Monthly Archives: November 2021

What I want, especially in this season of life and ministry, is for my children, your children, and the children growing up inside and outside our churches to walk in the truth, finish the race, and receive the prize that awaits all who are in Christ. Nothing on my wish list can compare to the next generation being rooted and grounded in God’s Word. This is one of the best and most enduring investments of my resources and time.

While we cannot transform our children’s hearts to make them content and thankful in all circumstances, we can more intentionally guide them toward this goal (and be challenged to grow ourselves!) by doing the following...

Truth78 is pleased to offer this special family discipleship gift guide highlighting resources that parents and children can enjoy together. The resources target various age groups and include a range of ease of use—from extremely simple read aloud stories to more formal Bible instruction. From simple parenting tools to deeper discipleship training. 

Family life is a beautiful blessing, and yet it is often exhausting and frustrating. A house full of sinners—even redeemed sinners—poses daily opportunities for all sorts of unrighteous attitudes, words, and actions to be on full display. As a parent of young children, I was sometimes very quick to point out their sin to them. So for example, if they were fighting, I’d say, “Give me a verse!” in order to prod them to remember memorized Scripture that would serve to rebuke and correct them. However, looking back, I didn’t always use these situations to readily remind them of our desperate need—including my own need—for God’s mercy. 

Since the release of More Than a Story: Old Testament last year, thousands of families have eagerly explored the message of the Old Testament together. But the message wasn’t complete yet. All the people, stories, events, words of warning, wisdom, and hope were all pointing forward to the culmination of all God’s glorious promises for His people through the coming of His beloved Son, Jesus the Savior!

Just in time for Christmas, More Than a Story: New Testament has arrived!

Childhood memories leave a lasting impression on our lives. In walking down memory lane, here are some of my own childhood memories regarding the days leading up to Christmas: decorating a Christmas tree and setting up our Nativity set, the sound of Christmas music filling our home, making special cookies and treats, wrapping presents, anticipating Santa, etc. All are wonderful memories and yet, sadly, none were centered or focused on what is most special—the birth of our Lord and Savior! Yes, some of our traditions pointed to Christ, but the true meaning and significance of His birth was often minimized and overshadowed by other things.

Thanksgiving will be soon upon us, and many of you are probably anticipating readying your home for company, preparing a delicious meal, setting a beautiful table, enjoying time with family (or praying toward that end!), or traveling to visit relatives. But have you thought about preparing for actual thanksgiving – as in thanksgiving to God “from whom all blessings flow”? 

When I first began teaching Sunday school 30+ years ago, our classes met year-round and class time was typically an hour and a half in duration. Needless to say, it was quite a challenge to retain teachers year after year, and the summer months proved particularly difficult. Then, our church decided to take the summer off from the regular Sunday routine. It was a wonderful time of rest and refreshment for our volunteers. We came back eager and energized in the fall. Hence, a 40-week Sunday school year served to benefit both teachers and students. 

I am delighted to share with you the digital edition of Truth78’s first annual ministry report, Side by Side. This report stands as a testimony of God’s faithfulness, the ministry's fruitfulness, and the dedication of about 289 financial partners who have invested so generously.

Please take a few minutes to review this report and join us in giving thanks to God for the progress made in this mission to inspire and equip the church and the home for the comprehensive discipleship of the next generation.