Sermon reflections, devotional thoughts, and pastoral writing from Christchurch Miami.https://christchurchmiami.org/en-ushttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/07/26/greater-than-our-suffering-colossians-1-24-2-5/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/07/26/greater-than-our-suffering-colossians-1-24-2-5/Does suffering have a purpose? In Colossians 1:24–2:5, Paul rejoices in prison and points to the mystery God kept hidden — Christ in you, the hope of glory.Sun, 26 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMTSufferingHopeIdentity in Christkent-kellerhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/07/14/is-the-bible-one-story/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/07/14/is-the-bible-one-story/The Bible is one story, and covenant is the key that unlocks it. From Adam to Jeremiah 31 to a cup on the cross, every promise points to Jesus.Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMTTheologyjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/07/13/colossians-1-1-14-where-faith-hope-love-come-from/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/07/13/colossians-1-1-14-where-faith-hope-love-come-from/Where do faith, hope, and love come from in Colossians 1:1–14? They're gifts of God's grace, not things you grind out — a pastoral guide to growing in Christ.Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMTForgivenessGenerosityIdentity in Christjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/07/08/true-freedom/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/07/08/true-freedom/...Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMTAmerican HistoryBible StudyCulture & SocietyDiscipleshipjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/07/05/is-america-a-christian-nation-a-pastor-s-answer/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/07/05/is-america-a-christian-nation-a-pastor-s-answer/On America's 250th birthday, is the U.S. a Christian nation? A pastor answers from Acts 17 — and points past the flag to the one true King. Watch + read.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMTApologeticsBible StudyCulture & SocietyWorshipjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/07/02/america-250-the-declaration-of-independence/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/07/02/america-250-the-declaration-of-independence/Fifty-six men signed a document they knew could hang them — and its deepest claim is a claim about God. Dr. Kent Keller on the theology beneath the Declaration of Independence.Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMTCulture & Societykent-kellerhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/07/02/what-happens-when-we-die/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/07/02/what-happens-when-we-die/What does the Bible say happens when we die? On death, heaven, the new earth, and the promise that one day God will wipe away every tear.Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMTChristian LivingEaster & ResurrectionScience & Faithkent-kellerhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/07/01/in-honor-of-independence-day/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/07/01/in-honor-of-independence-day/In honor of Independence Day, Pastor Kent Keller gathers the founders' own words on God, liberty, and the purpose of government — beginning with the Declaration itself.Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMTCulture & SocietyScience & Faithkent-kellerhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/29/why-are-there-different-bibles-can-i-trust-the-bible-part-2/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/29/why-are-there-different-bibles-can-i-trust-the-bible-part-2/Did Nicaea create the Bible? Why do Catholics and Protestants have different Bibles? The canon, the Apocrypha, and why you can trust the Bible you have.Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTBible StudyCulture & SocietyTheologyWorshipjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/22/should-christians-support-israel-what-the-bible-actually-says/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/22/should-christians-support-israel-what-the-bible-actually-says/Should Christians support Israel? A U.S. Army chaplain in the Middle East gives a careful, biblical answer about Israel, the Jewish people, and the Church.Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTBible StudyCulture & SocietyIdentity in ChristTheologyjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/21/what-is-your-giant/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/21/what-is-your-giant/Pastor James Drake on David, Goliath, and what the Bible actually says about being a man — toxic, passive, or surrendered — and how to run toward the giant in front of you.Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/18/catholic-vs-protestant-what-s-the-difference/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/18/catholic-vs-protestant-what-s-the-difference/If Catholics and Protestants both believe in Jesus, why are there different churches — and does it matter? A pastor's fair, clear look at the real dividing line: authority.Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTBible StudyChurch HistoryEaster & ResurrectionPrayerjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/15/brian-wilson-faith-the-music-of-the-spheres/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/15/brian-wilson-faith-the-music-of-the-spheres/Brian Wilson heard music no one else could hear. In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul says every believer is given ears to perceive what the world can't - a reflection on genius and grace.Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTAnxietyChristmasIdentity in ChristScience & Faithjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/14/why-is-the-church-full-of-hypocrites/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/14/why-is-the-church-full-of-hypocrites/The church is full of hypocrites is a fair complaint — but in Jesus's story of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18, the real hypocrite isn't who you'd expect.Sun, 14 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTBible StudyParentingPrayerSufferingjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/11/what-does-in-the-world-but-not-of-it-mean/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/11/what-does-in-the-world-but-not-of-it-mean/Jesus prayed His followers would live in the world without belonging to it. An Army chaplain writes about the quiet, daily pull of loving lesser things more than God, and fixing your heart on what lasts.Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTBible StudyDiscipleshipGenerosityScience & Faithjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/07/what-does-the-bible-say-about-success/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/07/what-does-the-bible-say-about-success/Chasing success but still feeling empty? Here's how the Bible redefines success and purpose from Ephesians 2:8-10 — and how to write a definition of your own that actually lasts.Sun, 07 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTIdentity in ChristBible Studyjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/03/how-the-gospel-changes-the-way-you-handle-difficult-people/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/06/03/how-the-gospel-changes-the-way-you-handle-difficult-people/A U.S. Army chaplain on David, Saul, and the cave — what Scripture teaches about handling difficult people: when to forgive, when to set boundaries, and how the gospel changes both.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTForgivenessBible StudyMissionjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/31/how-to-study-the-bible/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/31/how-to-study-the-bible/A friend once asked how to study the Bible, especially its hardest passages. Pastor Kent Keller shares ten practical principles, from choosing a translation to reading every page through grace.Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTApologeticsChurch HistoryScience & Faithjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/31/loving-muslims-following-jesus-a-pastor-and-army-chaplain-on-islam/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/31/loving-muslims-following-jesus-a-pastor-and-army-chaplain-on-islam/A US Army chaplain and lead pastor on how Christians should think about Islam — love Muslim neighbors, understand what Muhammad taught, share Jesus boldly.Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTMissionParentingjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/24/community-of-the-broken-life-is-short-live-it-well/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/24/community-of-the-broken-life-is-short-live-it-well/At a Switchfoot concert, Pastor Kent Keller found himself seated among strangers with disabilities who moved over, made room, and grabbed hands together when asked. A small picture of church.Sun, 24 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTSufferingBible StudyMarriageScience & Faithjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/24/how-will-you-invest-your-summer/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/24/how-will-you-invest-your-summer/The academic summer slide has a spiritual cousin - families lose their rhythms of faith once school structure disappears. Here are seven simple ways to invest your summer instead of just spending it.Sun, 24 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTDeuteronomyEphesiansJamesJohnjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/21/are-you-covered-the-passover-the-cross-and-the-true-lamb/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/21/are-you-covered-the-passover-the-cross-and-the-true-lamb/An Army chaplain writes from deployment about the night in Egypt when blood on a door, not goodness in a heart, meant life or death, and the seven ways Jesus fulfilled it on the cross.Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTEaster & ResurrectionBible StudySufferingjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/17/how-do-you-pass-faith-to-your-kids-when-life-won-t-slow-down/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/17/how-do-you-pass-faith-to-your-kids-when-life-won-t-slow-down/How do you pass faith to your kids? The Great Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) calls for a daily rhythm, not a perfect home — and a Savior you trust, not a performance you pull off.Sun, 17 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTParentingFamily DiscipleshipThe Great ShemaDeuteronomy 6Faith at HomeRaising Kids in Faithjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/13/are-science-and-christianity-compatible/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/13/are-science-and-christianity-compatible/Science and faith never had the nasty divorce people assume. From Galileo's own words to the code inside your DNA, discover why the men who built modern science saw it as pointing straight to God.Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTScience & FaithApologeticsjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/10/why-doesn-t-god-always-heal-a-chaplain-s-field-devotion/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/10/why-doesn-t-god-always-heal-a-chaplain-s-field-devotion/A U.S. Army chaplain asks the question every hospital room asks: why doesn't God always heal? Scripture gives four honest answers — instant healing, gradual healing, sustaining grace, and eternity.Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTBible StudyParentingPrayerSufferingjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/06/can-i-trust-the-bible-evidence-from-the-manuscripts/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/06/can-i-trust-the-bible-evidence-from-the-manuscripts/An Army chaplain answers a soldier's question from a tent overseas: why trust this book? Here's the manuscript evidence and eyewitness testimony behind the Bible, and the question that matters most.Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTBible StudyScience & Faithjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/03/don-t-all-religions-lead-to-god-why-christianity-is-different/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/05/03/don-t-all-religions-lead-to-god-why-christianity-is-different/Is Jesus really the only way? Explore what Jesus taught about salvation, how Christianity differs from other religions, and what it costs to follow Him.Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTBible StudyMarriageMissionjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/04/29/should-christians-be-christian-nationalists/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/04/29/should-christians-be-christian-nationalists/An Army chaplain and pastor unpacks what the Bible says about loving your country, following Jesus, and the Kingdom that outlasts every nation.Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTBible StudyCulture & SocietyAmerican HistoryDiscipleshipjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/04/26/what-does-the-bible-say-about-anxiety/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/04/26/what-does-the-bible-say-about-anxiety/Even Jesus felt overwhelming anxiety in Gethsemane. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul - writing from prison - shows five practical steps from worry to real peace.Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTAnxietyBible StudyGenerosityIdentity in Christjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/04/19/you-are-salt-and-light-why-the-resurrection-still-matters/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/04/19/you-are-salt-and-light-why-the-resurrection-still-matters/What has Christianity done for the world? The resurrection reshaped everything from your calendar to the Red Cross — and it still changes Monday.Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTEaster & ResurrectionSermon on the MountMissionBible Studyjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/04/12/did-jesus-really-rise-from-the-dead-the-evidence-from-1-corinthians-15/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/04/12/did-jesus-really-rise-from-the-dead-the-evidence-from-1-corinthians-15/Preaching live from deployment in the Middle East, Pastor James Drake walks through four pieces of evidence for the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15 — and what an empty tomb means for you.Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTEaster & ResurrectionAnxietyBible StudyDiscipleshipjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/04/05/did-jesus-really-rise-from-the-dead-road-to-emmaus-explained/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/04/05/did-jesus-really-rise-from-the-dead-road-to-emmaus-explained/Did Jesus really rise from the dead? Discover the Road to Emmaus, biblical prophecy, and the evidence behind Easter and the resurrection of Jesus.Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTApologeticsBible StudyEaster & ResurrectionSufferingjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/04/05/the-shroud-of-turin/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/04/05/the-shroud-of-turin/Is the Shroud of Turin really the burial cloth of Jesus? A young friend's question sent one writer digging into the dating controversy, the blood evidence, and how its image was even formed.Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTEaster & ResurrectionSufferingjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/04/01/it-s-sunday-but-friday-is-coming/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/04/01/it-s-sunday-but-friday-is-coming/No week in history compares to Holy Week. Pastor Kent Keller traces the fulfilled prophecy of Palm Sunday's triumphal entry — the doorway into the cross and the empty tomb that follow it.Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTEaster & Resurrectionjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/04/01/passover-covered-by-the-blood/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/04/01/passover-covered-by-the-blood/Passover was never just about Egypt. The blood on the doorposts pointed forward to Jesus, the true Lamb of God who doesn't just cover sin for a season — He takes it away completely.Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTEaster & Resurrectionjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/29/the-week-that-changed-everything-understanding-palm-sunday/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/29/the-week-that-changed-everything-understanding-palm-sunday/Palm Sunday opens the most consequential week in history: Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey to shouts of "Hosanna!" that would turn to "Crucify Him!" by Friday. Here's what it means for you.Sun, 29 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTEaster & ResurrectionParentingjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/26/details-details/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/26/details-details/Why does God spend fifteen chapters of Exodus on curtain measurements and lamp oil? Pastor Kent Keller connects the tabernacle's precision to Psalm 139 and a God who cares that much about you.Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTEaster & ResurrectionGenerosityScience & FaithTheologyjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/26/moonstruck/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/26/moonstruck/The moon is 400 times smaller than the sun - and 400 times closer, so it covers the sun perfectly during an eclipse. Here is what that precise design reveals about the Creator.Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTDiscipleshipParentingScience & Faithjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/25/summer-solstice/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/25/summer-solstice/The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, and Scripture has plenty to say about light. From Jesus' words in John to the sunless glow of the New Jerusalem, here's why daylight matters.Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTScience & Faithjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/24/earth-in-the-balance-part-2/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/24/earth-in-the-balance-part-2/Pastor Kent looks at hurricane season through Genesis 6 — God's covenant with Noah that the seasons would keep a steady, predictable rhythm. Even storms, it turns out, serve a purpose.Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTScience & Faithjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/24/true-vs-false-christianity-how-to-know-if-your-faith-is-real/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/24/true-vs-false-christianity-how-to-know-if-your-faith-is-real/Is your faith real, or does it just look real? In Matthew 7:21–29 Jesus warns people inside the church: “I never knew you.” Here is the difference between building on rock and building on sand.Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/22/building-your-life-on-the-right-foundation-a-warning-about-false-faith/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/22/building-your-life-on-the-right-foundation-a-warning-about-false-faith/Not everyone who says 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom, Jesus warns in Matthew 7. A sobering look at religious performance without relationship, and building your life on rock instead of sand.Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTApologeticsBible StudyDiscipleshipIdentity in Christjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/15/beware-of-false-prophets-how-to-recognize-truth-from-deception/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/15/beware-of-false-prophets-how-to-recognize-truth-from-deception/How do you recognize a false prophet? In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus gives one test that cuts through every counterfeit voice: you will know them by their fruit.Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTFalse ProphetsDiscernmentSermon on the MountThe Good ShepherdProsperity GospelFollowing Jesusjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/14/earth-in-the-balance/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/14/earth-in-the-balance/Stephen Hawking called it the Anthropic Principle: however you look at it, the universe seems designed for human life. From the tilt of the earth to your DNA, here's the evidence he laid out.Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTScience & FaithApologeticsParentingjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/10/the-real-saint-patrick/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/10/the-real-saint-patrick/Patrick wasn't Irish, and he never chased snakes out of Ireland. He was a British teen kidnapped into slavery who returned as a missionary to his former captors. Here is his real story.Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTChurch HistoryMissionjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/09/the-golden-rule-a-new-way-of-living/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/09/the-golden-rule-a-new-way-of-living/Do to others what you would have them do to you sounds simple until you have to go first. Here's how Jesus's Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12 flips self-centered ethics on its head.Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTSermon on the MountChristian LivingForgivenessScience & Faithjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/01/when-following-jesus-gets-hard-finding-god-s-guidance-through-prayer/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/03/01/when-following-jesus-gets-hard-finding-god-s-guidance-through-prayer/Following Jesus is harder than the good news first let on. In Matthew 7:7-11, Jesus gives three continuous commands, ask, seek, knock, as the way He guides us through the hard days of discipleship.Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTPrayerForgivenessBible StudyIdentity in Christjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/02/28/just-war/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/02/28/just-war/As the U.S. goes to war with Iran, Pastor Kent revisits the Christian doctrine of just war — seven biblical criteria for when war is justified — and prays for a friend deployed overseas.Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTCulture & SocietyAmerican HistoryScience & Faithjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/02/22/don-t-judge-others-what-jesus-really-meant-about-judgment-and-grace/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/02/22/don-t-judge-others-what-jesus-really-meant-about-judgment-and-grace/Jesus' words 'judge not' aren't a ban on moral discernment — they're a warning against playing God. Here's what the Sermon on the Mount teaches about judgment, grace, and the log in your own eye.Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTChristmasSermon on the MountSufferingjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/02/15/what-did-jesus-say-about-anxiety-finding-peace-in-worry/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/02/15/what-did-jesus-say-about-anxiety-finding-peace-in-worry/What did Jesus say about anxiety? In Matthew 6:25-34, He tells us three times not to worry — because worry never works. Here is how faith speaks truth to an anxious heart.Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTAnxietyWorrySermon on the MountFaith and FearTrusting Godjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/02/12/in-honor-of-president-s-day/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/02/12/in-honor-of-president-s-day/In honor of President's Day, a collection of quotes from Washington to Reagan on faith, prayer, and their shared conviction that religion and morality are pillars a free nation cannot do without.Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTAmerican HistoryBible StudyCulture & SocietyDiscipleshipjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/02/09/where-your-treasure-is-understanding-god-s-generosity-and-our-response/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/02/09/where-your-treasure-is-understanding-god-s-generosity-and-our-response/In Matthew 6:19-24, Jesus says where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Here is what he teaches about generosity, anxiety over money, and why you can't serve both God and wealth.Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTGenerosityAnxietyScience & FaithSermon on the Mountjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/02/02/when-you-fast-keeping-it-real-in-your-faith/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/02/02/when-you-fast-keeping-it-real-in-your-faith/Jesus assumes His followers will fast — but in Matthew 6:16-18 He draws a sharp line between fasting for God alone and fasting as a performance. Here's what authentic faith looks like.Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTBible StudyPrayerApologeticsCulture & Societyjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/01/28/black-history-month/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/01/28/black-history-month/You know Frederick Douglass and MLK. But do you know Wentworth Cheswell, the first Black American elected to office, or Lemuel Haynes, the first Black pastor of a white congregation in America?Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTAmerican HistoryChurch Historyjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/01/25/how-to-pray-authentically-lessons-from-the-lord-s-prayer/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/01/25/how-to-pray-authentically-lessons-from-the-lord-s-prayer/Jesus warned against praying for show. In the Sermon on the Mount, He gives us the Lord's Prayer as a model instead — a God who is close, holy, and gracious. Here's how to pray like you mean it.Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTPrayerSermon on the MountParentingScience & Faithjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/01/24/why-do-you-give-living-for-god-s-approval-rather-than-man-s-applause/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/01/24/why-do-you-give-living-for-god-s-approval-rather-than-man-s-applause/Why do you give? In Matthew 6:1-4 Jesus moves past the act to the heart behind it — giving for God's approval, not man's applause. Here is what biblical giving really looks like.Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTGenerosityGivingSermon on the MountIdentity in ChristGraceStewardshipjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/01/15/human-trafficking/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/01/15/human-trafficking/Human trafficking enslaves an estimated 40-50 million people worldwide, and Miami-Dade ranks among the worst counties nationwide. Pastor Kent Keller shares warning signs and how to protect your kids.Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTCulture & SocietyParentingGenerosityMissionjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/01/15/thoughts-on-martin-luther-king-jr-s-letter-from-a-birmingham-jail/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/01/15/thoughts-on-martin-luther-king-jr-s-letter-from-a-birmingham-jail/Every MLK Day, Pastor Kent Keller revisits King's 1963 Letter from a Birmingham Jail — its case for just and unjust laws, and its convicting charge that silence from good people is itself a sin.Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTAmerican HistoryChurch HistoryScience & Faithjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/01/11/learning-to-love-your-enemies-lessons-from-the-second-mile/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/01/11/learning-to-love-your-enemies-lessons-from-the-second-mile/Jesus commands us to love our enemies and go the second mile - a standard only grace can meet. Here is what it looks like to forgive, let go of bitterness, and keep following Christ.Sun, 11 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTChristian LivingSermon on the MountForgivenessSufferingjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/01/07/good-vibrations/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/01/07/good-vibrations/Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys seemed to hear music no one else could. Pastor Kent Keller uses his story, and Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 2, to ask what it means to have the mind of Christ.Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTAnxietyChristmasScience & Faithjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/01/04/going-the-second-mile-living-beyond-what-the-world-expects/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2026/01/04/going-the-second-mile-living-beyond-what-the-world-expects/Jesus said if someone forces you to walk one mile, walk two. In Matthew 5:38-42, going the second mile means choosing grace over grudge, the natural overflow of a heart already changed by grace.Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTSermon on the MountChristian LivingForgivenessAmerican Historyjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/12/28/why-your-word-should-be-your-bond-jesus-teaching-on-truth-and-integrity/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/12/28/why-your-word-should-be-your-bond-jesus-teaching-on-truth-and-integrity/What did Jesus mean by "let your yes be yes and your no be no"? In Matthew 5:33-37 He calls us to be so anchored by grace we don't need to prop ourselves up.Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTIntegrityHonestySermon on the MountGraceTrusting Godjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/12/21/the-quiet-faithfulness-of-joseph-a-christmas-message-of-trust-and-obedience/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/12/21/the-quiet-faithfulness-of-joseph-a-christmas-message-of-trust-and-obedience/Joseph barely says a word in the Christmas story, yet his quiet faithfulness helped change the world. Here is what his trust and obedience teach us about following God when life does not make sense.Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTChristmasJosephFaith and ObedienceTrusting GodQuiet Faithfulnessjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/12/18/winter-solstice/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/12/18/winter-solstice/Pastor Kent admits he hates how short December days are — until he remembers what's coming. Here's how the winter solstice, and John 3:30, both point to the same quiet promise: the light always returns.Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTChristmasjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/12/17/a-christmas-parable/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/12/17/a-christmas-parable/December leaves preachers scrambling for something new to say about Christmas. Here's a parable about a father, his children, and their presents — a mirror for how we actually receive God's gifts.Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTChristmasApologeticsGenerosityParentingjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/12/14/understanding-jesus-teaching-on-lust-and-adultery-a-christmas-message/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/12/14/understanding-jesus-teaching-on-lust-and-adultery-a-christmas-message/In Matthew 5:27-30, Jesus says looking at someone with lust is already adultery in the heart — sin starts before the act. Here's what He says about the cure, and why grace outweighs any sin you carry.Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTChristmasMarriageSermon on the Mountjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/12/07/finding-peace-in-the-midst-of-christmas-chaos-what-jesus-taught-about-anger/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/12/07/finding-peace-in-the-midst-of-christmas-chaos-what-jesus-taught-about-anger/Christmas should feel peaceful, but stress turns to bitterness and bitterness turns to anger. Here is what Jesus taught about anger in Matthew 5 — and how His peace begins where anger ends.Sun, 07 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMTChristmasAngerSermon on the MountForgivenessReconciliationPeacejames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/11/30/understanding-jesus-and-the-law-why-christ-came-to-fulfill-not-abolish/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/11/30/understanding-jesus-and-the-law-why-christ-came-to-fulfill-not-abolish/In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus says he didn't come to abolish God's law but to fulfill it. Here is what that means for biblical authority and the righteousness only Christ can give you.Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMTScience & FaithBible StudyEaster & ResurrectionSermon on the Mountjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/11/23/you-are-salt-and-light-how-to-live-as-kingdom-citizens-in-a-dark-world/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/11/23/you-are-salt-and-light-how-to-live-as-kingdom-citizens-in-a-dark-world/In Matthew 5:13-20, Jesus doesn't tell His followers to become salt and light — He tells them they already are. Here's what that identity demands of your workplace and your week.Sun, 23 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMTChristian LivingSermon on the MountMissionDiscipleshipjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/11/20/george-washington-s-1789-thanksgiving-proclamation/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/11/20/george-washington-s-1789-thanksgiving-proclamation/Before Thanksgiving was a holiday, it was a prayer. Read George Washington's 1789 proclamation, the first under the new Constitution, thanking God for liberty and asking pardon for the nation's sins.Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMTAmerican HistoryGenerosityThanksgivingPrayerjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/11/16/what-did-jesus-really-mean-understanding-the-beatitudes/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/11/16/what-did-jesus-really-mean-understanding-the-beatitudes/What did Jesus mean by "blessed are the poor in spirit"? In Matthew 5, Jesus turns the world upside down — and shows you can't achieve blessing, only receive it.Sun, 16 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMTBeatitudesSermon on the MountPoor in SpiritGraceKingdom of Godjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/11/14/what-do-we-have-to-be-thankful-for/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/11/14/what-do-we-have-to-be-thankful-for/Pastor Kent's Thanksgiving list starts small — waking up healthy, a roof overhead, people who love you — and builds all the way to the greatest reason of all: the gospel itself.Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMTThanksgivingGenerosityWorshipjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/11/11/just-war/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/11/11/just-war/Prompted by the killing of Osama bin Laden, is war ever justified? Here are the classic just war criteria, from Augustine to Aquinas, and how they set a Christian ethic worlds apart from terrorism.Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMTCulture & SocietyTheologyjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/11/09/what-does-it-mean-to-worship-god-in-spirit-and-truth/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/11/09/what-does-it-mean-to-worship-god-in-spirit-and-truth/At Jacob's well, Jesus told a Samaritan woman that true worship has nothing to do with the right mountain or building. Here's what worshiping God "in spirit and truth" means for your life today.Sun, 09 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMTWorshipBible StudyIdentity in ChristScience & Faithjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/11/02/mission-must-be-our-mindset-living-as-ambassadors-for-christ/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/11/02/mission-must-be-our-mindset-living-as-ambassadors-for-christ/Who is the person far from God but close to you? In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul calls every Christian an ambassador on mission. Here is how to live sent.Sun, 02 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMTMissionAmbassadors for ChristReconciliationNew CreationEvangelismjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/10/26/the-good-shepherd-who-pursues-the-lost/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/10/26/the-good-shepherd-who-pursues-the-lost/In Luke 15, the Good Shepherd leaves the 99 to find the one — and carries it home rejoicing. Here is what the lost sheep says about God's heart for you.Sun, 26 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMTThe Good ShepherdLuke 15GraceLost and FoundGod's Heart for the Lostjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/10/19/jesus-is-our-message-why-we-preach-christ-as-lord/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/10/19/jesus-is-our-message-why-we-preach-christ-as-lord/Who is your true Lord? In 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, Paul preaches Christ as Lord — not religion, but relationship. Here is the one message that has stood the test of time.Sun, 19 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMTChrist as LordThe GospelIdentity in ChristGrace vs ReligionNew CovenantSharing Your Faithjames-drakehttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/10/17/top-ten-ways-the-reformation-changed-the-world/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/10/17/top-ten-ways-the-reformation-changed-the-world/Sola Scriptura was the "time bomb" that set off the Protestant Reformation. Here are ten ways it reshaped education, science, government, and the world you live in today.Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMTChurch HistoryTheologyBible StudyIdentity in Christjeff-reedhttps://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/10/13/halloween/https://christchurchmiami.org/blog/2025/10/13/halloween/Halloween carries two histories — a Christian one (All Saints' Eve) and a pagan one (Samhain) — never fully separated. Here's the real origin, and how to mark the night with faith instead of fear.Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMTChurch HistoryGenerosityParentingPrayerjeff-reed