Author: Rev. David Gray

The Lord’s Prayer stands as Christianity’s most recognized prayer. Billions of believers have recited these words across two thousand years. Churches repeat it weekly. Children memorize it. Yet many who can quote it perfectly struggle to understand what they’re actually saying. Jesus didn’t give this prayer as a magic formula to repeat. He offered it as a model, a template showing how to approach God. When His disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray,” Jesus responded with these profound yet simple words found in Matthew 6:9-13. The Context: How Not to Pray Before giving the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus addressed two…

You’ve probably heard the term “reformed” used in Christian circles. Maybe someone mentioned they attend a Reformed church, or you’ve seen books about Reformed theology. But what does reformed actually mean? The word gets thrown around in different ways, and that can create confusion. Some use it narrowly to describe a specific set of beliefs about predestination. Others use it broadly to describe any church that came out of the Protestant Reformation. Understanding what “reformed” means requires looking at history, theology, and practice. The Historical Roots The term “reformed” traces back to the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, when church leaders like…

Every ministry leader eventually faces it: the board member who undermines decisions, the influential family resisting change, the finance committee questioning every expenditure, or the worship team divided over music styles. Welcome to church dynamics. Church politics refers to the power dynamics, relationships, and competing agendas within your congregation. It happens whenever people gather to make decisions. Different members have different visions, priorities, and levels of influence. These dynamics exist in every organization, but churches add another layer: everyone involved believes they’re following God’s will. Understanding Church Dynamics Church politics arise whenever people gather to make decisions. Many pastors leave…

“Amazing Grace” stands as the most recognized hymn in history. Sung at churches, funerals, civil rights rallies, and presidential memorials, it transcends denominational boundaries and cultural divides. An estimated 10 million performances occur annually worldwide. The hymn’s enduring power lies not just in its soaring melody or memorable lyrics, but in the remarkable story of its author: a man who went from slave trader to minister, from “wretch” to witness. The Early Years: A Life of Rebellion John Newton was born in London on July 24, 1725. His mother, Elizabeth, was a devout Christian who taught young John biblical principles…

I need to be honest with you about something most pastors won’t admit from the pulpit: there have been seasons in my forty years of ministry when opening my Bible felt like chewing cardboard. Times when prayer felt like talking to the ceiling. Moments when I wondered if God had packed up and left. If you’re experiencing that right now – that hollow, dry feeling where your faith feels more like obligation than joy – you’re not alone. And you’re not backsliding. You might actually be right where God wants you. Let me explain. What Spiritual Dryness Really Looks Like…

Let me paint you a picture that probably sounds familiar. It’s Sunday morning, and you’re getting the kids ready for church. Your 12-year-old rolls her eyes and asks, “Why do I have to go? None of my friends go to church.” Your 8-year-old comes home from school asking questions about gender that you weren’t prepared to answer. And your teenager seems more influenced by TikTok than anything you’ve taught them about God. If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to raise godly kids in today’s culture, you’re not alone. The statistics are sobering: research shows that most preteen children are rejecting basic…

Let me tell you about Sarah. She sits in the third pew every Sunday morning, same spot, same time. But there’s an empty seat beside her where her husband Mike used to sit. Three years ago, Mike told her he didn’t believe anymore. Just like that, their “perfect Christian marriage” became something she never expected to navigate. Sarah’s not alone. In my forty years of ministry, I’ve counseled hundreds of couples facing this exact situation. Maybe you’re there right now – feeling isolated, confused, and wondering if your marriage can survive when you and your spouse are heading in completely…

You know what drives me crazy? Watching good people stay stuck in patterns that are slowly destroying their lives. I’m talking about the guy who knows he drinks too much but can’t seem to stop. The woman who promises herself she’ll quit smoking “tomorrow” for the hundredth time. The person who keeps checking their phone every five minutes even though they hate being addicted to social media. Here’s the truth: breaking bad habits isn’t about willpower. If it was, we’d all be perfect by now, right? After forty years of ministry and raising ten kids, I’ve learned something important -…

You know, sometimes I think about what one simple idea can do when God gets hold of it. Take Robert Raikes – here was a newspaper publisher from Gloucester who had one of those “lightbulb moments” that revolutionized Christian education forever. But before we dive into his famous Sunday Schools, let me tell you about the man himself – his family, his struggles, and what drove him to change the world for children. The Personal Life of Robert Raikes Early Years and Family Background Robert Raikes was born on September 14, 1735, in Gloucester, England, at Ladybellegate House in Longsmith…

Introduction Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus – known simply as Tertullian – was one of the most brilliant and controversial figures in early Christianity. As a fiery lawyer-turned-theologian from North Africa, he gave us the term “Trinity,” defended the faith against heretics, and wrote with a passion that still resonates nearly 2,000 years later. However, what makes Tertullian fascinating is his complexity: he wasn’t a safe, predictable church father. Instead, he was bold, uncompromising, sometimes extreme, and eventually broke away from the mainstream church. Despite this, his influence on Christian theology remains undeniable and continues to this day. If you’ve ever…