Salt, Light, and Culture

The Café Chronicles Continue At the familiar Contoso Café, where the aroma of fresh brews mingled with the soft chatter of patrons, Elijah, Jeremiah, and Barbara settled into their corner table. It was their weekly ritual—a mix of wit, wisdom, and, occasionally, some good-natured banter. Today, the topic at hand was a heavy one: How …

Jeremiah’s Story – A Clear Conscience Before God

The Contoso Café hummed with its usual blend of soft jazz and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Elijah, Jeremiah, and Barbara occupied their usual corner table, the air around them ripe with anticipation. Jeremiah had promised a story, one from his life that would set their faith ablaze. Barbara, ever the cheerleader, leaned …

The Spiritual Reset: Being Born Again in Christ

Imagine life as a journey where the roads are marked by the choices we make. Over time, some paths may lead to dead ends, others to muddy detours, and some may even feel like an endless loop. What if you could start fresh? What if you could recalibrate your internal GPS and head toward a …

A Civic Brew – Stirring the Pot

In the bustling heart of the city, the Contoso Café buzzed with the familiar symphony of clinking cups and lively chatter. At their usual corner table, draped with the morning light filtering through vintage stained glass, sat Elijah, Jeremiah, and Barbara—three friends with a penchant for hearty debates over steaming cups of joe. Elijah, always …

Following Jesus – Boots and All

When Jesus declared in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” He issued more than a comforting statement—He issued a call to action. To follow Jesus means committing every part of ourselves—boots and all—into a life of trust, obedience, and faith. It’s not a passive, part-time endeavor; it’s a bold decision to walk the path He leads, no matter the cost.

Embracing Trust Over Worry: Believing God Always Gets It Right!

In the vibrant tapestry of a believer’s life, worry often appears as an unwelcome guest, eager to overshadow joy with shadows of doubt. Yet, embracing the mantra “Worry is believing God won’t get it right!” can transform our spiritual perspective, reminding us of God’s unfailing proficiency in managing the cosmos. Let’s unpack this concept and discover how to replace doubt with unwavering trust in God’s plan.

Faith Stronger Than Grandma’s Sweet Tea

When we talk about faith, it often feels like an abstract concept. But what if we grounded it in something familiar, something universally powerful—like Grandma’s sweet tea? A drink so rich, so sweet, so undeniably strong, it could outlast the hottest summer day. That’s the kind of faith we’re aiming for—faith that’s unshakable, comforting, and …

Trust Over Trials – A Parkside Philosophical Banter

Beneath the sprawling branches of ancient oaks in Contoso Park, where the rustling leaves whispered secrets of old, Elijah, Jeremiah, and Barbara gathered around a rustic wooden picnic table, a stark contrast to their usual café haunt. The sun dappled through the canopy, casting playful shadows on their thoughtful faces as they embarked on a …

Vapors of Virtue: A Spirited Debate on the Safety of Smoking Alternatives

In the cozy, book-laden study of Jeremiah’s sprawling suburban home, a spirited debate unfurled one crisp autumn evening. Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Barbara were deep into a pot of herbal tea when Ezekiel, ever the provocateur, whipped out a sleek, metallic device from his coat pocket. “Behold, the latest in smoking technology!” he declared, waving what …