Each Wednesday in April, we’re sharing an article from a special miniseries about how to talk to and answer common questions a new believer might ask you. Each article, written by a contributor to the Alive Bible study, will include helpful tips about how to talk to a new believer in a way that feels welcoming. First up in the series is “Why Should You Be Involved in the Local Church.”

Four years ago, my husband and I watched Easter services from our living room couch. I tried to focus on the sermon. I wasn’t interested in singing songs even though my husband was the only one who could hear, and I felt a little irreverent eating breakfast and drinking coffee at the same time.  

You might have experienced a similar scenario in your own home that day and in the weeks to come. The world had recently shut down amid a global pandemic. No one attended their local church that day—at least in our familiar worship centers and with familiar people. While I was thankful for the opportunity to worship online, I missed being in the same room with my church community. 

Community. It’s a word we often affiliate with neighborhoods, government, or local associations. Yet it’s also a word we use to describe our local churches. As believers, we are part of the worldwide church, but there are important reasons we should be members of local churches. Membership in a local church isn’t joining a club but uniting around a common mission to care for one another and spread the gospel. It’s also biblical. 

The New Testament describes the church as the body of Christ, a good metaphor emphasizing how churches rely on members to exercise their spiritual gifts and work together. Just as we are physically stronger when all of our body’s organs are working in harmony, our local churches are healthy when we work in unity. Another description of the local church in the New Testament is the Greek word koinonia, which describes the fellowship and contributions each person makes to a local body of believers. This type of “community” can be marked in three ways, using a part of our English word to describe why your local church matters. 

First, we are joined together by something we have in common. More than that, we are joined together by Someone we have in common. 1 Corinthians 12:27 says, “Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it.” Local communities of faith gather because we have a common Savior, the God who came in flesh and dwelt among us. When we gather for worship, we sing about a common experience of salvation from sin and an eternal promise of heaven. When I’m singing with other believers on a Sunday morning, I’m joined with others who have a common focus on the One we worship together. 

Second, we share in communion, both in our ordinances, giving and worship. Churches are known for how we gather together to hear God’s Word, give generously together, build each other up, and send out to the world. The earliest churches shared their finances, celebrated the Lord’s Supper, and studied Scripture.  Sound familiar? Our local churches still pull our offerings together for the purpose of missions and ministry, study God’s Word in community, remember Jesus’s sacrifice by taking communion, and we leave each week ready to take the Gospel into our world. I had a pastor years ago who reminded our congregation at the end of each Sunday that we were prepared to be God’s mighty army, ready to face the next week because we had been strengthened by being together that day. 

Third, we are communal. We may not live in a commune, but we should view our local church as a people group who live life together, serve each other, and minister to one another’s needs. Galatians 6:2 reminds us, “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:9-10, “Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.” In other words, local churches pray for one another’s needs, meet physical and spiritual needs, and care for one another during times of joy and sorrow. My local church family has celebrated births, deaths, and health issues. I know I can count on people in my church to pray for me, but I am also ready to be available when I need to pray for them. 

If you would like to learn more about the importance of being part of a local community of faith, I encourage you to study through Lifeway Women’s new study, Alive. Not only is this study helpful for people who are new in their faith, but it will help your church grow in their relationship with Jesus.  

Read the first article in this series: “Words Matter: How to Talk to a New or Not-Yet Believer.”

ABOUT KELLY KING

Kelly is the women’s minister at Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. She previously served as the manager of Magazines/Devotional Publishing and Women’s Ministry Training for Lifeway Christian Resources. She is the author of Ministry to Women: The Essential Guide to Leading Women in the Local Church. Kelly is a contributor to the Lifeway Women’s Bible, as well as the Lifeway Women Advent and Easter studies. In addition, she is the cohost of the MARKED podcast for Lifeway Women. She has a Master of Theology degree from Gateway Seminary as well as a Doctorate in Ministry degree.

The post Alive | Why Should You Get Involved with the Local Church? appeared first on Lifeway Women.

Ever find yourself flipping through the pages of the Bible, marveling at the incredible journeys of these real people? Well, you’re not alone! In this post, we have a curated list of Bible studies that dive deep into the lives of the people we see in God’s Word, unpacking their trials, triumphs, and everything in between. We know there’s something uniquely powerful about learning from the experiences of those who’ve walked before us. So, grab your coffee (or tea, whatever fills your cup), and jump into this list made for you:

Elijah

Join Priscilla Shirer on this 7-session journey through the life and times of the prophet Elijah to discover how the fire on Mount Carmel was forged in the valley of famine. And how the emboldened, fiery faith you desire is being fashioned by God in your life right now.

Buy Now!

Finding God Faithful

Trace the path of Joseph’s life in the book of Genesis to observe how God’s sovereignty reigns, even in our darkest moments. Learn to recognize when God is working during periods of waiting, trust God’s plan when life doesn’t make sense, and rest in the sufficiency of His presence in every circumstance. In this 8-session study with Kelly Minter, you’ll see that His provision is enough, His presence is constant, and His purpose is unstoppable.

Buy Now!

Hosea

Hosea, an old-testament prophet, preached his own life message using his marriage as the sermon illustration. The book will challenge us with judgment so harsh it will singe our hair—an unheeded sermon warning of devastating doom shortly to come. But it will show us the kind of love we dream about. Join Jennifer Rothschild in this 7-session study to learn how the book of Hosea showers us with hope—hints and portents pointing to the coming of the promised Messiah.

Buy Now!

Devoted

In this 6-session Bible study from Lifeway Women, you’ll study more than thirty women in Scripture whose lives have inspired generations of women in their faith and devotion to God. Their stories are a reminder that you, too, are made in the image of God, and you have an important part to play in God’s story.

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The Faithful

Borrowing from best-selling studies by Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, Lisa Harper, Kelly Minter, and Jennifer Rothschild, this 5-session study explores crucial moments in the lives of five Old Testament figures—Esther, Gideon, Malachi, Nehemiah, and Hosea. Through their stories, discover how God uses the lives of ordinary people for His glory and the good of His people. Strengthen your faith as you walk alongside these larger-than-life figures who all chose to obey God no matter the circumstances.

Buy Now!

The post Lifeway Women Recommends | Get to Know People in the Bible appeared first on Lifeway Women.

In Lifeway Women’s newest Bible study, Alive, you’ll walk through the basic, fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith. Blair Linne was one of the writers for the study, and one of the topics she wrote about is being a child of God. This week on MARKED, Elizabeth is joined by Laura Magness as cohost, who was one of the editors for the Alive study. They talked with Blair about our identity in Christ, and she shared what that Father/daughter relationship with God means to her, and how we can be known by God. Thanks for listening!

LINKS

Alive Bible Study Book 

Blair’s Instagram (Check out her spoken word!) 

Devoted Bible Study Book 

Grateful Bible Study Book 

Advent Bible Study Book 

The Gospel of John Bible Study Book

MARKED is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.

Hosted by Elizabeth Hyndman and Laura Magness.

RECOMMENDED: Go behind the scenes of what it’s like to work on Lifeway Women Bible studies with content editor Laura Magness.

The post MARKED | Our Identity in Christ (with Blair Linne) appeared first on Lifeway Women.

The Alive Bible study just released, and we’re celebrating with a GIVEAWAY!

Spend five weeks walking through the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith. Learn what it means to walk out your faith as an individual and as part of the body of Christ—the community known as the church.

  This study for new and growing believers is perfect to:

• Give as a gift for women who are newly baptized;
• Provide as a welcome gift for women visiting your church;
• Use in a one-on-one mentoring relationship with a new believer or someone young in the faith.

We’re giving 10 winners a copy of Alive. Just fill out the form below to enter:

By entering today’s giveaway, you acknowledge Lifeway Christian Resources’ official promotion rules. Today’s giveaway starts at the posting time of this blog and ends on April 11, 2024 at 11:59 a.m. CST. You must be 18 to enter, and you may only enter once. The winners will be selected at random. Only participants who live in the United States or Canada are eligible to win. For questions about the rules and regulations of this giveaway, please contact Erin Franklin via email here or write to her at 200 Powell Place, Suite 100, Brentwood, Tennessee, 37027-7707.

The post Enter the Alive Bible Study Giveaway! appeared first on Lifeway Women.

After the podcast interview concluded, I had a question. I asked this Christian pastor who led a Messianic Jewish church if there was any benefit for Gentile Christians to celebrate the Jewish festivals. He didn’t answer me directly, but asked me what person every Jewish festival pointed toward. Of course, my answer—Jesus.

Celebrating Passover, or any other Jewish festival, certainly isn’t mandated for believers. In the book of Acts, the early followers of Christ wrestled with the question of ceremonial law for Gentile believers. At the Jerusalem council they established that a person did not have to become a Jew in order to become a Christian.

However, celebrating the Jewish festivals isn’t forbidden and can provide a fresh way for individual families, small groups, and church families to experience God’s message of deliverance through Christ in a fresh way.

I’ve put together this guide to help you get started. In it, you’ll learn how to properly prepare your home and your heart to celebrate Passover.

A Busy Christian Woman’s Guide to Passover

To learn more about how Jesus is our ultimate Passover Lamb because He offered Himself to remove our guilt, check out Melissa’s newest Bible study: The Gospel of John: Savoring the Peace of Jesus in a Chaotic World.

ABOUT MELISSA SPOELSTRA

Melissa has a degree in Bible theology and is the author of many Bible studies including The Gospel of John: Savoring the Peace of Jesus in a Chaotic World. Melissa enjoys spending time with her pastor husband, Sean, and their four adult children.  

The post A Busy Christian Woman’s Guide to Celebrating Passover appeared first on Lifeway Women.

Each Wednesday in April, we’re sharing an article from a special miniseries about how to talk to and answer common questions a new believer might ask you. Each article, written by a contributor to the Alive Bible study, will include helpful tips about how to talk to a new believer in a way that feels welcoming. First up in the series is “Words Matter: How to Talk to a New Believer.”

“Is it your testimony that Jesus Christ is your personal Lord and Savior?”  

She didn’t miss a beat and was beaming ear to ear as she said: “Yes!” Moments later, after she was still dripping wet from her baptism, she looked at me and said: “What’s next?” 

Be present without being preachy.

How would you have answered that question? For me, I like to think about “babies and plants” as I think about talking with a new believer. Babies and plants are both very dependent on someone caring for them. They need nourishment, and they need a caregiver. It would be dangerous to babies and plants if they were left alone without someone intentionally intervening to help get what they need to thrive. 

Paul had some new believers that we discover in the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. He met them on what I like to call a short-term mission journey. We don’t know exactly how long he was with them, but we do know from Acts 17 that his time was abruptly cut off when he was run out of town by a riot of unbelievers. Paul wanted to continue to help his new believer friends grow in Christ, so he sent these letters to them. And guess what some of the imagery he used in those letters is? You guessed it: Paul referenced the care of babies and plants. 

In 1 Thessalonians 2:7, Paul compared his care for the Thessalonian believers to that of a nursing mother caring for her own children. He wrote, “But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children” (ESV). There is a special kind of gentleness typically associated with the care of children. The Thessalonians were new believers, infants in their faith, and Paul nurtured them to help them grow. So often with new Christians, we celebrate the beginning of their faith journey, but we unfortunately lose sight of the discipleship process that must happen for them to “grow up” in their faith. 

Paul gave the Thessalonians a picture of what’s next and helped provide the nurturing they needed. Even when he was run out of town, he sent people with letters to be present with them as they grew in their walk with Christ. Paul partnered the gospel to the Thessalonians with his presence. They had no doubt that Paul loved them. As you talk with new believers, make sure you are present and not preachy.   

Providing a picture of discipleship speaks volumes

In 1 Thessalonians 3:2, Paul said: “And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith.” The word strengthen used in the original Greek is sterizo which means “to fix something so that it stands upright and immovable.”¹ The picture associated with this word is that of tying a tender plant (that cannot stand on its own) to a stable pole or stick so it can grow sturdy. Timothy was there to help them develop sturdier roots in their walk with Christ. Then, they could stand on their own when persecution came. Paul gave these new believers a vision for what being discipled looked like.

We have to make sure we are pairing a new believer with someone who can be with her as she grows. New belivers need people that come alongside them and show them how to walk with Jesus. They need people to come alongside them and start reading God’s Word with them. It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Be that picture for them. Show up and let them see how you read the Bible. Start a Bible reading plan or use the Lifeway Alive Bible study to help them begin to get regular reading times in God’s Word. This is how they start getting roots in the soil of God’s Word. 

Get basic and less churchy. 

As you help new believers understand what’s next, make sure you are removing language that only Christians would know. Maybe you’ve heard people use the term, Christianese to describe the language that exists within the church. It’s when people who have been in church for a long time use words that people who don’t go to church are unfamiliar with. Words like sanctify, redeemed, abiding, or established in the Word, are some examples of Christianese. So, instead of using Christianese, try word pictures or illustrations for helping new believers understand “churchy terms.” All throughout Jesus’s earthly ministry as He walked with His disciples, He used basic illustrations like plants or parables to help people understand truths about the kingdom of God, or how God loves people. Just take a look at just a few of the parables Jesus used: 

• Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15) 
• Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) 
• Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) 
• Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matt. 18:10-14; Luke 15:3-7) 
• Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matt. 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19) 
• Parable of the Vine and Branches (John 15:1-17) 
• Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matt. 22:1-14; Luke 14:15-24) 

You know who loves a good story? Everyone. Jesus was a master at storytelling. As you help new believers grow in their walk with Christ, don’t hesitate in using Bible storying, or drawing a story out, as you talk. At the end of a story, ask “What did you like about the story? Was there anything you did not like about the story? What did the story tell you about God? What did the story tell you about humans?” As you have conversations about Scripture, it helps to remove the Christianese that tends to become a barrier for deeper conversation.  

Talk to Jesus before talking to them. 

One of the most important conversations you should have is actually about the new believer and not to the new believer.  Each time you are going to meet with someone you are discipling, make sure you’ve talked to Jesus about her before you talk to her about Jesus. I have found that prayer has got to be the foundation for anything I do with people I’m trying to point to Jesus. It never ceases to amaze me how when I am faithful to pray before I meet with people, that God gives me courage, wisdom, Scripture references, direction, compassion, and more when I go to Him first.  

Plants and babies are the word images I leave to you. Tend the women who ask the “what’s next” questions well with prayer, presence, and parables from God’s Word.  

Work Cited

1. Günther Harder, “Στηρίζω, Ἐπιστηρίζω, Στηριγμός, Ἀστήρικτος,” ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 653.

ABOUT AMY-JO GIRARDIER

Amy-Jo Girardier loves how God uniquely makes people and generations for His glory.  She is the women’s minister and has served as girls minister for nineteen years at Brentwood Baptist in Brentwood, Tennessee. She is an author of three Lifeway Bible studies and loves writing resources for teen girls and women.

Amy-Jo loves getting to serve with her husband Darrel on staff and being with their two boys: Scout and Skylar. You can find her on Instagram: @amyjogirardier. 

The post Alive | Words Matter: How to Talk to a New Believer appeared first on Lifeway Women.

Today we’re sharing an excerpt from Lifeway Women’s new Bible study, Alive. Learn more about this impactful new Bible study here!

The Bible often uses the child-parent relationship to describe the relationship believers have with God. Think about the relationship (or lack thereof) you have with your earthly parents. For better or worse, the people who raised us influenced us. We mimic mannerisms and behaviors, share habits and quirks, and are heavily influenced by genetics, heritage, and customs. Through imitation, we show whose children we are.  

Our relationship with our heavenly Father is one of influence and imitation, too. Today we’ll consider what it means to be a child of God and how we’re forever transformed by our relationship with Him.  

Early on in his Gospel, John—the beloved disciple (follower) of Jesus (John 13:23)—describes how we can be certain that we are children of God. But before we get there, we must clear away any false ideas that we have. John is quick to point out that being a child of God is not based on heritage or ancestry; it’s not based on desire or interest (“the will of flesh”); and it’s not based on personal determination (“the will of man”). John’s point is clear: A relationship with God is not the result of anything a person does on her own apart from God. 

John highlights two verbs in verse 12 that help us understand God’s work in our lives—“receive” and “believe.” 

First, John says the child of God is the person who has “received him.” Based on John 1:1-14, we know the “him” here is Jesus, the Word who became flesh (John 1:14). Receive means “to take possession of,” or “welcome.”¹ Rather than respond like Jesus’s own people who rejected Him (John 1:10-11), the child of God is the one who receives Him, the one who embraces who He is and what He wants to do in one’s life.  

In just the first chapter of John alone, the disciple opens our eyes to who Jesus is. Before we can receive Jesus, we have to know who He is. Unveiling this is the goal of the Gospels. John emphasizes Jesus as the divine Prophet, Priest, and King who gives His own blood to save sinners and make them children of the Father. 

Receiving Jesus means we need a spiritual awakening from above, which we receive through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us. God’s Spirit opens our eyes to see Jesus for who He is, just like He opened John the Baptist’s eyes to recognize Jesus from among everyone else (John 1:32-34). Once we see that Jesus is the sufficient Lamb of God (1:19), we receive Him by faith. 

Second, John says we are to “believe in his name” (John 1:12). 

One’s “name” refers to his authority, character, or rank. Because He is the divine Word, the Son of God, Jesus’s name is filled with power and authority (see John 5:43). So, to believe in the name of Jesus means to accept He is who He says He is—God’s own Son, who lived, died, and rose again to save us from our sins. 

Everything changes relationally between us and God when we personally receive Christ and believe in Him.  

1. Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, s.v. “receive,” accessed October 12, 2023, https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/unabridged/receive. 

Want to learn more about the Alive Bible study? Watch the short video below or view a free sample and teaching video clips at lifeway.com/alive.

And here are some fun wallpapers for your desktop! Click the text below to download.

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This day of study was written by Blair Linne.  Blair is a Bible teacher, author, actress, and Christian spoken word artist. Blair has toured globally and is known as one of the originators of the Christian Spoken Word genre. Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ through speaking and spoken word is her passion. She lives in Portland with her husband Shai Linne and their three children. 

The post New “Alive” Bible Study | Read an Excerpt appeared first on Lifeway Women.

The hospital, for many, is a place of help and healing. However, for others quite the opposite is true. Within the medical community, there is something known as Nosocomial Infections. This occurs when a patient becomes ill, sometimes fatally, from instruments of healing such as catheters, ventilators, and surgical lines. What makes them difficult to treat is that they are multi-drug resistant, require quarantine, and can easily spread into the community. It is shocking because it is unexpected and prompts the question, Is the hospital a safe place for me to go?

Similarly, the church, for many, is a sanctuary—a place of solace, community, and spiritual growth. However, for others, it can be a source of profound pain and disillusionment. Church hurt, often resulting from experiences of betrayal, judgment, or hypocrisy within religious communities, can leave deep scars on the soul. It is shocking because it is unexpected and prompts the question, Is the church a safe place for me to go?

The serpent inflicted trauma on the couple in Genesis 3, and it has been his agenda ever since. Evil’s intent is to use trauma in every form, at every level, and in every location, including the church. It (he) wants to bend the beautiful and wound the children of God.

Church hurt can take various forms, ranging from emotional, physical, and spiritual abuse to manipulation and exclusion. It may stem from conflicts with church leadership, disagreements over doctrine, or mistreatment by fellow believers and church leaders. Whatever the cause, the impact of church hurt can be devastating, shaking your faith to its core and leaving lasting emotional wounds. If this is your story, I am so sorry for your pain. Yet, amidst the pain, there is hope for healing and restoration.

Six ways to navigate church hurt and find healing for your soul:

1. Acknowledge and name its reality and the depth of its impact. It’s essential to recognize and validate the pain you’ve experienced, allowing yourself to grieve the loss of trust, community, and spiritual safety that may have been shattered. There is power in naming your pain. Suppressing or denying the hurt only prolongs the healing process.
2. Be intentional, preemptive, alert, and attuned to what evil is intent on doing in this world, including the church. Let 1 Peter 5:8-11 be a part of your spiritual formation—being aware of the strategies of the enemy, standing firm in your faith, and resisting him.
3. Be aware of your hidden expectations versus realistic expectations. Many of us have unspoken expectations that the church should fulfill our expectations and that our pastors should be perfect, available, and attuned to all of our needs. This just isn’t realistic. Pastors and church leaders, like us, are flawed human beings who fail and make mistakes. However, like us, they should be accountable, approachable, and teachable.
4. Seek support. No one should navigate the journey of healing alone. Processing your story with someone trusted can provide invaluable comfort and guidance. Depending on the depth of your trauma, Christian counselors, coaches, or spiritual directors are an invaluable and necessary resource. There is healing in the safe holding of our stories by another.
5. Become an expert on forgiveness and repair. I say this one tenderly and carefully because so often in our Christian circles, we rush past the offense and our pain to this one. That said, forgiveness is a powerful tool in the healing process, but it’s essential to recognize that forgiveness does not mean condoning or excusing the actions that caused you harm. Instead, forgiveness is about releasing yourself from the burden of resentment and anger.
6. Set appropriate boundaries. In the process of healing from church hurt, it’s crucial to establish healthy boundaries to protect yourself from further harm. This may involve distancing yourself from unsafe, unhealthy individuals or environments, setting limits on the expectations others place on you, and prioritizing self-care.

Overcoming Church Hurt

Church hurt can often lead to a crisis of faith, and rebuilding trust will take time. Be curious and kind with yourself and pay attention to what you need—body, soul, and spirit. Give yourself grace and space to heal. Healing is a journey of courage, resilience, and faith; remain open as the enemy’s plan is to isolate you, steal from you, and destroy what is beautiful and faith-filled in you. With all her flaws, the church is the bride of Christ, and He will never give up on her! Remember, you may have been hurt by human beings with the capacity for evil, but not by a God who loves you unconditionally. The heart of God is always postured toward redemption, restoration, repair, and renewal. I am praying those things over your heart right now.

Note: Two great resources for help are Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church by Diane Langberg and When Narcissism Come to Church: Healing Your Community from Emotional and Spiritual Abuse by Chuck DeGroat.

ABOUT KAYE HURTA

Kaye Hurta has a Masters Degree in counseling from Liberty University and is a crisis counselor for women’s events through Lifeway Christian Resources. Whether speaking, singing or listening, Kaye’s passion is to help others find intimacy with Christ and soul transformation through the living pages of His Word. “I was a wounded, lonely Midwest farm girl until the Divine Romancer swept me off my feet. I want to steward my story well so that others can find Him in their stories and be fully satisfied.” Kaye met and married her husband Chris in Austin, Texas, in 1987. They have two daughters through the miracle of adoption, Madison and Cami. They live on Florida’s West Coast and are both on staff at Bayside Community Church. Kaye is also a contributing author for the Lifeway resource, Women Reaching Women in Crisis.

The post Dealing with Church Hurt appeared first on Lifeway Women.

Embarking on a journey through the Gospels is an enriching experience that offers profound insights into the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Whether you’re studying on your own or with your small group, diving into these foundational texts can deepen your spiritual understanding and inspire personal growth.

We have a selection of Bible studies created to help you uncover the timeless wisdom within the gospels and we’re GIVING AWAY a study of your choice. Just fill out the form below to enter:

By entering today’s giveaway, you acknowledge Lifeway Christian Resources’ official promotion rules. Today’s giveaway starts at the posting time of this blog and ends on March 28, 2024, at 11:59 a.m. CST. You must be 18 to enter, and you may only enter once. The winners will be selected at random. Only participants who live in the United States or Canada are eligible to win. For questions about the rules and regulations of this giveaway, please contact Erin Franklin via email here or write to her at 200 Powell Place, Suite 100, Brentwood, Tennessee, 37027-7707.

The post Win a Study on the Gospels! appeared first on Lifeway Women.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.

Romans 12:15 

Our God is a God of celebration. We see celebrations throughout Scripture—babies born, Red Sea crossings, found sheep, returning sons, and so forth. Paul tells us in Romans 12, in a section labeled “Christian Ethics” in the CSB, to rejoice with one another.  

As women, we are often celebrating one another in big life moments. We squeal excitedly when we get the “he asked me to marry him!” calls and diligently attend (and often plan) showers and parties to celebrate marriage. We spend money on trips and dresses, gifts and makeovers.  

When the pregnancy test comes back positive, we rejoice, throwing more parties and showers, buying more gifts. We bring meals to new moms and families adjusting to an additional mouth to feed.  

For women, especially those in their twenties to forties, those celebrations are standard. We rejoice over relationships and babies most often in our friends’ lives. While it’s not always easy to rejoice with those who rejoice over those things (especially if we want them too), it is something we’ve become good at doing. There’s a script to follow.  

Additional Celebrations 

However, I’d like to suggest that we add to the script. If we want to follow in God’s footsteps and celebrate with our sisters (and brothers) in Christ, we need to celebrate more than babies and marriage. 

Things to Celebrate in Your Friends’ Lives

• God’s work. Have you seen your friend really grow in a spiritual discipline? Or perhaps you’ve seen God answer a prayer in her life recently? Or maybe her friendship is an answer to your prayers! Celebrate what He’s done.  
• Accomplishing a goal. This could be a long time coming, like finishing a year-long reading plan, or something like finally trying out that workout class.  
• Moving to a new place. Buying a house or renting a new place is exciting, expensive, tiring, and worth celebrating.  
• Victories at work. Getting a promotion is worth a party, but so is nailing that presentation or completing a big project or working up the nerve to have that conversation with your boss.  
• Anniversaries. Yes, marriage anniversaries ought to be celebrated by your whole community. Consider celebrating other anniversaries, too—work anniversaries, anniversaries of friendship, anniversaries of living in a city, and so forth. Make some up if you need to!  
• Anything. It doesn’t have to fall into any category to call for celebration. Maybe you had a tough but needed conversation, or had a great day, or met a celebrity you always wanted to meet, signed a book deal, or cracked the code on a chocolate chip cookie recipe. Whatever it is, celebrate it!  

The It’s-Not-Bragging Rule 

In order for you to be able to celebrate all of those things with your friends, you have to know about them. My friends and I instituted a rule I like to call the “it’s not bragging rule.” Very catchy.  

When we have anything we want to celebrate, we text the group. And it’s not considered bragging. We’ve actually had to call someone out on this when she tried to pass off a goal accomplished as a self-deprecating joke. That’s not allowed!  

Instead of considering it to be bragging, we consider it an invitation to rejoice with those who rejoice. We’re inviting them to share in the celebration. The group has celebrated book deals and work presentations and “40 Under 40” lists, alongside weddings and babies.  

How to Celebrate 

We have a script for celebrating marriages and babies, but now that we’ve made additions to the script in terms of what to celebrate, we’ll need to make some additions on how to celebrate. For those of us who aren’t married or don’t have children, there isn’t a standard celebration. Even birthdays can be a little weird—who plans it? Who pays for it? Who’s invited? So, for all your friends, but especially those who haven’t been thrown a shower, here are some ideas.

Creative ideas for Celebrating Single Friends

• Texts, gifs, emails, cards. We’re going to start with something simple, OK? Sending a text that says “congratulations!” or “way to go!” is super easy and still meaningful. Add in a gif for a smile. Better yet, write a short note on a card and send snail mail. I also have emails saved in my inbox from years ago where a friend sent an encouraging note.  
• Send a treat or a meal. With all the options to send digital gift cards and order food delivery online, this is an easy celebration. It doesn’t have to be a whole meal, but it’s a fun way to celebrate someone’s milestone.  
• Go out to dinner. Celebrate in person! I always recommend chips and salsa for such celebrations, but let the celebrant decide. Get dressed up fancy or select to wear PJs and order takeout.  
• Give a gift. You could choose a piece of jewelry to mark the occasion, send a book that made you think of the accomplishment, give a gift card to a home store, or head to your friend’s wish list to purchase something from it.  
• Throw a party. Get a guest list from your friend and take care of all the details for her. Surprise parties are also great, depending on the friend. (For the record, friends, I do not want a surprise party.) 
• Plan a shower. If your friend has done such a great job celebrating you—rejoicing with every step of your relationship and showering you with baby gifts—consider throwing her a shower. Buy her that standing mixer she won’t buy herself, the full set of silverware, or some high thread count sheets. Celebrate her friendship.  

I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that God calls us to celebrate with one another. Let’s rejoice with those who rejoice—over babies and weddings, yes, AND over growth and accomplishments and friendship and fun.  

ABOUT ELIZABETH HYNDMAN

Elizabeth reads, writes, and argues about the nuances of punctuation. Officially, she’s an Editorial Project Leader at Lifeway. She managed to find a job where she uses both her English undergraduate and her seminary graduate degrees every day. Elizabeth grew up in Nashville, sips chai lattes every chance she can get, and believes everyone should have a “funny picture” pose at the ready. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram.

The post Don’t Wait to Celebrate: Celebrating Milestones with Single Friends appeared first on Lifeway Women.

Easter is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to dive into the colorful world of children’s books to celebrate this joyous occasion. With this holiday being filled with so many messages, it’s essential for kids to understand the true significance of Easter—the resurrection of Jesus Christ! Introducing them to books that explore the true meaning behind this holiday not only educates but also instills a sense of reverence and celebration. So, whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply someone eager to share the beauty of Easter, join us as we explore a collection of Easter books made just for kids:

Easter Changes Everything

For Jesus’s friends, the resurrection wasn’t the end of their stories––it was the beginning! Jesus went to heaven, and they were left to share the good news that Jesus’s death paid the price for our sins! Each week, families will read one vibrant, illustrated Bible story about how Easter changed everything for Jesus’s followers. After six weeks of story and discussion, families will be challenged to keep reading the Bible together and ask the most important question: If Easter changes everything, how does it change me?

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Happy Easter, Little Lamb

Easter is here!

It’s Little Lamb’s first Easter, and she wonders what makes the day so special. Is it the baby bunnies? The tulips? The fluffy new chicks? Join Little Lamb as she discovers that Easter is special because Jesus is alive!

With plenty of baby animal sweetness, a glittery cover, and a bumblebee to find on each spread, this board book is a delightful way to celebrate Easter with your favorite toddler.

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10 Days of the Easter Story

The happiness on Palm Sunday, the surprise at the Last Supper, the sadness at the cross, the joy at the tomb—the week of Jesus’s death and resurrection was filled with emotion. In 10 Days of the Easter Story, your family will journey through the key moments of Holy Week by encountering the emotions people felt during the week that changed the world.

Each day offers a retelling of the biblical story, a prayer, family-time questions, and an exploration of that day’s emotion. With ideas for activities and pages to record family responses, this book will become a keepsake to be used year after year. Gather your family to celebrate the full emotions and glory of Easter!

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The Quiet/Crazy Easter Day

You might think of the first Easter as a quiet, peaceful morning. But with all creation celebrating the risen Lord of Lords, it may not have been so quiet! The Quiet Crazy Easter Day imagines the crazy celebration that might have occurred when Jesus arose . . . a festive day filled with chirps and croaks, shouts and coos and loop-de-doos. Join the rejoicing as we follow along with the Easter story and learn how we too can shout and sing and spread the news that Jesus is alive.

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Great and Small Easter

Celebrate Easter with great and small friends! Join these adorable animal pairs in a board book that’s meant for little hands to hold and explore. Each spread features a large animal and his little friend—hiding under a flap—enjoying all the wonders of Easter time together. Also discover different animal sounds under each flap to make the reading even more fun!

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The post Children’s Books About Easter appeared first on Lifeway Women.

On this International Women’s Day, above all we want to focus on the intrinsic value of women and the invitation to kingdom work that God extends to those who follow Him. From the very beginning, women were created with care and intentionality in the image—the likeness—of the Creator of the whole universe (Gen. 1:26-27). 

After God created man, the first time He said something wasn’t good in creation was when man was all alone (Gen. 2:18). Despite all the livestock, birds, and wild animals He created, God knew “for the man no helper was found corresponding to him” (Gen. 2:20). So, He created woman. One of the beautiful aspects of this story is the word used in Scripture to describe woman. She is a “helper” to the man, and the Hebrew word for “helper” is ezer.¹ In other places in Scripture, that same word is used to describe God as the helper of His people (Verses like Ex. 18:4; Deut. 33:7; Ps. 33:20; Ps. 121:1-2 are a few examples.). It’s a word that describes strength and support.  

There are many examples in Scripture of God inviting and equipping women to participate in His plans and purposes. Miriam, Hannah, Rahab, Esther, Deborah, Ruth, Abigail, and others played a part in God’s gospel story of the redemption of His people throughout the Old Testament. In the New Testament, we see that pattern continuing in the way Jesus treated women. 

The reality is that throughout history, there have been times when the value of women in society was nearly nonexistent. During the very years Jesus spent walking the earth that was true. Women were viewed as inferior and secondary in society.  

And yet, Jesus valued women when the culture didn’t. He saw them, invited them, and included them in His daily life and ministry.  

A woman was entrusted to carry the Son of God in her womb for nine months and to nurture and raise Him as He grew. Mary was called “favored woman” by the angel when he told her of God’s plan for His Son’s birth (Luke 1:26-38). Her willing surrender to God’s unconventional but beautiful plan was a picture of humility and trust in her Lord.  

When a woman at the well was an outcast and her life was in shambles, Jesus saw her, restored her, and other people in her community believed in Him because of her testimony of the One who saved her (John 4:1-42).  

When a woman was caught in the midst of her sin and shamed publicly for it, Jesus forgave her (John 8:1-11). He recognized the religious leaders were using her to try to trap Him so they would have evidence to accuse Him. When none of them could admit they themselves were without sin, they all walked away. Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, Lord,” she answered. “Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore” (vv. 10-11). He showed compassion, mercy, and invited and instructed her to a brand-new way of life.  

When a woman was at the end of her rope and desperate for healing, Jesus showed her compassion. He healed her of her infirmity, but more importantly, He saved her and told her to “Go in peace” (Luke 8:40-48).  

Jesus included women in His ministry, and several followed Him as He traveled and ministered to people. Some even provided support for His ministry from their possessions (Luke 8:1-3).  

Women stayed with Jesus in His most excruciating, lonely, and horrific moments on the cross (John 19:25). Women stayed near after Jesus’s death and prepared spices for His burial (Luke 23:55-56). And in a glorious moment the following morning, Jesus first appeared to women after His resurrection and gave them the incredible opportunity to be the first to share the good news (Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18).  

In the early church, the Lord continued to use women in His gospel story. Lydia, Priscilla, and Dorcas are just a few of the faithful followers of Jesus who participated in His kingdom work and followed His command to make disciples, care for the hurting and hopeless, and share His grace and peace with the world. 

Even now, two thousand years later, God continues to love, care for, and equip women to share His love and plan for true life change through the gospel. From the creation story to today, His value and treatment has been intentional, consistent, and often counter cultural. As we hear a lot today about International Women’s Day, let’s thank Him for His goodness and grace and His plan and purpose for women in His kingdom. 

1. Ezer, Strong’s H5828, Blue Letter Bible, https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h5828/kjv/wlc/0-1/.

In Devoted: 30 Days with Women of the Bible, a 6-session Bible study from Lifeway Women, you’ll study more than thirty women in Scripture whose lives have inspired generations of women in their faith and devotion to God. Their stories are a reminder that you, too, are made in the image of God, and you have an important part to play in God’s story.

ABOUT TESSA MORRELL

Tessa Morrell is a production editor for Lifeway Women. She is passionate about serving in her church and studying Scripture with others. She also enjoys visiting local coffee shops, browsing in antique stores, and creating jewelry and art.  

The post Celebrating Women in Scripture appeared first on Lifeway Women.