How to Serve God With Technology

does God use technology_
1 Corinthians 3:5-7

Does God use technology? As Christians, should we seek to learn how to serve God with technology?

It makes sense to ask such questions because everywhere you look there is new technology coming out. Babies literally grow up with their millennial parents’ smart phones in their hands (and mouths!), learning to swipe, tap, and shake to get what they want from that beautiful, glowing device.And as they drool all over their parents’ newest tech, their baby boomer grandparents are right their hovering over them, recording it all on their own smart phones. 

Read more

Intertwined (2 Free Sample Chapters)

Read two free sample chapters from my newest book, Intertwined: Our Happiness Is Tied to God’s Glory (Two Free Sample Chapters PDF)

Intertwined by Mark Ballenger
Click the book cover to read two free sample chapters.

As children we imagined we would find the perfect spouse, the perfect job, buy the perfect house, go on perfect adventures, and well . . . have the perfect life. Somewhere along the way, however, we quickly realized we will experience many things on this earth, but perfection is certainly not one of them.

Read more

What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness and Reconciliation?

What does the Bible say about forgiveness and reconciliation
2 Corinthians 5:18

What does the Bible say about forgiveness and reconciliation? It’s the right question to ask because of all the places to look, the Bible is absolutely jammed packed with relevant information regarding the connection between forgiveness and reconciliation.

What’s the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? Must you always reconcile to forgive? Do you need both people to choose forgiveness for it to occur? Do you need both people to choose to be reconciled? The Bible answers all of these questions about forgiveness and reconciliation.

Read more

Christianity 101: The Importance of the Church (Part 8)

what is the church 101
Key Text: Romans 12:1-18

So far in this Christianity 101 series, our topics have been mainly centered on an individual’s relationship with God. Not only must individual Christians learn to love God, we must learn to love other people and we must also learn to be loved by other Christians.

While Christianity must always be personal, it must be lived out within a Christianity community, specifically within a local church. So what is the church? Why is the church so important for our personal transformation? And how can we love other Christians and be loved by them in the context of a local church? 

Read more

The Biblical Difference Between Discipline, Punishment, and Consequences

difference between punishment discipline bible
Hebrews 12:11

According to the Bible, God’s grace saves Christians from the punishment we deserve, but it does not always save us from the consequences of our actions and it never saves us from God’s discipline.

When it comes to leading, parenting, responding to offenses, or just having authority over people in all the varies roles that exist on earth, it is crucial to know the biblical differences between punishment, discipline, and consequences.

Read more

Christian Advice for Feeling Judged By Others

feeling judged by others Christian
James 4:11-12

The Bible says a lot about judging others. For example, Christians should not judge people’s motives, they should not judge non-believers, but they should judge other believers’ external actions if that Christian is living in sin. (For more on what the Bible says about judging others, read this article.)

However, what about being on the other side of the judgement? What should Christians do when they feel judged by others?

Read more

5 False Gospels Today

false gospels in the church today

In Galatians 1:6-9, Paul warns us of false gospels. The real gospel is based on Christ alone, faith alone, grace alone, is found in Scripture alone, and is for the glory of God alone.

There is only one true gospel, but there are countless false gospels that have come and gone through the ages. But what about today? What are some common false gospels that are trying to creep into churches?

Below are 5 false gospels seen in the world today.

Read more

8 Marks of a True Christian Leader

marks of Christian leader Ministry is often glamorized from the outside looking in, and with good reason. Ministry is amazing on many fronts.

So it’s a natural temptation as a young person attending seminary, learning about so many wonderful principles, to imagine how your future ministry will thrive. How easy it is when you have a secular job to think “ministry” would be so less frustrating and difficult than your current place of employment. You just wish you could be serving people all day, having people come to you for help, helping them with the love of Christ, and being warmly loved in return for your hard work? Ministry would be amazing!

While I am not here to bash a vision like this or shame anyone with ideas like this, I think it’s also safe to say those who have been in any type of Christian ministry for an extended period of time know things are not so sterile and orderly. There’s so much pain and pleasure mixed together in real ministry.  

Read more