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Articles by Hope Bolinger
6 Reasons Why Singlehood Is the Perfect Season to Heal and Mature
I didn’t realize how much I needed to stay single for this season until I hopped on a Christian dating app and started getting to know two different Christian men. During the span of those two months, it was made clear to me just how much time I needed to heal from my chronic depression, anxiety, my parent’s recent divorce and remarriage to other spouses (all within the span of 15 months), as well as trauma I had experienced at my college and during my childhood.
6 Reasons Why Singlehood Is the Perfect Season to Heal and Mature
I didn’t realize how much I needed to stay single for this season until I hopped on a Christian dating app and started getting to know two different Christian men. During the span of those two months, it was made clear to me just how much time I needed to heal from my chronic depression, anxiety, my parent’s recent divorce and remarriage to other spouses (all within the span of 15 months), as well as trauma I had experienced at my college and during my childhood.
What Is Messianic Judaism?
Those in other denominations may have heard the term “Messianic Jew” or “Messianic Judaism” before but may not know what these terms mean. Perhaps they have met a Christian who says they are a Messianic Jew, but they may not know the history of Messianic Judaism. A Messianic Jew is a person of Jewish heritage who believes in Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
What Does the Bible Say about Dinosaurs?
As a Christian studying what God says in the Bible, our curiosity and wonder about dinosaurs being real draw us closer to the magnificence of God's creation. In the book of Genesis, we read of God's remarkable work during the six days of creation, including the formation of diverse and wondrous creatures.
Marriage in Heaven - Will I Still Be Married to My Spouse? Original
Although Scripture can be a bit enigmatic about the nature of heaven, Jesus does make one thing clear in the Gospel of Luke: even if we marry on this earth to an earthly spouse, we will not stay married to them in heaven. One may wonder how this question comes about. Of all the things to wonder about heaven, a spouse doesn’t necessarily top the list of questions one may think to ask. However, it seems reasonable that Christians may wonder about this.
Is God Speaking to You through Dreams and Visions?
Dreams can sometimes fascinate believers. From the visions Daniel experienced in the Old Testament (Daniel 7) to Peter’s dream about clean and unclean animals (Acts 10:9-16) it seems as though dreams lace almost all the books of Scripture. Even in the modern context, it seems as though many believers have come to Christ through seeing Jesus in a dream (see an article about such encounters here). What are some examples of dreams throughout Scripture?
Is God Speaking to You through Dreams and Visions?
Dreams can sometimes fascinate believers. From the visions Daniel experienced in the Old Testament (Daniel 7) to Peter’s dream about clean and unclean animals (Acts 10:9-16) it seems as though dreams lace almost all the books of Scripture. Even in the modern context, it seems as though many believers have come to Christ through seeing Jesus in a dream (see an article about such encounters here). What are some examples of dreams throughout Scripture?
Is God Speaking to You through Dreams and Visions?
Dreams can sometimes fascinate believers. From the visions Daniel experienced in the Old Testament (Daniel 7) to Peter’s dream about clean and unclean animals (Acts 10:9-16) it seems as though dreams lace almost all the books of Scripture. Even in the modern context, it seems as though many believers have come to Christ through seeing Jesus in a dream (see an article about such encounters here). What are some examples of dreams throughout Scripture?
What Is 'Friendsgiving' and Can Christians Celebrate It?
No one really knows where this holiday originated. Some have chalked it up to pop culture, but sometime in the early 2000s, a tradition known as Friendsgiving started. For those unfamiliar with this millennial tradition, I'll establish a definition below. Friendsgiving: A Thanksgiving holiday substitute for those who are unable to celebrate Thanksgiving with family whether due to living too far away, pandemic restrictions, or other obstacles.
What Is 'Friendsgiving' and Can Christians Celebrate It?
Audio By Carbonatix By Hope Bolinger, Crosswalk.com No one really knows where this holiday originated. Some have chalked it up to pop culture, but sometime in the early 2000s, a tradition known as Friendsgiving started. For those unfamiliar with this millennial tradition, I'll establish a definition below. Friendsgiving: A Thanksgiving holiday substitute for those who are unable to celebrate Thanksgiving with family whether due to living too far away, pandemic restrictions, or other obstacles.
Should Christians Watch Scary Horror Movies?
As Halloween approaches, horror movies seem to dominate every corner of entertainment—whether through Netflix recommendations, TV specials, or trailers filling our social feeds. For many of us, this raises a challenging question: Should Christians watch horror movies, or do these films conflict with our faith? Some Christians argue that horror films are a gateway to spiritual darkness, a playground for fear, and even tools of the devil.
What Should Christians Know about Blood Moons, Super Blood Moons, and Solar Eclipses?
Christians have been obsessed with astronomical phenomena for centuries, and given what we’ve learned about astronomical signs in the Bible, it’s no wonder. Tonight we will see the "Harvest Moon," which is the full moon that occurs closest to the first day of autumn. This year, it is also a super moon. It is the first of 3 super moons in a row to close out 2025. Upcoming supermoons this year are predicted to occur on November 5th (Super Beaver Moon) and December 4th (Super Cold Moon).
Should Christians Watch Horror Movies?
As Halloween approaches, horror movies seem to dominate every corner of entertainment—whether through Netflix recommendations, TV specials, or trailers filling our social feeds. For many of us, this raises a challenging question: Should Christians watch horror movies, or do these films conflict with our faith? Some Christians argue that horror films are a gateway to spiritual darkness, a playground for fear, and even tools of the devil.
Should Christians Watch Horror Movies?
As Halloween approaches, horror movies seem to dominate every corner of entertainment—whether through Netflix recommendations, TV specials, or trailers filling our social feeds. For many of us, this raises a challenging question: Should Christians watch horror movies, or do these films conflict with our faith? Some Christians argue that horror films are a gateway to spiritual darkness, a playground for fear, and even tools of the devil.
Should Christians Watch Horror Movies?
As Halloween approaches, horror movies seem to dominate every corner of entertainment—whether through Netflix recommendations, TV specials, or trailers filling our social feeds. For many of us, this raises a challenging question: Should Christians watch horror movies, or do these films conflict with our faith? Some Christians argue that horror films are a gateway to spiritual darkness, a playground for fear, and even tools of the devil.
Does the Prosperity Gospel Seek God or Money?
Audio By Carbonatix By Hope Bolinger, Crosswalk.com Brought to you by As Christians, we may have stumbled across a sermon or a quote in a Christian Living book that went somewhere along the lines of: “God wants you to live for now. If you pray to Him and ask for His blessings, He will cause you to prosper in your business, health, and family.” “If you give to this ministry, God will bless you.” “Speak into existence your peace, your destiny, your potentiality, and your goals.
Does the Prosperity Gospel Seek God or Money?
Brought to you by As Christians, we may have stumbled across a sermon or a quote in a Christian Living book that went somewhere along the lines of: “God wants you to live for now. If you pray to Him and ask for His blessings, He will cause you to prosper in your business, health, and family.” “If you give to this ministry, God will bless you.” “Speak into existence your peace, your destiny, your potentiality, and your goals.
Does the Prosperity Gospel Seek God or Money?
Brought to you by As Christians, we may have stumbled across a sermon or a quote in a Christian Living book that went somewhere along the lines of: “God wants you to live for now. If you pray to Him and ask for His blessings, He will cause you to prosper in your business, health, and family.” “If you give to this ministry, God will bless you.” “Speak into existence your peace, your destiny, your potentiality, and your goals.
What Should Christians Know about Blood Moons, Super Blood Moons, and Solar Eclipses? - Bible Study
Bible Study Blood moons and solar eclipses (especially "supermoons") leave many Christians thinking about Bible references to astronomy. Should Christians be concerned about blood moons and events associated with them?
10 Ways God Shows His Lovingkindness to You Each Day
Depending on your translation of the Bible, you may have stumbled across the word lovingkindness. The word itself seems to have a bounty of meanings. It can signify mercy, kindness, goodness, and love. Lovingkindness (chacadh in the original language) can also mean to incline oneself or have mercy toward one person. This can mean that whoever exercises chacadh shows favor to a person, whether they have merited that favor or not.
10 Ways God Shows His Lovingkindness to You Each Day
Depending on your translation of the Bible, you may have stumbled across the word lovingkindness. The word itself seems to have a bounty of meanings. It can signify mercy, kindness, goodness, and love. Lovingkindness (chacadh in the original language) can also mean to incline oneself or have mercy toward one person. This can mean that whoever exercises chacadh shows favor to a person, whether they have merited that favor or not.
3 Uplifting Ways to Rely on God When You’re Tired of Being Alone
We want to be happy whenever our friends post engagement photos on Facebook, or whenever a couple announces they have a baby on the way. But many of us Christian singles have to swallow feelings of envy or sadness whenever we scroll on social media. Many of us are tired of being alone. Scripture calls singleness a gift. And in many ways, God has opened my eyes over the past few years to realize the benefits of this season (and perhaps, lifetime).
3 Uplifting Ways to Rely on God When You’re Tired of Being Alone
We want to be happy whenever our friends post engagement photos on Facebook, or whenever a couple announces they have a baby on the way. But many of us Christian singles have to swallow feelings of envy or sadness whenever we scroll on social media. Many of us are tired of being alone. Scripture calls singleness a gift. And in many ways, God has opened my eyes over the past few years to realize the benefits of this season (and perhaps, lifetime).
What Are Gog and Magog in the Bible? - Bible Study
The mention of "Gog and Magog" appears in both the Old Testament and the New Testament, specifically in the books of Ezekiel in the Old Testament and Revelation in the New Testament. However, there are notable differences in how these passages are interpreted, and there is no universally agreed-upon interpretation. Gog and Magog symbolize something sinister having to do with the End Times.
Ash Wednesday Prayer - Lent Repentance and Forgiveness
Not all churches have a day or service dedicated to Ash Wednesday, but many denominations do recognize this day on the holy calendar of events for that year, and prayer is an important part of the day. Prayer is a vital part of Ash Wednesday observance because it serves as a means of spiritual reflection, repentance, and communion with God. On Ash Wednesday, Christians are called to reflect on their mortality and sinfulness, acknowledging their need for God's mercy and forgiveness.
Bible Verses to Read for 2025
Whether you’re a pastor or a family wanting to read passages of Scripture for Ash Wednesday, we can find many Bible verses that point to the origins of this practice. Churches, during Ash Wednesday services, will place ash crosses on the foreheads of the people. Often, a pastor or elder who draws the cross recites Genesis 3:19, reminding us that we are but dust. Ash Wednesday scriptures show us that we need a Savior who can give us the hope of eternal life.
Are You Allowed to Have Sex if You're Engaged?
Whenever someone asks me this question, I know they have the best of intentions. I’ve had a number of close friends in my life who fully intended to marry their fiancé or fiancée, but they struggled with the wait-until-you-get-married conviction.
4 Motivating Examples of Godly Leadership in the Bible
Audio By Carbonatix By Hope Bolinger, Crosswalk.com Godly leadership. We can point to several examples in the Bible of flawed people who want to pursue God with all their hearts. Although we could pinpoint dozens of examples from a single book of the Bible alone, we'll tackle two Old Testament and two New Testament godly leaders in the Bible. Although they lived hundreds of years ago, these godly leaders can help us to discover how to lead with modern problems we encounter today.
7 Fun Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day, Even Single
Valentine’s Day can be a little rough for singles. After all, how in the world did a holiday about a celibate martyr translate into day dedicated to romantic couples? Although we may wait for February 15 to come to shop all the chocolate sales, how do we not only survive the day beforehand, but also thrive?
Does My Passion Mean That I'm Being Called?
Audio By Carbonatix By Hope Bolinger, Crosswalk.com Does our calling always align with our passion? Often Christians can link the two of these together as one. “The Lord put this on my heart, so this must be my calling.” Not necessarily. Sometimes God can call us to do something that seems like the opposite of our passion.
Candle of Peace Meaning, Scripture and Prayer
During four weeks in December, most churches will celebrate Advent, a season of expectation of the arrival of Christ, by lighting five candles. The first four, held in a wreath, are lit once a week, and the last one, churches will either light on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, depending on the calendar year.
Top 4 Questions Singles Dread and What to Ask Instead
As family members, we mean well. We haven’t seen some of our nephews, cousins, and sisters for months, sometimes years. Holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas offer us ample opportunity to catch up with those we love most and find out about what they’ve done or who they’ve met since we’ve last seen them. However, family members can also tend to ask questions that people, especially single people, absolutely dread.
5 Warning Signs of Manipulative People (and How to Deal with Them)
As Christians, we can have a hard time setting boundaries. We want to believe the best from our brothers and sisters in Christ and may not know what to do when we encounter a manipulative person, especially if that person claims to be a believer. Often manipulative people can use gaslighting techniques, so we think we’ve become the problem rather than them. In this article, we’ll explore many of the signs that we may have run into a manipulative person, and how to deal with them in a biblical way.
What Is 'Friendsgiving' and Can Christians Celebrate It?
No one really knows where this holiday originated. Some have chalked it up to pop culture, but sometime in the early 2000s, a tradition known as Friendsgiving started. For those unfamiliar with this millennial tradition, I'll establish a definition below. Friendsgiving: A Thanksgiving holiday substitute for those who are unable to celebrate Thanksgiving with family whether due to living too far away, pandemic restrictions, or other obstacles.
Dealing with Narcissistic Family Members at the Holidays and Beyond
Author Updated Nov 25, 2024 As Christians, we often forget the differences between healing and reconciliation, especially when dealing with a narcissistic family member. This presents a particular problem during the fall and winter holiday seasons—particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas when families get together. Narcissists—especially clinical narcissists diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)—often thrive off exploiting weaknesses. Yes, they need our prayers.
"Too Picky" vs. Waiting for a Godly Spouse
"You haven't found a spouse because you're too picky." Every single Christian who wants to pursue a relationship has heard this. In the picture-perfect world that Hollywood presents, we may wonder if we've glamorized our future spouses too much that we've turned down wonderful options. But we also have to exercise wariness when it comes to the advice of lowering our standards.
5 Creative Ways to Celebrate Grandparents Day
September 8th is Grandparents Day! If you’re looking for ideas to celebrate this year’s Grandparents Day beyond the typical lunch out with the family or card, this article has a few ideas for you. Whether you have a grandparent, your parent is a grandparent, our you have the fortune of having one or many wonderful grandkids of your own, here are a few ways to celebrate this holiday as a family. We want to honor and spend time with our grandparents.
4 Hopeful Prayers for Restoration from Natural Disasters
4. Prayer for Personally Experiencing a Natural Disaster Slide 4 of 5 God, I am at the mercy of the wind and the waves. I have seen terrible acts of nature and feel helpless, out of control, and in great need of comfort and peace. Right now, I need encouragement and rest that I know can only come from you. Remind me of what the prophet Isaiah says in Isaiah 54:11-12, that no matter what natural disasters I may experience, that you have the power to help me heal and rebuild.
Song of the Selkies Wins Book of the Year at the 2024 Realm Awards
ST. LOUIS, July 19—A princess disguised as a mystical water-creature impressed Realm Makers judges and won author Sarah Pennington the 2024 Book of the Year Award for her fantasy novel Song of the Selkies. More than 500 fans and faculty gathered for the Realm Awards costume banquet at the annual Realm Makers conference. This twelfth annual ceremony recognized the best of Christian-made fantastical fiction for published novels in many fantastical genres and other categories.
3 Lessons from the Descendants of Esau in the Bible
Author Published Jun 17, 2024 Many of Israel’s enemies in the Old Testament came from families closely tied to the patriarchs. Lot, Abraham’s nephew, was the father of two such nations: the Ammonites and the Moabites. But perhaps the descendants with the closest ties, who had some of the most vehement hatred toward Israel, were the descendants of Esau, the Edomites. Unfortunately, their hatred and their capacity to attack the Israelites unprovoked landed them a very sour ending to their nation.
The Easter Bunny's Origin and Historical Connection to Christianity
As a Christian, you may have wondered: how in the world did the Easter story of Jesus’ resurrection and the empty tomb (John 20:1-18) ever translate into a bunny that delivers eggs to backyards? Where did this Easter symbolism even come from? What on earth do rabbits have to do with the resurrection story? Hailing as far back as the Anglo-Saxon period, the idea of the Easter Bunny evolved from a pagan deity to a rabbit that leaves treats for all the good boys and girls.
Now That I'm Married, Let's Talk about How the Church Treats Singleness Original
Author Updated Jun 07, 2024 This is an article topic I have sat on for four years. Two years before, I’d met my now-husband (who contributed to this piece). This is an article that I worry other married Christians will probably ignore. After all, we all value comfort in the church. We value the status quo. We value the hierarchies we’ve built—which, unfortunately, don’t have room for every Christian: the single Christians.
What Is Ascension Day and How Do We Celebrate It? - Bible Study
Ascension Day doesn’t seem to top the charts in church celebrations. In fact, most denominations won’t celebrate it. Yet, it still marks an important part of church history. Forty days after resurrection Sunday, Jesus left his disciples with a charge in Matthew 28: to go into all nations—preaching the good news of Christ. And right after that, Jesus ascended into heaven. He floated up into the sky. It marks the end of Jesus’ ministry on earth and the beginning of ours.
What Is a Jezebel Spirit and How Do I Know if Someone Has One?
Many of us have heard about the person of Jezebel in the Bible. This evil queen of Israel murdered God’s prophets and reinstituted the worship of foreign idols such as Baals in Israel. Although many of us have heard about the person of Jezebel, we may not be as familiar with something known as a Jezebel spirit. The Jezebel Spirit term is often used to describe someone who uses cunning, deception, and seduction to tear apart entire marriages, churches, and other entities.
Will the Solar Eclipse on April 8 Fulfill Events Foretold in Scripture?
Author Published Apr 05, 2024 We often wonder if an astronomical phenomenon points to the End Times. After all, Revelation does tell us that the moon will turn blood red and the sun will darken. Some theories have recently floated around about the total eclipse that will take place on April 8 of this year, days away from when this article was written. Some Christians believe this eclipse forms the Hebrew letter aleph—the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet—over America.
Will the Solar Eclipse on April 8 Fulfill Events Foretold in Scripture?
We often wonder if an astronomical phenomenon points to the End Times. After all, Revelation does tell us that the moon will turn blood red and the sun will darken. Some theories have recently floated around about the total eclipse that will take place on April 8 of this year, days away from when this article was written. Some Christians believe this eclipse forms the Hebrew letter aleph—the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet—over America.
Why Is John the "Disciple Whom Jesus Loved"?
Nicknames and name changes appear to happen all over the Old and New Testaments. Simon and Peter, Esau and Edom, the “Sons of Thunder.” Almost everyone who follows Jesus seems to get an affectionate name, sometimes from Jesus himself. But in the fourth Gospel, we run into something else entirely.
35 Powerful Good Friday Bible Verses to Remember the Cross
Good Friday marks a pivotal moment in the Christian faith, observed with deep solemnity and reverence on the church calendar. It's a day that invites us to pause and reflect, a day of profound gratitude and somber remembrance. While we regularly give thanks for the myriad blessings and the unwavering love God showers upon us, Good Friday specifically calls us to contemplate the immense sacrifice it took for God to offer us salvation from our sins.
21 Palm Sunday Bible Verses to Rejoice that God Has Saved Us
Many of us have a familiarity with Palm Sunday. For those who don’t, we recognize the events that took place one week prior to Resurrection Sunday. On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem and the people of Israel waved palm branches cried out for him to rescue them. They meant rescue from the Romans. But Jesus saved us from a far greater enemy: sin. Below I’ve compiled some Palm Sunday Bible verses to celebrate that God answered our call of, “Hosanna!” (Save us now).
Top 10 Beautiful Christian Books for Kids to Spark Hope and Faith Original
Author Published Mar 15, 2024 Even before our children could read, we read them bedtime tales and stories from the Bible. But what about Christian books for kids? Can they ignite the same hope and faith that our other stories do? Below we've compiled a list of our Top 10 picks. This list is in no way comprehensive. So many wonderful books hit the market each year. But these books will certainly keep you turning pages with their beautiful messages full of hope.
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