Tag: christianity

Spiritual Growth

It was hard to believe. Last year, I learned I had congestive heart failure. Thankfully, I have been able to get my ejection fraction number back into the normal range, but still technically considered to be a person with heart failure with improved ejection fraction. Nonetheless, I have decided to train for another half-marathon this fall. I figure I may be the only 61-year-old running with congestive heart failure. I’m not sure I can do it again, but I know I want to try it and see if it’s possible.

              To carry out this goal, I know I’ll need to lose weight before starting my more intense training in August. Knowing how to lose weight is not rocket science. I need to consistently do four things. I need 7-9 hours of sleep per day, don’t ask me how I’m doing in this area. I must eat a well-balanced meal made up of whole foods, high in protein and fiber. Next, I must keep my body moving and, finally, I must be in a caloric deficit.

              My greatest desire is not to run a half-marathon but to be transformed more into the likeness of Jesus. As with a healthy diet, there are steps we must take to grow in Christlikeness, for no one ever drifts toward God. Every day, we must have the intake of Scripture and a posture of prayer. Third, we must gather weekly with the saints, as you will never become a healthy Christian apart from the gathered church. Finally, you must continually put yourself in positions where you do good and bless others.

It’s not hard to know how to be a healthy Christian. Putting it into practice is difficult. Make consistent practice of small, simple daily habits. Read, pray, gather, and bless. You will begin to see yourself transform. Begin today and continue every day. You will begin to see results.

Is the Tomb Empty?

This week, millions of Christians across the world are reflecting on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is Holy Week. On April 5th, Christians will gather in small pockets of churches scattered over the world to celebrate our risen Lord and King, Jesus.

              A man named Jesus, who claimed to be God and the promised Messiah, rode into Jerusalem on a donkey on the first day of Holy Week. By Thursday, he was falsely accused, arrested, and found guilty. He was flogged, beaten, crucified, and died on a Roman cross. He was buried in a borrowed tomb and on the third day rose to life and walked out of the grave. What if this is true?

              Paul said it was of most importance and “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless, you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Was Christ the son of God? Was He the Messiah? Lee Strobel has a particularly good way to remember the proof. Here’s Strobel’s Four E’s.[1]

  • Executed – Jesus died on a Roman Cross. The Romans were exceptionally good at executing people on the cross. Jesus died.
  • Early – The creed found in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 is an early creed of the church. Paul probably wrote the letter around AD 54.
  • Empty Tomb – There is no good alternative story. The tomb was empty.  
  • Eyewitnesses – Paul is again helpful when he writes, there were many people Jesus appeared to after his resurrection and “most of them are still alive…” (1 Corinthians 15:5-7).

Consider these things and join us on Easter Sunday, as we ask, “What if?” What if the tomb is empty? What if Jesus really is the Son of God and the promised Messiah? If it’s true, it changes everything.

[1] I saw this first on Patrick Shreiner’s X post, @pj_schreiner, on March 23, 2026.