We live in a world that competes for honor. Social media is essentially a daily referendum on who is most impressive, gets the most attention, and is the most followed. We curate images, craft narratives,

Many wear their Smiley Face mask to church every Sunday. Not because they are joyful. Because they are hiding. Everything looks fine on the surface. Smiling. Polished. Put together. We know how to say the

This charge was originally given to graduating high school seniors at Ashland Avenue Baptist Church, May 3, 2026. Graduation season comes the avalanche of advice—speeches often tell you: Chase your dreams. Follow your passion. Only

There's a word the Apostle Paul uses in Colossians 1:29 that we often take the wrong way. He says, “I toil.” The Greek word behind it conveys the idea of working to the point of

What is congregational singing for? That question exposes more than preference. It reveals what we believe is happening when the church gathers and lifts its voices in song. In many churches, singing functions as a

THE QUESTION NO KING WOULD ASK David is at the height of his power. He has crushed his enemies, united the kingdom, and secured Jerusalem. Every ancient instinct says: now you mop up. You eliminate

Most Christians think self-control means one thing: don’t do it. Don’t eat the doughnut. Don’t say the thing. Don’t click the link. Self-control, in the popular imagination, is a bouncer at the door of your