Merritt

Welcome back to our Case Study; grab some coffee and pull up a chair! When we last met, my plan was to get right into the nitty-gritty of strategy, planning and action steps today, but then a funny thing happened … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged attitude, Bible, Christian, church, church growth, discipleship, encouragement, hope, inspiration, Jesus, life, love, perspective | 4 Comments

God’s View of Us

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Don Merritt

When God looks at you, what does He really see? No, wait. Strike that. Let’s try it this way: Does what you do every day affect the way God sees you? Yes, that’s a little better. God’s opinion… yes, God’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged attitude, Bible, Christian, encouragement, hope, inspiration, Jesus, life, love, perspective, photos | 21 Comments

Marriage

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Don Merritt

1 Peter 3:1-7 Peter moves on from his discussion of Christian slaves and their masters in which he called upon slaves to be good and reliable workers who respect their masters for the sake of the Gospel, and now applies … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged attitude, Bible, Christian, encouragement, hope, Jesus, life, love, perspective | 6 Comments

The One Who First Loved Us

Posted on March 1, 2014 by Don Merritt

“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our … Continue reading →