We all have to do things we don’t really want to do. So why do we do them? Our answers can help us find ideas for motivating our teens. Like most adults, teens need to know that something is worth their time and effort. Telling them they must get good grades is only motivating to students who have already decided they want to continue education beyond high school.

For instance, I knew I wanted to be a teacher, which would require college and, so, was willing to work hard for good grades. But many teen-agers don’t know what they want to do. If grades can’t be used to urge them on, what can? Read more »

Let’s correct some common but flat-out wrong teaching on suicide. These verses have been incorrectly used to say that suicide is an unforgivable sin:

“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.” (1 Cor 3:16-17) Read more »

Kevin DeYoung gives some excellent answers to the question, “Are Christians Meant to Feel Guilty All the Time?”

In short, he reasons “NO!” But why do we feel guilty so often? Read more »

I’m sometimes asked what Bible reading plan I recommend. Years ago I would give a specific recommendation. Nowadays, I simply reply “The plan that will keep you in the Word systematically day after day.”

I don’t think the particular plan matters, just that you use one. And if you grow weary of one plan, switch to another one! Being in the Word regularly, and covering the whole of Scripture are the two aspects that count. Read more »

Great Bible teaching will leave you excited and tired at the same time. Reality: it takes significant energy to teach well.  I believe far too many teachers are ignoring this truth and should be more intentional to make sure they have energy available when it’s time to teach. Here are some suggestions to increase your energy for teaching God’s Word. Read more »