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Adam Dooley

Sep 02
Love0

The Prayer Partner We Need

By Doubt, Faith, Holy Spirit, Prayer, Trust, Truth No Comments

Pray for me, pastor.

As you would expect, I hear those words quite often. People find tremendous comfort in knowing that someone will carry their burden before the Lord. When life becomes overwhelming, we want a prayer partner who cares about us, knows the Scripture, and takes prayer seriously.

Over the years, I have had numerous people who faithfully interceded on my behalf. A wife who loves me unconditionally. Parents who always stand by me. Mentors who poured into my life. Each one has been a blessing, but there is one prayer partner that rises above all the rest.

What if I told you that God Himself prays for you? Would you believe it? Does that seem too good to be true? Remarkably, the Apostle Paul reveals that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (Rom. 8:26b). The born-again Christian never prays alone because the Spirit of God who indwells us stands ready to help as we talk to the Father (Rom. 8:15-17).

But why do we need the Holy Spirit as a prayer partner?

The Bible explains that the Spirit prays with us and for us because of our “weakness” (Rom. 8:26a). We are vulnerable, frail creatures who do not know what to pray for and often find it difficult to express our needs or feelings. The will of God often escapes us, and the work of God sometimes confuses us. Consequently, we do not know where to start when we pray.

How should we pray when someone we love becomes seriously ill? What should we ask God to do for our children? How should we respond to an unexpected opportunity? What should we request when trouble turns our world upside down? Naturally, we want healing, provision, relief, comfort, and quick resolution. Nothing makes those desires wrong. But our preferences do not always match God’s purposes. In our weakness, we can be woefully ignorant of God’s will.

Sometimes our problem is more visceral as we approach God. In our pain, we can be left speechless, unable to voice our deepest hurts and struggles. Maybe a diagnosis rocks us to the core. Perhaps someone we trust betrays us. Undoubtedly, unexpected hardships arise that test our faith. These are the groanings that are too deep for words (Rom. 8:26). The Holy Spirit sees beyond our confusion, carries our deepest wounds, and expresses the heart we struggle to communicate to the Father. He prays for us what we would pray for ourselves if we knew better and felt better.

Even more remarkable, though, is that no prayer offered by the Spirit ever contradicts the will of God (Rom. 8:27). He takes our confusion and dismay, our heartache and lament, our stubbornness and rebellion, even our shortcomings and sin, then filters them through the Lord’s perfect design for them all. When we cry, “God, change this!” the Spirit intercedes, “Father, accomplish Your will.” Sometimes both petitions point in the same direction, but often they do not. Even the greatest saints struggle at times.

Paul asked three times for the removal of his thorn in the flesh, but God had other plans (2 Cor. 12:7-9). Mary and Martha wanted Jesus to prevent Lazarus from dying, but Christ’s intentions were greater (John 11:1-46). The disciples certainly wanted a different outcome as they watched Jesus die on the cross, yet the divine agenda called for the Savior’s crucifixion (Mark 15:22-38). Surely, we can relate. Many of our prayers miss the mark, too. We regularly don’t know what to ask for, how to feel, or what God is doing. Yet, in every circumstance, struggle, and concern, the Spirit of Christ is there to pray according to what we do not yet know or understand.

If this approach to prayer seems a bit risky, the Bible reassures us that God is actively working all events, whether they be burdensome or delightful, for our ultimate good (Rom. 8:28). Because the Holy Spirit intercedes according to the will of God, every prayer we offer reassures us that God consistently pursues our well-being. No matter what happens, you can trust the Lord to turn it into something beautiful.

Imagine looking at the backside of a tapestry while an artist works. Threads run everywhere. Knots hang loosely. Colors collide without any apparent pattern. From that perspective, everything looks chaotic and unrelated. Walk around to the other side, however, and a beautiful picture emerges. That is Romans 8:28. When we see a tangled mess in front of us, God sees the finished masterpiece that’s ahead.

Certainly, everything that happens to us is not good. A broken marriage is not good. Burying someone you love is not good. Losing a job is not good. Disease that ravages your body is not good. Broken promises, angry words, bitter tears, and shattered dreams hurt us deeply. Yet, God sovereignly uses our worst moments and our deepest trials to bring about good. Sometimes we can see it in this life. In other instances, only the light of eternity will reveal His wonderful result. But in all matters, God hears our prayers and responds in ways that transform us into the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29).

So, keep praying, even when you do not know what to say. Bring God your weakness. Bring Him your confusion. Bring Him your heartache. Bring Him your desires. Bring Him the groanings you cannot put into words. The Spirit is interceding. The Father is working. And God promises to make you more like Jesus.

Adam B. Dooley
September 2, 2026

Aug 27
Love0

Right Faith, Wrong Object?

By Doubt, Faith, Prayer No Comments

This week, I learned the magnitude of the word anything.

Like so many parents before us, my wife and I dropped our oldest son off at college—ten hours away from home. Nothing really prepares you for that experience. It feels a little like having open-heart surgery without anesthesia. Or maybe like someone rips your heart out and plays pickleball with it.

Other than that, it was great!

Seriously, as we finished decorating his room, one thought kept running through my mind: Does he have everything he needs? So, I repeatedly asked, “Do you need anything?”

And I meant it.
Need my credit card? Take it.
Need a kidney? It’s yours.
Want us to move the whole family to Virginia? No problem.

Turns out all he needed was an extension cord, a few extra hangers, and a new blazer for work. My wife and I took off shopping and started throwing merchandise into the cart like Cousin Eddie Christmas shopping with Clark Griswold. He’ll need a new phone mount for his car so that he isn’t distracted. Better grab some of his favorite protein shakes. Of course he needs some swag with his school logo on it.

You see, when I said anything, I meant more than my son realized.

Before we drove away, we hugged and prayed together. I told him how much I love him and how proud I am that he is my son. Then I reminded him, “Please call me if you need anything.” On our trip home I could not help but think that Jesus must have felt something similar when He left His disciples. Knowing He would soon die, rise again, and ascend back to heaven, our Savior said, “If you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you” (John 16:23).

There it is again. Anything.

Numerous passages of Scripture make similar promises. Ask and believe, and you will receive (Matt. 21:22). Ask anything in my name and I will do it (John 14:13). Unfortunately, some are quick to rip these verses from their context and insist that God must give us whatever we request if we believe fervently enough. Such thinking dangerously shifts our faith away from God and toward our own ability to trust.

When we misapply our faith, the object of our belief is ourselves. Instead of resting in God, we recklessly depend upon our ability to know His perfect will, to resist all doubts, and to believe without wavering. Simply put, our faith is in our faith. Biblical belief is different.

The Apostle John clarified the distinction lest we be led astray. “If we ask anything according to His will,” he wrote, “He hears us” (1 John 5:14). Those four words—according to His will—protect us from misunderstanding everything God promises about prayer. Calling out to God in faith does not mean believing God will give me what I want. Rather, it means trusting the Lord to answer me according to what is best.

The relational context is key. Prayer is a family privilege for those who “believe in the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13). Through Christ the Son, we approach our heavenly Father with assurance of His love and concern. My children have never made an appointment with my secretary to see me. They freely walk into my office unannounced. They interrupt conversations. They repeat themselves until they know I heard them. Why? Because our relationship gives them uninhibited access.

Likewise, Christians can approach God with similar “confidence” (1 John 5:14). Effective prayer begins with a relationship, not a technique. Though we do not know how God will respond when we pray, we talk to Him knowing that we are welcome to do so. The freedom to ask anything of our heavenly Father does not, however, give us unlimited wisdom to know what to ask for. In fact, we are often at a loss over how or what we should pray (Rom. 8:26).

Thus, every prayer should seek God’s will even as we express our requests and preferences. Doing so is not a lack of faith, as some suppose, but a confident acknowledgment that God Himself is the object of our belief. Even Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Because no one ever prayed with greater faith than Jesus, surrendering to God’s will cannot indicate weak faith. The goal of prayer is not to get our will done in heaven, but to see God’s will done on earth.

When I told my son to call me for anything, there were obviously limitations to what I would do for him. I would not give him a privilege that contradicts how he was raised, nor would I gift him a possession that might distract from why he’s away in the first place. My promise was about realities much deeper than one request. I was really saying . . .

I’m your father.
You can always call me.
I’ll always listen to you.
I love you more than you know.
You can trust me to do what is best for you.

If that is true about an imperfect dad like me, how much more true is it about our heavenly Father when we pray. He possesses perfect love, perfect wisdom, and unlimited power. The object of our faith should always be the loving Father who knows what we cannot know and sees what we cannot see.

Adam B. Dooley
August 27, 2026

Aug 24
Love0

Is There a House of Prayer Left?

By Prayer No Comments

My house shall be called a house of prayer.

I have read those words many times over the years. Recently, however, they resonated with me in a fresh way as I contemplated the priorities that define most American churches. The lingering question that pricked my heart was simply—would Jesus describe the church I pastor the same way?

My house shall be called a house of prayer. Not a house of preaching? Not a house of stirring music? Not a house of programs or ministry? I love all these activities, but none of them captured Jesus’ heart. The single defining characteristic our Lord chose to describe His house was prayer.

Don’t miss the intentionality. Did you know that there are currently more than a dozen restaurants across the country called “The Fish House” or the “The House of Fish?”

Whatever your perception of these establishments, our greatest expectation is that they know how to prepare tasty fish. Their menus may offer burgers, salads, and chicken, but their specialty each day better have gills and fins.

In a similar way, Jesus conveyed His priority by identifying the Old Testament temple as a house of prayer for all the nations (Mark 11:17). Rather than occupying a small corner of our spiritual lives, prayer is to remain front and center. All of this raises three very practical questions.

Where Is the House of Prayer?

The familiar scene of Jesus driving the money changers out of the temple is the backdrop to Jesus’ stated expectation (Mark 11:15-18). For centuries before the resurrection of Christ, the temple structure was a place for seeking the Lord through prayer and sacrifice. While no modern equivalent exists, the New Testament identifies God’s redeemed people, not a building, as His dwelling place.

Congregational gatherings, according to the Apostle Paul, make up God’s household who are being built together as a holy temple, which is a dwelling of God in the Spirit (Eph. 2:19-22). Because the early church understood this, they continually devoted themselves to prayer (Acts 2:42), lifting their voices to God in one accord (Acts 4:24). The apostles remained steadfast in their commitment to a ministry of prayer and Scripture (Acts 6:4).

I am not suggesting that a local church is a new temple, but every church should be a house of prayer. Programs have their place. The Word of God cannot be absent. Worshipful music is a must. Fellowship is a genuine need. But prayer ought to saturate everything that takes place when the people of God assemble.

Furthermore, every individual Christian should view himself/herself as a house of prayer as well. Because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19), petitions of every kind ought to characterize our daily lives. Christians should pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1), devote themselves to prayer (Rom. 12:12), pray at all times in the Spirit (Eph. 6:18), and let their requests be made known (Phil. 4:6) while they pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). We should ask for wisdom, strength, forgiveness, healing, spiritual growth, and daily needs. We should intercede for our families, friends, enemies, church, leaders, and those who need Christ.

Why Is the House of Prayer So Important?

Our Savior quoted the prophet Isaiah in order to teach us that His house of prayer was “for all the nations.” The background of these words was God’s reassurance that, though the Jews were His chosen ones, He was determined to save foreigners from every background as well (Isa. 56:7-8). Prayer, in other words, represents a remarkable invitation, to the Jew first, but also to the Gentile (Rom. 1:16).

The eternal God who created the heavens and earth invites frail, sinful human beings from every tribe and tongue to call out to Him. Whether you be rich or poor, educated or uneducated, successful or struggling, God welcomes whosoever will to call out to Him for forgiveness and grace through Jesus Christ.

Being a house of prayer not only challenges every church to seek God for themselves, but it also compels us to invite others to join us. Not a certain kind of people, but any who are hungry to know God. Ironically, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day hindered the very people the Lord wanted to welcome.

Being a house of prayer remedies selfish priorities in ministry. When we call out to God, He breaks our hearts for the nations. And as we seek to spread the gospel, prayer is the means by which the Lord gives us success. A praying church will be a going church!

What Prevents Us from Becoming a House of Prayer?

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day turned God’s house of prayer into a “robbers’ den” (Mark 11:17). Greed, dishonesty, and self-interest crowded out genuine worship and intercession. We should never assume that we are immune from the same danger.

Imagine walking into a hospital emergency room only to find doctors discussing vacation plans, nurses serving coffee, and patients watching football. Despite their friendliness, no one is caring for the sick. Though none of their activities were morally wrong, you would understandably ask, “Have you forgotten why this place exists?”

I fear that churches often make the same mistake. We can fill calendars, construct buildings, organize programs, enjoy conversation, and remain wonderfully busy while unintentionally neglecting prayer. Sadly, many modern congregations operate as though they can accomplish their work with no help from God whatsoever.

Individual believers can face the same temptation. Busyness convinces us that we have no time to pray. Apprehension tells us we do not know how to pray. Arrogance persuades us that we can manage life without prayer. Before long, we stop trying altogether. Becoming a house of prayer doesn’t happen accidentally. It happens one believer at a time. Why not start today?

Adam B. Dooley
August 24, 2026

Aug 12
Love0

Cultural Insanity Invades the WNBA

By Persecution, Transgenderism, Women No Comments

Sometimes the easiest way to expose a bad idea is simply to take it seriously. For years, the transgender movement has promoted a false distinction between biological sex and gender identity that has become commonplace in society. Consequently, the intrusion of men into female spaces, whether it be bathrooms, athletic competitions, or beauty contests, is left to the whims of individuals and their chosen identities. All of this is perfectly normal, or so we are told. The absurdity of such thinking is obvious, yet many are afraid to speak out.

Until recently, that is.

Last week, former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom shocked the world when he stated his intention of entering the 2027 WNBA Draft. The 34-year-old, 6-foot-10 veteran played eleven seasons professionally, averaging 11.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Now, he wants another opportunity to step on the court—this time in the Women’s National Basketball Association.

Not long after Freedom’s announcement, another former NBA  player, Royce White, waded into the fray. As a former first-round draft pick, White seemingly joined the protest to intentionally expose the reckless logic behind the whole gender identity scam. Currently, the WNBA’s position on eligibility is that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the [league].” Nothing wrong here. But if the same league is unwilling to limit the definition of a woman to biological realities, these words are not worth the paper they are written on.

Sports commentator Bob Costas weighed in with refreshing common sense. “There is a reason why the high school champions don’t compete with the college champions,” he said. “There is a reason why no trans-man who was once a woman and become a man has ever competed successfully with men in the Olympics. If Caitlin Clark could play in the NBA,” he continued, “everybody would applaud it. That would be an incredible thing. But if the last guy on the bench of an NBA team went to the WNBA and started averaging 40 points a game, everyone would know that is BS.” While stressing that transgender people deserve dignity and respect, Costas concluded, “Common sense is not transphobic.”

Indeed.

These questions were not born last week, though. In July, Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham sparked controversy by simply saying, “I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.” Her observation hardly seems radical. Yet, days later, Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve protested those comments by wearing a “Trans Kids Belong” shirt on the sidelines.

Claiming to value and protect women without being able to clearly define what women are is a blatant contradiction. Strangely, many of the most ardent feminist voices remain silent. The champions of Title IX rightly celebrated the distinctions between the sexes as important and valuable. These modern reinterpretations of gender, however, jeopardize every previous gain.

The WNBA will not be able to waver between two positions for much longer. Either it is a league for women, or it is not. Abstract talk of inclusion cannot avoid the reality that women will suffer if biological men enter their league. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert recently released a memo stating that league officials are continuing conversations about transgender participation. Team presidents and general managers will reportedly facilitate meetings about the issue, with additional listening sessions expected.

Think about that. Does a league which exists for women really have this much difficulty defining what a woman is? If the roles were reversed, and these were women pretending to be men, how many do you think could earn a spot on an NBA roster? Women’s basketball exists because the physical differences between the sexes are undeniable. Are these conversations really necessary? Or are they just more evidence of our cultural unwillingness to embrace common sense? Freedom and White have exposed the inconsistency by following the argument to its logical conclusion.

Thankfully, the Bible speaks with refreshing clarity about these matters. Every human being possesses innate, immeasurable worth because God created each of us in His image (Gen. 1:26-28). Cruelty, hatred, and mockery of those who suffer from gender dysphoria is not a Christian virtue. God calls believers to love our neighbors even when we strongly disagree with them (Matt. 22:39).

Doing so does not, however, compel us to be untruthful. Jesus affirmed that from the beginning, God made human beings male and female (Matt. 19:4-5). Both the unique roles for the sexes (Gen. 2:18-25) and the gender specific curses that followed humanity’s fall (Gen. 3:16-19) reflect God’s purposeful design for men and women. Rebelling against the gender of our birth is akin to mocking the image of God that is stamped on every human soul. Biology confirms what Scripture so plainly declares. Despite being equally valuable, men and women are not biologically identical.

Our culture increasingly forces objective truth to yield to the personal preferences and feelings of individuals. Such confusion is simply not sustainable. Truth is not hateful because someone finds it offensive. Neither does compassion become loving when it demands dismissing reality. Calling good evil or evil good is never the Christian thing to do (Isa. 5:20).

Adam B. Dooley
August 12, 2026

Aug 05
Love0

When Doubt Meets Grace

By Assurance, Doubt, Grace, Salvation No Comments

Certainty has become a rare commodity in our world. News headlines often project political views rather than reality. Our distrust for politicians, journalists, and corporations is at an all-time high. The days of taking anything at face value seem to be a distant memory that may never return.

Eventually, that same skepticism reaches the most important question of all. Can I really know that I belong to God? Am I truly born again? Is my salvation real? Was my faith genuine? Did I really mean it? What if I was mistaken?

Thankfully, the Bible offers guidance saturated with grace as we wrestle with doubts like these. The Apostle John wrote an entire epistle with the single aim of helping his readers know that they had eternal life (1 John 5:13). Such confidence may be rarer than ever, but it is essential for a thriving walk with the Lord.

A soldier who doubts his commander will hesitate in battle. A child who questions his father’s love will lack peace and security. Likewise, a Christian who constantly disputes his salvation will struggle with consistency and boldness in the faith. In fact, one of Satan’s favorite tactics is convincing genuine believers that they can never be certain that Christ has saved them (Eph. 6:11; 2 Cor. 11:3).

So, what are the unmistakable signs that a person is assuredly saved?

First, the Holy Spirit will continually point us back to Jesus. The role of the Trinity’s third member has never been about drawing attention to Himself. Instead, He constantly glorifies Christ (John 16:13-14), bearing witness that He is the Son of God (1 John 5:6-8).

At Jesus’ baptism, God the Father announced His identity (Matt. 3:16-17). At His crucifixion, the supernatural signs surrounding the cross confirmed His mission (Matt. 27:45-54). At His resurrection, Christ forever proved His victory over sin and death (Rom. 1:4). The Holy Spirt takes these historical realities and woos us with their veracity, compelling us to trust Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

Too many people make the mistake of searching for peace by seeking emotional experiences or by measuring spiritual accomplishments. Sadly, efforts like these never bring the assurance that we long for. The great reformer, Martin Luther, once confessed that the harder he worked to earn God’s favor, the more uncertain he became. Every act of discipline left him wondering if it was enough.

Amidst our similar struggles, the Holy Spirit is always there to remind us that Jesus is enough. His blood cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). Forgiveness comes through the gracious work of His cross, not as a result of our good works (Eph. 2:8-9). We trust His finished work, not our unfinished efforts (John 19:30). The Comforter consistently whispers, “Look upon Him and be saved (Isa. 45:22).”

Next, the Holy Spirit produces evidence of new life within us. He testifies to us internally that we are born again (Rom. 8:15-16). He transforms our desires (Phil. 2:13). He convicts us when we disobey (John 16:8). He grows our love for our Savior, the Bible, and the people of God (Rom. 5:5). Though Scripture nowhere suggests that Christians can become sinless (1 John 1:8-10), it does teach us that believers cannot feel at home in their sins (1 John 3:9). Even when we stumble, the Holy Spirit is there to draw us back to repentance and faith continually.

As we examine ourselves to test the validity of our faith (2 Cor. 13:5), numerous questions are helpful. Has my heart changed (Matt. 7:16-20)? Do I love Jesus more than I once did (Matt. 10:37)? Do I hunger for God’s Word (1 Pet. 2:2)? Do I desire holiness (Heb. 12:14)? Do I sincerely love other believers (1 John 3:14; 4:7)? While these qualities do not save us, they reveal the reality of an inward transformation that is already taking place.

Finally, the Holy Spirit leverages Scripture to confirm His work within us. The Bible is often the Spirit’s sharpest tool for conforming our lives to Christ (Heb. 4:12). Because God will never lead us to contradict His Word, we should affirm Scripture’s inspiration and sufficiency without hesitation (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21). Every chapter and verse ultimately points us to Christ (Luke 24:27), even as it becomes a manual for righteous living (2 Tim. 3:17).

Governments change. Economies fluctuate. Cultures drift. Feelings come and go. Our own hearts often deceive us (Jer. 17:9). But Christ never changes. He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). Build your assurance upon Him, not yourself (John 10:27-29). God does not want His children living in perpetual uncertainty. He invites us to trust His Son, believe His promises, and rest in the testimony of the Holy Spirit (1 John 5:9-13). When we do, grace will overcome every doubt.

John the apostle wrote so that you could know.
God wants you to know.
Do you know?

Adam B. Dooley
August 5, 2026

Jul 29
Love0

Going Against the Flow

By Christian Living, Evil, Faith, Holiness, Life No Comments

For most of us, the pressure to go with the flow is much stronger than we care to admit. The societal compulsion to think and live like everyone else can be intimidating, and the misguided values of our fallen world are often enticing. Following Jesus, though, requires the courage to move in the opposite direction by going against the currents of compromise.

Learning from one of Israel’s greatest failures at a pivotal moment offers us some practical guidance. After the Lord delivered His people out of Egypt through ten miraculous plagues, He led them safely through the Red Sea before feeding them manna from heaven and water from a rock in the middle of the desert. After years of journeying together, the Jews were finally on the verge of the Promised Land (Num. 13-14).

After Moses sent out twelve spies to survey the Canaanite territory over the span of forty days, the people heard reports of a land flowing with milk, honey, and abundant fruit (Num. 13:27). While Joshua and Caleb challenged the people to pursue God’s best for them, the ten other spies magnified the obstacles out of fear. In the end, the nation disobeyed God and refused to enter the land (Num. 14:1-3). Their contrasting responses teach us three important lessons as we seek the Lord’s will despite the pressures of our culture.

First, we should celebrate that God’s plans for our lives are always attainable. Despite the Lord’s clear direction, the presence of strong inhabitants in the land paralyzed the fearful spies (Num. 13:28). In other words, to them obedience seemed impossible.

We hear similar misleading voices today. You cannot maintain sexual purity in this culture, they say. You cannot guard your mind with so much wickedness around you, we are told. You cannot build your life around Scripture without becoming irrelevant, many insist. You cannot remain committed to church when others walk away, people speculate. You cannot speak openly about Christ without alienating people, others predict.

Do not believe those lies.

Though God never promises an easy road, He always equips us to walk the path He chooses. Every Christian is the “workmanship” of the Father, created in Christ Jesus for good works that the Lord prepared for us to walk in before we were born (Eph. 2:10).

Personal holiness can sometimes isolate us. Obedience will leave you standing alone. Biblical convictions will put you at odds with the mainstream. Godliness will always be antithetical to popular opinion. Salvation’s narrow road may put us out of step with the world around us, but our Savior does not demand what is impossible, nor does He require anything that is not for our good (Matt. 7:13-14).

Second, we can rest knowing that God’s power is always available. Joshua and Caleb never denied the presence of giant warriors in the land. Instead, they pleaded with their peers, reminding them that the Lord was present with them and for them (Num. 14:9). That realization changes everything.

Christians often look at our deteriorating culture and surrender to despair. We lament declining morality, fractured families, biblical illiteracy, sexual confusion, and increasing hostility toward Christian convictions. These concerns are real and deserve our attention, but fear should never define our response to darkness. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God promises to enable our greater devotion (Rom. 8:5). Whatever He calls us to, He empowers us for. His plans are never out of reach, nor are His desires unattainable.

Because Christ lives within us (Gal. 2:20), we never face temptation alone (1 Cor. 10:13). The Holy Spirit cultivates a hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt. 5:6), enabling us to repent of sin, share the gospel, and serve others as salt and light in our communities (Matt. 5:13-16). Few feel strong enough to live the Christian life and, in reality, none of us are. Yet, the Lord has not left us powerless against the schemes of the devil (Eph. 6:11-17).

Finally, we must never forget that God’s people are always accountable. Unbelief, not intimidation, was the root cause of Israel’s failure. Despite everything God had shown them, they refused to trust His Word. Consequently, an entire generation forfeited the privilege of entering Canaan (Num. 14:20-23). Their story reminds us that our choices have consequences.

Clearly, disobeying God is sinful. But knowing to do good, and refusing it, is just as egregious (James 4:17). The Lord holds us responsible for both. Our actions, or the lack thereof, have lasting implications.

Perhaps you keep postponing obedience. Maybe God is calling you to fuller surrender. Do you need to forgive someone? To abandon a sinful habit? To repent before God? Perhaps passivity plagues your walk with God? Do you spend enough time reading God’s Word? Are you active in a local church? Have you been putting off obedience of some kind?

Do not assume tomorrow will offer the same opportunity as today. Israel learned the hard way that our inaction is often rebellious. By the time they realized their error, it was too late (Num. 14:40-45). Going with the flow will rob us of God’s best for our lives. You can squander years chasing pleasure, possessions, approval, comfort, or success. By the time you recognize what those pursuits have cost you, the burden created may be irreversible.

So don’t be afraid to stand against the tide of cultural lies. The crowd may offer an easier road, but faith will choose another direction. Go against the flow. Trust God’s plan. Depend on His power. Remember your accountability. You won’t regret doing so.

Adam B. Dooley
July 29, 2026

Jul 23
Love0

Be Careful Who You Listen To!

By Accountability, Bible, Evil, False Prophets, Judgment, Ministry, Pastor, Preaching, Scripture No Comments

Jesus never told His followers to believe every spiritual voice they encountered. Instead, He issued the sobering warning that false prophets often clothe themselves in sheep’s clothing though they are inwardly ravenous wolves (Matt. 7:15). Those words matter more than ever.

Our generation enjoys unprecedented access to Bible teachers all over the globe. A smartphone, microphone, ring light, and internet connection allow anyone to present themselves as an expert on Scripture. Podcasts, YouTube channels, livestreams, and social media feeds place countless influencers at our fingertips. Unfortunately, popularity is not always a reflection of faithfulness. Algorithms reward confidence more than accuracy, and charisma often attracts a larger audience than biblical truth.

But imagine with me that your child suddenly developed a life-threatening heart condition. I am confident that you would not select a surgeon because his videos had gone viral or because online followers reached the millions. Instead, you would seek out someone with proven training, unquestioned integrity, and a track record you could trust. And rightly so. Yet, when it comes to matters of faith and the health of our souls, we are often much less discerning of those who manipulate God’s Word.

Ironically, Scripture accurately predicted this reckless cycle. “The time will come,” warned the Apostle Paul, “when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths (2 Tim. 4:3-4). If that weren’t bad enough, Jesus lamented the abundance of false teachers eager to scratch our heretical impulses (Matt. 7:22-23).

How, then, can we recognize the wolves among us?

Thankfully, Jesus answered with one simple phrase: “You will know them by their fruits (Matt. 7:16).” Because a good tree cannot bear bad fruit; and because a bad tree cannot bear good fruit, we can examine two distinct areas of a teacher’s life to determine if they deserve a hearing (Matt. 7:17-19).

First, is the matter of doctrine. Sound teachers submit themselves to the authority of Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16-17). They preach the whole counsel of God, not merely the portions that draw applause (Acts 20:27). They gladly proclaim God’s love without ignoring His holiness. They rejoice in grace while refusing to minimize sin. They call people to repentance because they understand that forgiveness only has meaning when we first acknowledge our guilt.

By contrast, false teachers often sound remarkably orthodox at first. Though they use familiar Christian vocabulary, they subtly redefine biblical terms. Some deceivers openly deny the plain meaning of Scripture. Others quietly ignore biblical truth. Sadly, what some refuse to say can be just as dangerous as what they do say. They might speak of forgiveness with no mention of repentance. They might promise salvation with no concern for the narrow road that precedes it (Matt. 7:13-14). Jesus’ substitutionary death, His coming judgment, or His claims of exclusivity are dangerously absent (John 14:6). Assurances of peace when there is no peace is the common invitation that wolves love to offer (Jer. 6:14).

Second, is evaluation of a messenger’s devotion. Right doctrine alone does not qualify someone to lead the Lord’s church. The character of a leader’s life is just as important as the content of his message. Truth was never meant to remain behind a pulpit. Practicing what one preaches is the key for avoiding spiritual manipulation. Regrettably, a preacher may possess remarkable communication skills, impressive academic credentials, or even a large ministry platform, yet still lack genuine godliness (Matt. 7:20).

The New Testament insists that spiritual leaders demonstrate integrity, humility, self-control, and faithfulness (1 Tim. 3:1-7). Their homes, relationships, and personal holiness should reinforce the message they proclaim. A man who faithfully preaches biblical messages on Sunday but habitually disregards it throughout the week undermines his own ministry. Eloquence is never a substitute for godliness.

Warnings like these extend far beyond the pastorate, though. Parents should teach and model Scripture to their children. Sunday School teachers will influence young minds by what they say and do. Every Christian who opens God’s Word should strive to live consistently with what he teaches. Doctrine without devotion produces hypocrisy, while devotion without sound doctrine leads to confusion. God desires both.

So, be careful who you listen to. Many who stand before the Lord one day will hear the devastating words, “Depart from Me. I never knew you (Matt. 7:23). Christ also calls us to exercise discernment. We should never surrender our minds to charisma, celebrity, or popularity. Instead, we must test every spiritual voice by the unchanging truth of God’s Word and by the unmistakable fruit of a godly life (1 John 4:1).

In an age overflowing with religious content, Jesus’ warning has never been more relevant. The safest teachers are not necessarily the most entertaining or the most influential. They are the ones whose doctrine faithfully reflects God’s truth and whose daily lives consistently reflect God’s Son.

Adam B. Dooley
July 23, 2026

Jul 15
Love0

The Weight You Were Never Meant to Carry

By Anxiety, Brokenness, Comfort, Faith, God, Grief, Hope, Trials, Worry No Comments

Anxiety has become so commonplace that many people accept it as a normal part of life. We make jokes about being chronic worriers, but fear quietly steals our joy, clouds our judgment, and distracts us from the goodness of God. Like a cancer that contaminates our spiritual blessings, hidden anguish is not a minor problem to ignore.

Every generation finds new reasons to fret. Parents fear for their children. Students stress over grades. Workers wonder whether they will keep their jobs. Retirees question whether their savings will last. Even good news often gives way to fresh concerns. Mark Twain reportedly remarked that he had lived through many terrible experiences, most of which never happened. His observation exposes the deceptive nature of anxiety. Our minds often create disasters long before reality ever arrives (Prov. 12:25).

Jesus addressed our common struggle in the Sermon on the Mount. He cautioned us against obsessing over food, clothing, tomorrow’s uncertainties, and even the length of our lives (Matt. 6:25-34). Worry never solves a problem. Anxiety will not add one hour to our lives, remove any of our future hardships, or strengthen us for whatever today’s responsibilities might be. Instead, fear shifts our focus away from the Father’s providential care and concern.

Combatting our internal dismay begins with an honest confession. The Apostle Paul commanded believers to “be anxious for nothing” (Phil. 4:6a). Though we may understand the temptation to worry, we dare not justify it as anything other unbelief. Faith insists that God reigns over every circumstance, no matter how frightening or painful. Despite our rebellious instinct to live as if reality depends upon us, we do well to admit that our prideful delusion only leads to uncertainty and panic. A sincere acknowledgement of our weakness invites God’s strength into our struggle (Psa. 55:22).

The circumstances behind Paul’s words mark his command as even more compelling. Roman authorities held him in prison while he wrote the book of Philippians. False teachers troubled the churches he dearly loved, and execution remained a looming possibility. Even so, the faithful apostle refused to surrender his heart to fear because he trusted the character of God more than the uncertainty of his future (Phil. 1:20-21).

Calling out to God functions as the next step toward lasting peace. Through the means of prayer and supplication, we are to let our requests be made known to God (Phil. 4:6b). God never asks us to ignore our fears. He welcomes every burden, every question, and every concern we bring before Him. Our Savior even admonished His followers to ask, seek, and knock because our heavenly Father delights in giving good gifts to His children (Matt. 7:7-11).

Thanksgiving also transforms the way we talk to God. Gratitude reminds us of the Lord’s past faithfulness while giving us renewed strength to face whatever is ahead (Lam. 3:22-23).  Likewise, prayerful worship deepens our resolve to embrace God’s direction and will before we know the outcome of our petitions. Making specific requests sharpens our dependence upon our heavenly Father because his specific answers serve as practical expressions which reinforce the realness of our faith. All the while, our confidence grows even as our anxiety subsides.

Regardless of what the outcomes might be, God breathes life into our prayers, making them the means of supernatural peace which guards our hearts and minds (Phil. 4:7). Though this holy serenity does not always remove our painful circumstances, the Lord strengthens His people in the middle of every trial (John 14:27).

Because he also understood the powerful connection between our thoughts and our emotions, Paul instructs us to dwell on whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise (Phil. 4:8). Healthy thinking cultivates strategic prayer, resulting in confident living. Fear grows wherever lies dominate our minds, but joy flourishes wherever God’s truth takes root (Rom. 12:2).

Seem too good to be true? Just look around. Birds never store food in barns, yet our heavenly Father feeds them every day. Wildflowers never toil or spin, yet God dresses the fields with their breathtaking colors every spring (Matt. 6:26-30). Each sunrise silently proclaims the Father’s loving care. Every blooming flower reminds us that our Creator never overlooks our needs. Human beings bear God’s image, making us infinitely more valuable than any bird or flower (Gen. 1:26-28).

Every morning presents us with the same choice. We can rehearse our fears or remember God’s steadfastness. We can carry burdens that belong to the Lord or place them into His capable hands. Worry has never changed tomorrow, but trusting God changes us today (Isa. 26:3).

Adam B. Dooley
July 15, 2026

Jul 08
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The Pesky Reality About Our Trials

By Christian Living, Heaven, Salvation No Comments

None of us ever ask God for trials.

We pray for healing instead of sickness, peace instead of conflict, and provision instead of uncertainty. Adversity interrupts our plans, steals our comfort, and exposes our weaknesses. Hardship arrives uninvited, overstays its welcome, and forces us to ask questions we never expected to face. These intrusions are pesky because of the havoc they wreak.

The most disconcerting reality about life’s troubles, though, is not found in the wake of its collateral damage. The greatest nuisance is not the pain our trials bring but the truth they expose. In one sense, our burdens build faith into our lives in a profound way (James 1:2-4). But, in a different sense entirely, our problems have a way of exposing genuine devotion to Christ or the lack thereof.

Jesus concluded the Sermon on the Mount with a familiar story about two men who built two houses on two contrasting foundations (Matt. 7:24-27). Outwardly, the homes appeared nearly identical. Their materials were the same and their design was consistent. The difference, however, remained unseen to the human eye beneath the surface. The first house enjoyed the firm foundation of a rock while the other emerged above the shifting sands.

Over the course of time, both homes encountered the same rain, floods, and winds. It was only after the storm struck that the critical distinction between the structures was clear. One house stood tall because of the security beneath it. The other had a great fall due to its faulty footing. Jesus’ parable is obviously about much more than residential construction. His lesson focuses on how we live our lives. Like these homes, we cannot fully discover what we are made of until the wind begins to blow.

The storms did not build the foundations; they exposed them. That truth should make every Christian stop and think. Adversity has its way of uncovering who we really are and what our foundation is (or is not). Even more remarkable, though, is that the fuller context of Matthew suggests these verses are not primarily about our earthly challenges and difficulties.

Christians, like all people, will face hard times. But the emphasis here points us to a greater storm that is coming. Previously, Jesus warned that not everyone who professes to know Him will be welcome in the kingdom of God (Matt. 7:21-23). The clouds of divine judgment are forming and one day every person will stand before the Lord to give an account. Justice will rain down; holiness will flood the earth; and the relentless righteousness of God will blow across our sinful lives.

No wonder our Savior issued numerous warnings about the coming judgment of God. He told us there are two gates, one that is small and the other that is wide, and two paths, one that is narrow and the other that is broad, from we must choose to enter. (Matt. 7:13-14). He warned that there are two kinds of fruit (good and bad), and that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit (Matt. 7:16-20). Two different confessions will separate the sheep from the goats (Matt. 7:21). And now, lest we miss the point, there are two differing foundations upon which we can build our lives.

This impending storm transforms the way we view our temporal problems. Trials become much more than unwelcome interruptions; they are dress rehearsals for eternity! Every burden we face exposes whether our faith rests fully on Christ or merely upon the sands of religious activity. Adversity has a pesky way of laying bare what lies beneath the surface.

The Bible consistently teaches that genuine faith perseveres. James explains that trials produce endurance (James 1:2-4). Peter says God refines our faith like gold in the fire (1 Peter 1:6-9). Paul reminds us that suffering produces perseverance, proven character, and hope (Romans 5:3-5). None of these passages indicate that our commitment through hardship earns salvation. Instead, persistence through difficulties reveals the reality of saving faith. In other words, earthly storms give us a glimpse of what will happen when we stand before God one day.

If we consistently abandon Christ due to our weariness, we should honestly examine whether we have ever built our lives upon Him. On the other hand, believers who continue trusting, obeying, and loving Christ through the hurt and pain of a fallen world gain increasing assurance that their lives rest upon the only foundation that cannot fail. Our perseverance does not determine God’s verdict. It points toward it.

One day every person will face the greatest storm of all when we stand before the Lord. Those who build their lives on Jesus Christ need not fear that day because our Savior already endured God’s judgment in our place. Until then, every earthly trial reminds us to keep trusting Him. Those who stand upon Jesus through the temporary storms of our broken existence can look toward eternity with confidence—not because of our strength—but because the Rock beneath us will never fail.

Adam B. Dooley
July 8, 2026

Jul 01
Love0

Loving America Without Losing Our Way

By America No Comments

Every year around the Fourth of July, especially this year on our semiquincentennial, the same conversation ensues. Someone observes that America has lost her moral compass. Another laments the decline of biblical values. Before long, many agree that our nation stands at a spiritual crossroads.

I share those concerns. Our culture increasingly rejects God’s design for marriage, the family, the sanctity of life, objective truth, and Scriptural morality. Additionally, declining biblical literacy and increasing hostility toward a Christian worldview ought to cause us alarm. Christians should not ignore these realities or pretend that a societal drift is not occurring. Yet, outside of mere acknowledgement, what are followers of Jesus actually supposed to do in such a climate?

Thankfully, Scripture provides remarkably practical guidance. Neither despair nor retreat are appropriate options for those called to be salt and light in the world (Matt. 5:13-16). Though America is not Israel, the biblical principles for faithful citizenship remain timeless. Rather than allowing discouragement to paralyze us, we should respond with consistent obedience to Christ. But how?

First, make sure your personal relationship with God is genuine. Patriotism and Christianity are not the same thing. You can love America, appreciate our Founders, wave the flag, vote for conservative values, and remain separated from God because of sin. No one enters heaven because they were born in the United States. Many sincere patriots have never trusted Christ. Salvation comes only through repentance and faith in the Son of God (John 14:6). Before we ask God to change our nation, we must be sure that He has changed us.

Next, determine to become the very best citizen you can be by obeying all laws that do not contradict Scripture. The apostle Peter admonishes us to submit ourselves to every human institution for the Lord’s sake (1 Peter 2:13). Doing so silences the frivolous accusations of unbelievers aimed at discrediting Christianity (1 Peter 2:15). Believers should follow the law consistently, pay taxes honestly, respect those who enforce justice, and conduct themselves with the highest integrity, knowing we represent Christ in every place every day.

The Bible also commands us to pray for those who lead us. With prayer and thanksgiving, we should call out to God on behalf of “kings and all who are in authority (1 Tim. 2:1-2).” Interceding for elected officials does not require agreeing with their every decision. Oftentimes, we will be praying for individuals we did not vote for. Yet, recognizing the tremendous weight of public service and understanding that God holds the ultimate authority over each leader, we should eagerly call out to the Lord on their behalf. These practical petitions will accomplish far more than our endless political debates.

We should also vote according to our biblical convictions. Casting a ballot for the candidate of our choosing is one of the great privileges of living in a constitutional republic, and we should steward that opportunity wisely. Scripture never encourages us to separate our faith from our politics or to compartmentalize our convictions. Christians ought to support policies and leaders who value the sanctity of human life (Ps. 139:13-16), protect religious liberty (1 Tim. 2), uphold justice (Micah 6:8), and promote the common good by punishing evildoers and rewarding righteousness (Rom. 13:1-5).

Still, we should never imagine that an election can accomplish what only the gospel can do. Presidents cannot regenerate hearts. Legislatures cannot forgive sins. Courts cannot produce spiritual renewal. Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20), and that mission remains the Church’s highest priority. If America experiences another great awakening, it will happen because ordinary believers faithfully shared the gospel one person at a time.

Our faith should also motivate us to serve our communities. Even while living in Babylonian exile, God instructed Israel to “seek the welfare of the city” where He placed them (Jer. 29:7). Identifying problems is often easy; doing something about challenges is much more difficult. Christians should be the best citizens in every community. We should volunteer, care for the vulnerable, encourage first responders, strengthen our schools, and love our neighbors well. Biblical conduct must always accompany biblical convictions.

Finally, we should pursue personal holiness. Our greatest contribution toward the strength of America is quietly living each day with consistent devotion to Christ (1 Thess. 4:11). Strong nations are built upon strong homes. Faithful marriages, honest business practices, godly parenting, and everyday integrity still matter. Culture only changes when what we say we believe translates in how we live (James 2:14-20).

As we celebrate our nation’s birthday, I remain grateful for America and hopeful for her future. Regardless of what’s ahead, I often remind myself that my true “citizenship is heaven (Phil. 3:20). We can be deeply patriotic without confusing America with the Kingdom of God. Perhaps that’s the perspective we need the most. Love your country. Pray for your country. Serve your country. But always remember that your greatest allegiance belongs to King Jesus.

Adam B. Dooley
July 1, 2026

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