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No serious athlete improves without regularly evaluating their performance. They track progress, identify weaknesses, adjust training regimens, and often work with coaches who see what they cannot. This principle—that growth requires honest assessment—applies even more crucially to our spiritual lives.  Yet while we readily accept evaluation in physical fitness, careers, and academics, many Christians resist applying the same rigor to their spiritual development. We drift through years of faith without a clear awareness of our progress or stagnation, hoping vaguely that we're growing, but rarely confirming it through deliberate examination.  Scripture presents a different approach. "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves," Paul urged the Corinthians (2 Cor 13:5). This isn't a suggestion for the spiritually ambitious but a fundamental practice for all believers who seek authentic transformation.  The Spiritual Fitness Test  Consider how physical fitness works: A comprehensive assessment might measure cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and body composition. Each component matters, and weakness in one area affects overall health. Similarly, spiritual health encompasses multiple dimensions that require regular evaluation.  When David prayed, "Search me, God, and know my heart... See if there is any offensive way in me" (Ps 139:23-24), he recognized that we have blind spots. Just as a fitness trainer spots improper form that could lead to injury, God's perspective reveals spiritual vulnerabilities we might miss on our own.  This type of spiritual health check helps to disrupt self-deception. We excel at justifying attitudes and behaviors that contradict Christ's character while remaining painfully aware of others' shortcomings. Jesus highlighted this tendency when he spoke of those who see specks in others' eyes while missing logs in their own (Mt 7:3-5). Regular spiritual assessment challenges our comfortable self-narratives.  More importantly, evaluation identifies patterns and triggers. A physical trainer might notice you consistently drop your shoulder before an injury flares. Similarly, spiritual assessment helps identify not just individual sins but recurring cycles and their precursors. Perhaps certain relationships consistently lead to compromised values, or specific stressors trigger patterns of destructive thinking.  The Training Partner Principle  No elite athlete trains exclusively alone. Even in individual sports, performers rely on coaches, training partners, and support teams who provide feedback impossible to obtain independently. The spiritual journey likewise thrives with purposeful companionship.  "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed," James instructs (Jas 5:16). This practice—sharing our spiritual condition with a trusted companion—creates accountability that catalyzes growth.  Think of it as similar to a workout partner who both encourages and challenges you. When motivation lags, they get you to the gym. When form slips, they correct it. When you're capable of more, they push you beyond perceived limits. A spiritual companion serves similar functions, helping us move beyond comfortable spiritual routines into genuine growth.  Sharing our spiritual inventory with someone trustworthy brings our struggles fully into the light. Just as certain physical weaknesses worsen when ignored, spiritual issues gain power through isolation. As John writes, "If we walk in the light... we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin" (1 Jn 1:7).  This relationship provides an external perspective that we cannot achieve alone. A trusted spiritual friend can identify blind spots, challenge rationalizations, and offer wisdom beyond our limited viewpoint. As Solomon noted, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another" (Prov 27:17).  Creating Your Spiritual Training Plan  How might we implement this practice of spiritual assessment and accountability? Here are practical steps to create your own spiritual training plan:  Schedule regular evaluation sessions  - Just as athletes plan assessment periods into their training cycles, set aside dedicated time for spiritual review. Many find quarterly checkpoints effective, while others prefer monthly or align with liturgical seasons like Advent or Lent.  Develop meaningful metrics  - Go beyond vague feelings to examine specific aspects of character, conduct, and commitments. Consider how closely your life aligns with Christ's teachings, the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23), and biblical ethics.  Record observations honestly  - Document insights without rationalization or minimization. Like tracking fitness progress, the value comes from accuracy, not flattering numbers.  Share with a trusted companion  - Choose someone spiritually mature, trustworthy with confidences, and capable of both grace and truth. This isn't casual conversation but a sacred space requiring appropriate boundaries.  Create specific next steps  - Assessment without adjustment is merely religious introspection. Each review should produce concrete actions for growth, just as physical assessments lead to refined training programs.  Beyond Spiritual Plateaus  Athletes know the frustration of plateaus—periods where progress stalls despite continued effort. Spiritual growth experiences similar stagnant seasons that often stem from failing to evaluate and adjust our practices.  Regular spiritual assessment breaks these plateaus. It prevents us from mistaking religious activity for spiritual growth and challenges us when we've settled for comfortable mediocrity rather than Christ-like character.  The goal isn't increased self-awareness alone but genuine transformation. Paul describes a renewal process where we "take off your old self... and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Eph 4:22-24).  By regularly assessing our spiritual condition and sharing that inventory with trusted companions, we create space for the Spirit's transforming work. We move beyond vague spiritual aspirations to concrete, measurable growth—developing spiritual fitness that endures through life's most demanding seasons.

Believers affirm hell and salvation through Jesus—yet most are reluctant  to disciple, despite knowing others face eternal separation. We just concluded one of the most sobering and spiritually urgent research projects we’ve ever undertaken.   We surveyed you, our Sunday reader, a group which includes believers and non-believers, disciple-makers and passive Christians, and asked what you really believe about hell, salvation, and eternity. The results were shocking. Not because of what was missing, but because of what was there.   The vast majority of us believers still believe in hell . We believe it's real. Eternal. Inescapable apart from Jesus. But most of us are living like hell doesn’t exist.   The Data Doesn’t Lie   Among the believing respondents: ·        99% affirm  that hell is a literal place of eternal punishment. ·        98% believe  that Jesus is the only way to escape it. ·        97% agree  that all have sinned and are deserving of judgment. ·        91% say  they’re confident enough to explain what the Bible teaches about hell. ·        64% engage with the Bible daily.   This is not a biblically illiterate group. We know the truth. We love Scripture. We affirm core doctrine. And yet only 14% are actively discipling anyone.  Let that sink in. 86% of us believe in hell and remain silent.   The Most Startling Subgroup: Bible-Engaged Non-Disciple-Makers Then we found something even more startling. We isolated a large group of us who: Engage the Bible four or more times a week, and admit they do not disciple anyone at all. These are mature Christ Followers . They are the Bible readers, the small group attendees, the ministry volunteers —the backbone of the local church. This group knows that hell is for real. They believe their neighbors are at risk, but they do nothing to help others follow Jesus. Theologically strong. Biblically disciplined. Spiritually confident. And yet, they don’t reproduce themselves. What does this say about this Bible-Engaged subgroup? Of these believers: ·       100% read Scripture regularly. ·       97.5% believe Jesus is the only way to be saved. ·       98.5% affirm hell as literal. But… ·        0% disciple someone else! Where is the disconnect? Many of us sit there wondering why our churches aren’t multiplying. It’s not a knowledge problem. It’s not a resource problem. So is it a courage problem ?   Belief Without Burden We know people are walking toward the cliff of eternal separation. We know there’s only one rescue: Jesus.   Why do you think we are so reluctant? Stay tuned.   In it, to Kingdom win it. -Arnie

The most spiritually vibrant Christians throughout history share a common trait: they invest deeply in the spiritual well-being of others. While this investment takes many forms—teaching, encouraging, serving—perhaps none is more foundational than intercessory prayer. As Paul demonstrated with his frequent statement, "I remember you in my prayers" (Rom 1:9, Eph 1:16, Phil 1:3-4), lifting others before God remains a hallmark of authentic Christian living.  Yet in our busy, distracted world, even our best intentions to pray for others often dissolve into vague thoughts or hastily muttered words. This is where the simple practice of journaling our prayers provides a powerful solution. Journaling not only benefits those we pray for but also transforms our own spiritual journey in unexpected ways.  A Tangible Record of Spiritual Care  When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he emphasized relationship over ritual. True prayer flows from genuine concern, not obligation. Prayer journaling helps bridge this gap by transforming abstract intentions into concrete acts of love.  Writing prayers for others requires focused attention that casual prayer sometimes lacks. It moves us beyond quick "bless so-and-so" requests to thoughtful consideration of specific needs, challenges, and potential growth areas in others' lives. As we articulate these prayers on paper, we engage more deeply with both the person's situation and God's potential work in their life.  James reminds us that "the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" (Jas 5:16). This effectiveness increases when our prayers become specific rather than general. Journaling helps us avoid falling into repetitive patterns by prompting us to consider different facets of a person's needs—their relationships, work, spiritual growth, emotional health, and purpose.  A Testament to God's Faithfulness  Beyond the immediate benefit of focused prayer, journals create a lasting record of both our requests and God's responses. Samuel set up a stone of remembrance called Ebenezer, declaring, "Thus far the Lord has helped us" (1 Sam 7:12). A prayer journal serves a similar purpose, allowing us to trace God's faithfulness over time.  Imagine the encouragement of looking back months later to find the very date you began praying for a friend's marriage, only to see how God has since brought reconciliation. Or to discover the prayers you wrote for someone's health crisis now resolved. These recorded testimonies strengthen our faith and remind us that while God's timing rarely matches our own, his work continues even when we don't immediately perceive it.  This documentation also protects us from spiritual amnesia—our human tendency to forget God's past faithfulness during present challenges. As the Israelites were repeatedly instructed to remember God's deliverance (Deut 6:12), our prayer journals help us maintain an accurate spiritual memory that fuels ongoing trust.  A Mirror for Spiritual Growth  Interestingly, journaling prayers for others often reveals as much about our own hearts as it does about others' needs. Jesus taught that prayer isn't primarily about informing God of needs he doesn't know, but about aligning our hearts with his purposes. When we write our prayers, patterns emerge that expose our spiritual condition.  Do we pray differently for those who have wronged us compared to those we naturally love? Are our prayers for certain people consistently shallow or self-centered? Do we find ourselves resisting prayer for particular individuals? The written word doesn't easily hide these inconsistencies, creating opportunities for honest self-examination and growth.  Paul's prayer for the Philippians reveals his own spiritual priorities: "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best" (Phil 1:9-10). Our journaled prayers similarly reveal what we truly value in others' spiritual journeys.  A Discipline That Develops Consistency  Most Christians acknowledge the gap between their prayer aspirations and actual practice. We intend to pray regularly for others, but often struggle with consistency. Prayer journaling provides structure that helps bridge this gap.  Whether you dedicate specific journal pages to different people, create a rotating prayer schedule, or simply write as the Spirit leads, the physical act of recording prayers creates momentum that casual mental prayer often lacks. This structure doesn't constrain spiritual authenticity but rather channels it more effectively.  Jesus himself maintained rhythms of prayer, often withdrawing to the same locations (Lk 22:39). These patterns didn't diminish his communion with the Father but strengthened it. Similarly, the physical habit of opening our journal, writing the date, and lifting specific people to God creates a sustainable practice rather than sporadic efforts.  A Legacy of Spiritual Investment  Perhaps most powerfully, prayer journals create a lasting record of spiritual investment that extends beyond our immediate influence. Imagine the impact of being able to give someone the collected prayers you've written for them over the years, whether during their graduation, wedding, ordination, or other significant milestone.  Moses blessed the tribes of Israel before his death (Deut 33), and Paul wrote letters of spiritual encouragement that outlived him. Similarly, our written prayers can become spiritual heirlooms that continue to inspire faith long after they're written.  Starting Your Prayer Journal  Beginning a prayer journal doesn't require elaborate preparation. A simple notebook, dedicated section in your existing journal, or digital document works perfectly. The key is consistency rather than complexity.  Consider including:  The date of each prayer  Specific requests rather than generalities  Scripture promises that apply to the situation  Questions for God about the person's needs  Updates when answers come  As you develop this practice, you'll likely discover what countless Christians before you have found: writing your prayers for others doesn't just change their circumstances—it transforms you into a more attentive, faithful, and spiritually vibrant follower of Christ.

What if growing older meant getting more fit—not physically, but spiritually? While our bodies naturally weaken over time, our spiritual lives can grow stronger without stopping. That’s the promise of sanctification—the lifelong process of growing closer to Jesus and becoming more like Him. It’s not automatic, but it’s deeply rewarding. And unlike physical fitness, our spiritual strength doesn’t have to decline with age. In theological terms, “sanctification” is how God transforms us into the image of His Son. When we believe in Christ and our sins are forgiven, that’s just the beginning. From that moment on, God works in us, and we cooperate with Him through intentional effort and daily commitment—just like a fitness plan. “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified” (1 Thessalonians 4:3), and He invites us into the process. Sanctification isn’t instant. It’s a gradual, often up-and down journey. Like building physical strength, it takes consistent training. Some days we make great strides while other days feel like setbacks. But through it all, God's grace keeps us moving forward—“being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16) and transformed “with ever-increasing glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). A Whole-Life Transformation Unlike physical training that targets muscles or cardio, spiritual fitness affects every part of our being—our thoughts, emotions, actions, and relationships. Romans 12:1 calls us to offer our whole selves to God. That means spiritual growth isn’t confined to quiet time or Sunday morning worship. It involves work, family, friendships, habits, and even our hobbies. Theologian Abraham Kuyper said, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ... does not cry, ‘Mine!’” Sanctification stretches across every square inch of our lives. That includes breaking free from destructive patterns and replacing them with Christlike habits. It’s not limited to the “religious” part of life. Instead, it overflows into creativity, leadership, learning, and service. Spiritual fitness transforms everything. The Holy Spirit: Our Personal Trainer Just as no one can become physically fit without guidance and help, we cannot become spiritually fit without the Holy Spirit’s work. He empowers us to do what we couldn’t do on our own (Romans 8:3-4), equips us with spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-8), and applies God’s truth to our lives. The Spirit is our personal trainer—guiding, convicting, strengthening. Through His presence (1 Corinthians 6:19 20), we’re being transformed and prepared for eternity (Ephesians 4:30). Every day, He helps us resist sin, speak truth, love well, and become more like Jesus. The Rewarding Effort of Spiritual Fitness While our bodies may slow down, our souls can thrive. Sanctification is lifelong. It involves hard work, yes, it is deeply satisfying. The rewards aren’t just in heaven—you’ll discover joy, peace, and resilience now. So don’t settle. Don’t coast. Cooperate with God’s Spirit. Lean into the process. You might stumble, but you’ll keep moving forward, becoming the person God designed you to be. Let’s cast aside spiritual apathy. Let’s grow stronger in Christ—by grace, through faith, and with the help of the Holy Spirit. Though our outer selves may weaken, our inner selves can be strengthened each day until the day we stand complete before Him. Find help in sanctification and growing spiritually fit at backtothebible.org or get the GOtandem app in your favorite app store.

“What’s your favorite verse? Why is it your favorite, and how has it shaped your life?” A few months ago, Arnie asked those questions to his email audience and the responses that came flooding in were powerful, honest, and full of hope! Want to be encouraged? Read on! Here is how Linda Anderson discovered God’s hope and help in tough times ... My favorite verse for the last two years has been ... Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. (Romans 12:12 CSB). I was having one physical problem after another (COVID, kidney stones, vision problems, migraines, TMJ, COVID again)! When I found this verse, it helped to be more patient. I listed all the things that God had brought me through and that helped me realize that He would bring me through again. I told myself; I can do this because I trust God. He only wants what's good for me. Rejoicing in hope was difficult, but a friend told me that hope is the confident expectation of what God is going to do in this situation. I also realized that I can hope in what He is doing now. This next verse helped with the rejoicing part: Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42: 5, NIV) . I love the little word "yet"! Even though I am sick, I will still praise God! Scott Moore tells us about the incredible power of God’s presence through grief ... The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. (Psalm 34:18, NKJV). In the painful loss of our first grandson, Psalm 34:18 became a beacon of hope for my wife and me. This verse assured us that God was intimately close to us in our sorrow, offering His comforting presence when we felt most broken. This nearness gave us the strength to support our son and daughter-in law, helping us to be present and compassionate. Knowing that God was holding our hearts allowed us to extend His love and comfort to them. Let this verse remind you that God is always near, offering His healing presence. Embrace His love, and let it guide you in bringing comfort to those who need it most. Judy Ewing shares how God's promises lifted her from despair and transformed her life ... I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord (Psalm 40:1-3, ESV). This was a lifeline as God was pulling me out of the pit of depression in 2010. That led to getting physically healthy and losing 100 pounds. That led to counseling to work through childhood issues. And all of that led to meeting my husband in 2013. God is so good! What can you tell us and others about your story? Take a moment to think about your favorite power verse(s). How have they carried you, challenged you, or changed you? How has it shaped your journey of faith? We would love to hear about it! Email Arnie at arnie.cole@backtothebible.org Remember, regardless of what situation you’ve been in, when you give God glory for what He’s done in your life, you never know how He will use your story to give hope and strength to others!

My friend Don Whitney, whose book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life  is a great resource for this topic, has written these words: “More than almost any other discipline, journaling has a fascinating appeal with nearly all who hear about it.” [1] I do know many people who’ve heard from or read about spiritual giants journaling and have then decided to start this discipline—I just don’t know many who’ve started the process and kept it going. In fact, I suppose it’s debatable if I should be the one writing this post, as I’ve struggled personally with this discipline over the years. That’s one reason why my Bible study practice I posted about a few weeks ago has been helpful to me. You might remember two components of my study process that have become a “journal” for me: 1.        I choose topics to study each year, and I highlight them each time I see them in the scriptures. Not only do I highlight the texts, but I also often write in the margin of my Bible what I’m learning, what steps I need to take, or what prayer I might pray. 2.        Every day, I write a short devotion about what I’ve read and what the Lord has taught me—and I send that devotion to others, asking them to pray for me in light of what I’m learning. Through this process, I end each year with a highlighted, marked up Bible and a volume of devotions that show what I’ve learned through the year. It’s not quite a journal like Don Whitney describes in his book, but it is a daily record of my time with the Lord. My wife and I don’t have children, but I would look forward to leaving them my worn-out Bibles and my devotional collections if we did. One of my pastoral heroes who is now with the Lord kept a much more extensive journal for more than 60 years of ministry. Every day, he wrote in a small notebook the date of the entry, the weather for the day, his events throughout the day, and his reflections at the end of the day. So thorough were his journals of ministry that a seminary library now holds those journals as markers of history. Another pastoral hero has written a daily entry of his spiritual walk for almost as many years, noting his reading for the day, recording his prayer for the day, and putting in writing his commitments to the Lord. He tells me that his written prayers are often emotional and gripping—so much so that he keeps his journal to himself. In his case, the point of his journaling is deep reflection and conversation between himself and the Lord. I cannot help but think that journaling has been one activity that has kept these brothers focused on the Lord. When you pause each day to reflect on God enough to write about Him and His work in your life, you can’t help but cling to Him a bit more. Meditation on Him should lead to greater motivation to serve Him. If you’re not a journaler, here are some ways to get started. 1.        Find a method that works for you—and do something.  My method I described above is quite different from those of my pastoral mentors, but it works for me. Your chosen method might be different than any of these, but that’s okay. I would rather you find a method that works, be consistent with it, and let the discipline grow. Even a sentence of reflection each day is better than no reflection at all. 2.        At a minimum, consider this simple method for journaling: at the end of every day, write 2-3 sentences about your walk with the Lord that day.  Was it a good day? If so, why? Did you struggle? Why? Do you need to confess something? Do it. Do you wish you had done or said something differently? Write it down. It won’t take long to write a few thoughts, and you’ll be starting a record of the Lord’s work in your life.  3.        Start a prayer journal that includes one prayer entry each day. In a good prayer journal, write out your prayer to God—don’t just list your prayer concerns for that day. I write a prayer based on my devotional each day, but I really focus on writing out a prayer when I’m most burdened about something. Somehow, my burden is lighter after I’ve given significant attention to writing my words and expressing them to God. 4.        As you grow, think about this five-step method for journaling based on your Bible study time. Somewhere, record these thoughts each day: ·      Date of your writing .  I would also include the geographic location of your writing (e.g., “home, Wake Forest”; or “hiking trip, Black Mountain,” etc.) just in case you’re wondering years from now. ·      What you read today . Just the Bible book and verses work here. ·      One thing you learned today or want to work on in following God today. The more specific you can be, the more likely it will lead to some kind of life change. ·      One step of obedience you will take today. Again, specificity makes this approach much more significant. ·      One thing you’re most praying for today. Writing down the topic will help you remember it and thus reinforce your burden over it. 5.        As a parent or grandparent, think about writing a simple paragraph about walking with God each day—but address it to your children or grandchildren. Write with their future in mind, trusting they will someday want to read your journal and walk in your footsteps. Give them a copy at an appropriate time as they grow up. So, if you haven’t started journaling, I will say it again: do something !     [1] Donald S. Whitney,  Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life  (Kindle Edition, loc. 2499).

Last month on Resurrection Day, Arnie asked his weekly email readers to share testimonies of how Easter has changed their lives. I didn’t submit one then—but I’ll offer mine to you now. This year, John 20:28–29 reached out and grabbed me by the hand. In this passage, we learn that, just a week after the resurrection, Thomas turns from doubt to belief: “Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” I’ve walked with Jesus for years now. And honestly? It’s gotten easier to smooth over the bumps in the road—whether it’s a skyrocketing grocery bill, a broken-down car, or a loved one scheduling knee surgery. But lately I’ve been asking: Am I depending on my history with Jesus—or on Jesus Himself? Have I started replacing faith in God with familiarity? In a very real sense, like Thomas, I’ve seen Jesus—His presence, His faithfulness, His answers to prayer. But this Easter has impressed on me the importance of finding the edge where faith stretches beyond what’s familiar. It’s stepping out—sharing Jesus with others, entering the messy work of discipling someone, or simply asking: “Jesus, what do You want?” Even this season is His gift to me. And maybe it’s no coincidence that on a recent trip, my iPhone also got into the act. It “randomly” played this reminder: “…Take the leap of faith. Come on let’s go! I’m diving in. I’m going deep, in over my head I want to be. Caught in the rush, lost in the flow, In over my head I want to go. The river’s deep, the river’s wide, The river’s water is alive— So sink or swim, I’m divin’ in.” (Lyrics from the song, Dive , by Steven Curtis Chapman) That’s the invitation of Easter that lasts all year—to take the leap again. Let’s dive in. Bryon Swanson Editor

MEET CHLOE AND SIERRA God has a long history of doing big things through small groups of people, something our staff knows firsthand! Though we’re a small team, we are mighty because God equips each of us with unique skills, passions and insights. That’s especially evident in our two newest team members, Chloe Murphy , our Social Media Manager, and Sierra Transue, our Part-Time Executive Assistant. Each has a distinct background, a deep love for Jesus, and a desire to help others grow in their faith. Here’s a little about them in their own words! CHLOE MURPHY | Social Media Manager I’m from Ashland, Nebraska, and married to my wonderful husband Will. We’re currently expecting our first child! After earning my degree in Marketing, I started out in healthcare marketing but quickly realized my passion for digital strategy. So, I launched my own Christian boutique, which allowed me to grow hands-on experience in social media, email marketing, and e-commerce. I also completed Google’s Digital Marketing Certification to deepen my expertise. I love working in digital marketing because it combines strategy and creativity in a way that meets people right where they are - on their phones and screens. I first encountered the Lord personally at a Christian camp in 4th grade. It was my first time away from home, and it opened my eyes to what it meant to take ownership of my relationship with Jesus. I eventually became a camp counselor there, which helped deepen my faith even more. Later, as a college athlete, I walked through a difficult season of health challenges. In that time, Jesus met me in my weakness and redefined my identity, not based on performance or achievements, but rooted in His grace and love. It was through that season that I truly came to understand what grace means. It wasn’t something I could earn; it was a gift I had to receive. That realization changed everything. It's exciting to be part of a ministry committed to helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus through God’s Word. In a world that is more connected than ever but also deeply lonely, I love using digital platforms to bridge that gap with truth, hope and encouragement. It’s meaningful to know that the content we create could be the very thing someone needs to see or hear in a tough moment. Whether it’s through a video, podcast, or social post, I want to create content that resonates deeply and leads people back to Scripture. Ultimately, I want to see lives transformed and disciples multiplied as we help people hear from God daily. SIERRA TRANSUE   | Part-time Executive Assistant My husband, Samuel, and I are expecting our first Baby this September! We moved to Nebraska two years ago for Samuel to finish his degree. I was born and raised in Ohio and moved to Jacksonville, FL, to pursue my degree in marketing from the University of North Florida. I’ve worked as a Marketing Associate, Financial Professional, and Personal Assistant before joining Back to the Bible. As for my spiritual journey, in college, it became abundantly clear to me that I was alone. I had grown up going to church, but treated Jesus as a checked box. In working through my identity as a college student in a brand-new city, trying to figure out what to do with my life, I cried out to the Lord and asked if He would save me and reveal Himself to me. It didn’t take but a few months for me to see the Lord move in my life by providing a church family, community, and a desire to know Him and live for Him. At the Passion Conference in December of 2020, I fully surrendered my life to Christ. Since then, my walk with Jesus has continued to shape every area of my life, including my work. I love supporting the team here at Back to the Bible. Working in a variety of ways with the Executive team, Marketing team, and the Youth program makes every day look different, but always fulfilling! I hope the work I do here frees up others to greater pursue their purposes and impact more people with the Gospel. My role is also helping me step more fully into my purpose as a disciple-making-disciple—sharing my faith with others and engaging in intentional discipling relationships.

In our pursuit of spiritual fitness, we often emphasize active disciplines—Bible study, prayer, worship, service, and fellowship. These practices undoubtedly strengthen our spiritual muscles. Yet one of the most powerful disciplines remains largely overlooked: the intentional practice of silence and solitude. While seemingly counterintuitive, stepping away from activity and speech can dramatically enhance our spiritual vitality. Just as physical training requires both exertion and recovery, spiritual fitness demands both engagement and withdrawal. The deliberate practice of being alone and quiet before God doesn't represent spiritual laziness but rather a strategic investment in our spiritual development. The Biblical Foundation Scripture repeatedly demonstrates the value of silence and solitude in spiritual formation. Jesus himself modeled this discipline throughout his ministry. Before beginning his public work, he spent forty days alone in the wilderness (Mt 4:1-11). During his busiest seasons, he "often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Lk 5:16). Even amid intense ministry demands, Jesus told his disciples, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest" (Mk 6:31). The prophets similarly embraced solitude. Elijah encountered God not in earthquake, wind, or fire, but in "a gentle whisper" that required attentive silence to perceive (1 Kgs 19:11-13). David wrote, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps 46:10), recognizing that stillness creates space for deeper knowing. Throughout Scripture, significant spiritual formation often occurred when God's people stepped away from normal routines into isolated places. Moses at the burning bush, Jacob at Peniel, Paul in Arabia—these pivotal moments happened not in crowded temples or busy marketplaces but in solitude. Why This Discipline Matters Today Our contemporary environment makes silence and solitude both increasingly difficult and increasingly necessary. We live surrounded by noise, information, and constant connectivity. Notifications interrupt our thoughts, media fills our quiet moments, and social obligations crowd our calendars. Our spiritual health suffers not just from what actively harms it, but from the absence of what nurtures it. Think about it. In physical fitness, recovery periods are essential for muscle growth. Similarly, in spiritual fitness, periods of quiet reflection allow truth to sink deep roots, enable perspective that busyness prevents, and create space for God's voice to become distinguishable from competing voices. Silence and solitude offer unique benefits other disciplines cannot provide: They counteract spiritual noise pollution. Just as environmental noise damages physical health, spiritual noise—constant input without processing—damages spiritual health. Silence cleanses our spiritual hearing. They reveal what fills our hearts. When external stimuli fade, internal realities surface. Jesus noted that what fills our hearts eventually overflows into speech (Lk 6:45). Silence allows us to examine what actually occupies our inner world. They remind us of our dependence. Stepping away from productivity and speech challenges our sense of importance and self-sufficiency. We remember that the world continues without our constant contribution, a humbling but necessary recognition. They create space for listening. God often speaks in ways that require attention. Elijah needed silence to hear God's whisper. So do we. As Samuel learned to say, "Speak, for your servant is listening" (1 Sam 3:10), we too must cultivate listening hearts. Practical Steps Forward Building silence and solitude into your life doesn't require monastic withdrawal. Even small, intentional practices can significantly impact your spiritual fitness: Start small, if you need to. Begin with just five minutes of complete silence and solitude—no music, podcasts, or other input. Sit comfortably, breathe deeply, and simply be present with God. You might focus on a single verse or simply repeat, "Here I am, Lord." Schedule it. Mark specific times for being alone with God. Early mornings, lunch breaks, or evening walks can become sacred appointments for solitude. Protect these times as you would any important meeting. Create practical strategies. Develop small practices that help you shift from noise to silence. This might be lighting a candle, sitting in a particular chair, or simply taking three deep breaths. Such rituals help signal to your body and mind that you're entering a different mode. Reduce digital noise. Experiment with periods of digital silence—perhaps not checking your phone until after morning solitude or designating certain days as "low-input" days. Notice how different your thought patterns become. Extend gradually. As five minutes becomes comfortable, extend to ten, then twenty. Consider planning a half-day or full-day retreat quarterly. Like any fitness regimen, progressive challenge builds capacity. The Paradoxical Strength of Silence Counterintuitively, regular practice of silence and solitude doesn't disconnect us from others but enables us to engage more meaningfully. Jesus withdrew to lonely places, then returned with clarity and power for ministry. His pattern reveals an important rhythm: solitude enables community, silence enriches speech, and withdrawing prepares us for engagement. The spiritual fitness we develop through silence and solitude manifests in noticeable ways: greater discernment, improved emotional regulation, deeper compassion, clearer priorities, and increased awareness of God's presence in ordinary moments. In a world that measures value by constant activity and visible productivity, embracing silence and solitude represents a radical act of faith. It declares that spiritual fitness develops not just through doing more but sometimes through doing less, creating space for the Master Trainer to work in ways our busy activity might otherwise prevent.

Hell has quietly disappeared from many pulpits. But without it, have we forgotten what Jesus really came to save us from? Do non-Christ Followers have the right to know what the Bible says about hell? Take this quick survey and help us design an educational survey for the everyday non-believer: https://bttb.org/HellAndSalvation   Char and I are at our favorite vacation spot in Mexico this week (the same place we have gone to for like 20 years in a row) and I am continuing my efforts to overcome my reluctance to share Jesus to non-believers. While here, we have become close quickly with this elderly couple, maybe because they too, tragically, lost their son. In getting to know them, it didn’t take very long to see that even though their son’s death was well over 30 years ago, they pretty much didn’t believe in God and might even still be pretty angry. This was especially evident when she told us her favorite song was “Imagine.”  And of course, her loving husband would play it while we all sat on the beach. Imagine there's no heaven It's easy if you try No hell below us Above us, only sky… Nothing to kill or die for And no religion, too Imagine all the people Livin' life in peace I realized it’s hard to talk about salvation in Jesus Christ when we have imagined a spiritual world without imagining hell. The idea of avoiding hell is no longer a compelling need for non-believers. Eternal consequences are ignored in this age when comfort is king. Across pulpits, podcasts, and parachurch platforms, one doctrine has quietly slipped into the shadows: hell . It’s not that churches have officially removed hell from their theology. Most statements of faith still affirm it—eternal separation from God, a place of judgment, a destination meant not for mankind but for Satan and his angels. Yet when was the last time you heard a sermon about it? Or saw it mentioned in a ministry’s “gospel” presentation? This isn’t merely a stylistic choice—it’s a theological and cultural shift. In fact, a Pew Research study analyzing over 50,000 sermons found that less than 10% of evangelical churches even mentioned hell  over several weeks. And among mainline churches? Almost none. Love, grace, purpose, encouragement—these dominate today’s pulpits. But judgment? Consequences? Eternity?  Not so much. It’s as if we've traded in the warnings for warm feelings. But by muting hell, are we altering the Gospel itself ? What’s at Stake Jesus Himself talked more about hell than He did about heaven. Not to manipulate with fear, but to awaken the spiritually numb. He used vivid terms— unquenchable fire , outer darkness , weeping and gnashing of teeth —to describe what awaited those who chose to reject God’s love. His message was urgent, not polite. Direct, not domesticated. But today, many churches fear alienating seekers. Ministries worry about online backlash. Pastors want to be liked. And in the process, we’ve raised a generation with little sense of what we’re saved from —or if there’s anything to be saved from at all. And here’s where the comparison gets chilling. When We Stop Teaching, People Forget Recent national research shows that over 1 in 4 young adults in America don't believe the Holocaust happened , and 60% of Gen Z cannot name even one concentration camp , despite there being over 40,000  of them. The horrifying reality of six million Jews being systematically exterminated in gas chambers, work camps, and ghettos is disappearing from memory—because it’s disappearing from education. If we don’t talk about hell, will it follow the same path? Will the next generation view it as a myth? Will they dismiss the idea of consequences entirely? Will they grow up in churches where Jesus saves—but no one can say what He saves us from ? The parallel is clear: silence breeds ignorance. And ignorance opens the door to distortion, denial, and disbelief . A Call to Courage—and Clarity We must reclaim what has been lost in our preaching, teaching, and conversations. Not to scare, but to speak truth in love . Not to manipulate, but to motivate urgency . Because if hell is real—and Jesus says it is—then warning people is the most loving thing we can do . We’ve created a short, eye-opening Biblical Hell & Salvation Assessment —an anonymous quiz that is a mix of true/false and multiple-choice questions. And with each question we provide a detailed answer that will help you: See what the Bible actually teaches about hell Understand your own eternal future Start conversations with others that matter most Take the Assessment Now: https://bttb.org/HellAndSalvation   Once you’ve taken it, forward it to a few friends. Your small step could change someone’s eternal direction. Let’s not be the generation that forgets what matters most. Let’s tell the whole story. S end your comments to me   here. All in, eyes up! -Arnie