The Fire That Sparked Forgiveness: The Staines Martyrdom and the Indian Church

Hello, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus. Today I need to share a story that's both heartbreaking and inspiring—a story of modern martyrdom, radical forgiveness, and the enduring power of the Gospel in India. It's the story of Graham Staines, his two young sons, and his widow Gladys, whose response to unspeakable tragedy became a testimony that echoes around the world.

But to understand this story fully, we need to start at the beginning—with how Christianity first came to India nearly 2,000 years ago.

[The Apostle Thomas - Christianity's ancient roots in India]

According to ancient tradition, the Apostle Thomas—"Doubting Thomas" as we often call him—brought the Gospel to India in 52 AD, just about twenty years after Jesus's resurrection. Thomas is believed to have landed on the Malabar Coast in what is now Kerala, in southwestern India.

The tradition says Thomas established seven churches along the coast and reached both Jewish communities and high-caste Hindus with the message of Christ. He baptized converts, trained leaders, and planted churches that still exist today—the Mar Thoma Church and other "Thomas Christian" communities trace their origins directly back to the Apostle Thomas.

In 72 AD, Thomas was martyred near present-day Chennai (formerly Madras) on the eastern coast. According to tradition, he was speared to death while praying. His tomb in Chennai became a pilgrimage site, and the Christians he left behind continued spreading the faith.

So Christianity in India is ancient—it's not a Western import from colonial times, as some claim. Indian Christians can trace their heritage back to the first century, to one of Jesus's own apostles!

[Christianity through the centuries - survival and growth]

Through the centuries that followed, Indian Christianity survived and even thrived in certain regions, particularly in Kerala. When Portuguese explorers arrived in the 1500s, they were shocked to find thriving Christian communities that had been there for 1,400 years!

Unfortunately, Portuguese colonialism tried to bring these ancient Indian Christians under Roman Catholic authority, causing divisions that still exist today. Later, British colonialism in the 1700s-1900s brought Protestant missionaries who did tremendous good—establishing schools, hospitals, and orphanages—but also unfortunately linked Christianity with British imperialism in many Indians' minds.

Despite these complications, Christianity continued growing, especially among lower-caste Indians and tribal peoples who found in the Gospel a message of dignity, equality, and hope that the caste system denied them.

[Graham Staines arrives - 1965]

Which brings us to Graham Staines. Born on January 18, 1941, in Palmwoods, Queensland, Australia, Graham felt called to missions and arrived in the Indian state of Odisha (formerly called Orissa) in 1965, when he was just 24 years old.

Graham worked for many years with the Evangelical Missionary Society of Mayurbhanj, caring for leprosy patients and tribal communities in remote areas of Odisha. This was humble, sacrificial work—caring for people that Indian society often rejected and feared. Leprosy patients were outcasts, and tribal peoples were marginalized. But Graham saw them as Jesus saw them—as precious souls made in God's image.

He married Gladys, and together they raised their family in India. Their work became well-known among the local Christian and tribal communities. They weren't wealthy. They weren't powerful. They were simply faithful servants loving people in Jesus's name.

For over thirty years, Graham quietly served. He treated leprosy patients. He shared the Gospel. He showed Christ's love to those society had forgotten.

[The night of horror - January 22-23, 1999]

Then came the night of January 22-23, 1999. Graham and his two sons—Philip, age 10, and Timothy, age 6—were sleeping in their station wagon near a jungle camp in the village of Manoharpur in Odisha. They had been attending a Christian gathering.

Around midnight, a mob attacked. The vehicle was surrounded and set on fire. Graham and his two young boys were burnt to death inside.

Can you imagine? A missionary who had spent thirty-four years serving India's most vulnerable, murdered along with his two little boys. Burned alive while they slept.

The violent act shocked India and the international community. This became one of the most high-profile cases of anti-Christian violence in modern India.

[The investigation - who and why]

The Central Bureau of Investigation, along with state police and a judicial commission, investigated the case. The key accused was a man named Dara Singh, also known as Rabindra Kumar Pal, who was arrested on January 31, 2000.

Dara Singh was associated with Hindu nationalist groups that opposed Christian missionary work, especially among tribal peoples. They viewed conversion to Christianity as a threat to Hindu culture and accused missionaries of using deception or coercion—accusations that were false in Graham's case.

In September 2003, a court sentenced Dara Singh to death and others to life imprisonment. Later, in May 2005, the Orissa High Court commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment. The Supreme Court upheld the life sentence in January 2011, finding that while the crime was heinous, the death penalty wasn't warranted.

[Gladys's response - forgiveness that stunned the world]

But here's where the story becomes a testimony to the power of the Gospel. Gladys Staines—who lost her husband and two of her three children in one horrific night—responded in a way that stunned India and the world.

She publicly forgave the killers.

In a 2003 newspaper report, Gladys said: "I have forgiven the killers and have no bitterness, because forgiveness brings healing and our land needs healing from hatred and violence."

Think about that! Her husband and two young sons were brutally murdered, and she responded with forgiveness. Not because she didn't grieve—she grieved deeply. Not because the crime didn't matter—it was evil. But because she understood what Jesus taught: "To whomsoever you forgive, their sins will be forgiven."

She also said: "We are called to be under subjection to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except God." Even though the justice system had failed to prevent the attack and took years to bring justice, she submitted to God's sovereignty.

[Staying in India - continuing the mission]

But Gladys didn't just forgive—she stayed. Despite losing her husband and two sons, despite the danger, despite every human reason to leave India and return to Australia, Gladys remained.

She continued the work at the leprosy home. Later, a full hospital was built and named in Graham's memory. She kept serving the very people among whom her family had been killed.

When asked why, she gave this powerful statement: "I'm not bitter. Neither am I angry. But I have one great desire: that each citizen of this country should establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who gave His life for their sins."

Do you hear that? Her one great desire wasn't revenge, or even justice in the human sense. It was that Indians would come to know Jesus. The same Jesus who died for those who killed Him. The same Jesus who said from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

[On grace and forgiveness - Gladys's testimony]

In another interview, Gladys explained how she could forgive: "If we don't experience the grace of God, we become bitter. We have to turn to God… Experience forgiveness and forgive others. Grace is available. Once you forgive, there will be healing."

This is the key! Gladys could forgive because she had experienced God's forgiveness. She could show grace because she had received grace. She could love her enemies because Jesus first loved His enemies—including her.

Her words have become an example of living out faith under extreme circumstances. They appear in contexts discussing emotional healing, forgiveness after trauma, and cross-cultural ministry. They resonate across faith communities because they reflect both deep suffering and deep grace.

[The Indian church today - growth despite persecution]

So what's the state of Christianity in India today? It's a mixed picture. India is officially a secular democracy with religious freedom, but Christians—who make up about 2.3% of India's 1.4 billion people, roughly 32 million believers—face increasing persecution.

According to Open Doors' 2025 World Watch List, India ranks 11th among countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. Hindu nationalist groups pressure Christians to reconvert to Hinduism. Churches are attacked. Pastors are beaten. Christians lose jobs and face social ostracism. Anti-conversion laws in several states make it difficult to share the Gospel.

But despite persecution—or perhaps because of it—the Indian church is growing! Particularly among the Dalits (formerly called "untouchables"), the lowest group in the caste system, and among tribal peoples. These are the very groups Graham Staines served.

[Dalit conversions - finding dignity in Christ]

For Dalits, the Gospel offers something Hinduism never has—dignity, equality, and hope. The caste system tells them they're worthless, that their low status is punishment for sins in past lives, that they deserve mistreatment. But Jesus says they're made in God's image, loved by their Creator, precious enough that He died for them!

Millions of Dalits have converted to Christianity over the past century. This is one reason Hindu nationalists oppose Christian missions—not because missionaries use deception or force, but because the Gospel's message of equality threatens the caste system's power structure.

[Healings and miracles - signs following the Word]

Another remarkable aspect of Indian Christianity's growth is the role of healings and miracles. In rural India, where medical care is limited and people live with chronic illness and demonic oppression, the Gospel often comes with power.

Missionaries and Indian evangelists pray for the sick, and God heals. They cast out demons in Jesus's name, and people are freed. These signs confirm the Word and lead many to faith. Just as in the book of Acts, healings and miracles accompany the Gospel's advance.

Indian pastors tell stories of entire villages coming to Christ after someone is healed in Jesus's name. A woman barren for years conceives after prayer. A man crippled for decades walks. A child tormented by evil spirits finds peace. And people ask, "Who is this Jesus? What power is this?" The Gospel spreads not just through words, but through demonstrations of God's power.

[The legacy of the Staines martyrdom]

The Staines martyrdom in 1999 could have sparked bitterness, retaliation, or fear that drove missionaries out of India. But instead, it became a testimony to the Gospel's power. Gladys's forgiveness showcased Christ more powerfully than years of sermons could.

Indians—Hindu, Muslim, and secular—were stunned by her response. Many said, "What kind of religion produces this kind of forgiveness? What kind of God gives this kind of grace?" And some came to faith because they saw Christ in Gladys.

The case also highlighted tensions between tribal communities, Christian missions, and Hindu nationalist groups. It triggered international attention and diplomatic concern. It prompted debate about religious freedom, minority rights, and the role of conversion in India.

But most importantly, it demonstrated that the Gospel is worth dying for. Graham and his sons joined the countless martyrs throughout church history who loved not their lives even unto death. And Gladys joined those who, like Stephen, forgave their persecutors and continued witnessing to Christ's love.

[Closing challenge - what we can learn]

So what can we learn from this story? First, missions is costly. Graham Staines gave thirty-four years serving leprosy patients in remote India. He gave his life and his sons' lives. Gladys gave her husband and children. This is the reality of taking the Gospel to hard places. As Samuel Zwemer said, "The unoccupied fields must have their Calvary before they can have their Pentecost."

Second, forgiveness is powerful. Gladys's forgiveness did more to advance the Gospel than any amount of preaching could have done. When the world sees Christians forgiving the unforgivable, they see Jesus. And some believe.

Third, the Gospel is growing in India despite persecution. Among Dalits and tribals, through healings and miracles, through faithful witnesses like the Staines family, Christ is building His church. The gates of hell will not prevail against it.

Fourth, we must support and pray for the Indian church. Our brothers and sisters there face persecution we can hardly imagine. They need our prayers, our financial support, and our advocacy. Will you commit to praying regularly for India?

[Closing prayer]

Let me pray: 

Thank you for joining me today. The story of the Staines family challenges us all. Will we love like they loved? Will we forgive like Gladys forgave? Will we serve like Graham served?

Until next time, remember—keep your eyes on the nations, and never underestimate the power of forgiveness to point others to Christ!

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The Unexpected Messiah: When Jesus Doesn't Meet Our Expectations

Hello, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus. Today I want to talk about expectations—specifically, what happens when Jesus doesn't meet them. This is a deeply personal topic for me because I've wrestled with this myself, and I know many of you have too.

When bad things happen, when prayers aren't answered the way we hoped, when God seems silent, when the church suffers persecution—we wonder: Is this really how it's supposed to be?

It turns out this struggle isn't new. Even John the Baptist—the man sent by God to announce Jesus's coming, the one who baptized Jesus and saw the Spirit descend on Him like a dove—even John had doubts when Jesus didn't meet his expectations.

[John's expectations - the conquering Messiah]

Let me paint the picture. John the Baptist, along with most of Israel, expected a certain kind of Messiah. A conquering Messiah. A fiery judge filled with wrath against the evils of humanity. A stone that would crush all opposition. A ruler who would firmly defeat all other authorities on earth, especially Rome.

This is what they had been taught to expect since they were young. This is the image, the idea, the belief about the coming Messiah that they had put their hope in.

And they had good reasons for these expectations! John based his understanding on the Old Testament. Through prophecies like Daniel 2:31-35, the Kingdom of God was viewed by Israel as a time when, as theologian George Eldon Ladd writes, "God's reign will displace all other reigns, kingdoms and authorities. He will break the proud sovereignty of evil people that have dominated most of history...will sweep away every opposing rule. God alone will be King in those days."

So John and the nation of Israel were looking for a Messiah who would crush Roman rule and rescue them from oppression. A Messiah who would reign over all the earth with Israel at His side.

[Jesus's unexpected arrival - not what they expected]

But when Jesus began His ministry, He didn't fit this expectation at all. Born to humble means, living in obscurity for thirty years, His arrival on the pages of history was not accompanied by shouts of wrath, judgment and victory. As Isaiah 42:2 describes Him: "He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets."

Instead, He entered synagogues and began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." He healed the sick, cast out demons, showed compassion to the downtrodden, and walked from village to village telling people about God's love for them.

Where was the takeover of the Roman government? Where was the punishment of those who practiced evil? Where was the establishment of God's physical Kingdom on earth—His palace, throne, armies, and wealth? None of this happened...at least not in the physical realm.

[John's doubt - the question that changes everything]

It's no wonder that even John—the one sent by God to walk in the way of Elijah and announce Jesus's coming—had his doubts. Jesus didn't meet his expectations at all. Maybe John had gotten it all wrong. Maybe he had misunderstood God and His plan.

So from prison, John sent his disciples to ask Jesus directly: "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew 11:2-3).

Can you hear the heartbreak in that question? "Did I get it wrong? Are you really the Messiah even though you don't seem a bit like a Messiah? Or should I wait for someone else?"

[Jesus's response - gentle correction]

Here's what I love about Jesus's response: He understood John's doubts. He didn't harshly rebuke John for his unbelief and questions. As Isaiah 42:3 says, "A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out."

Instead, Jesus challenged John to change his expectations. To rethink who the Messiah truly was and what the Kingdom of Heaven truly meant. He asked John to form a new paradigm, to embrace a new revelation of God's character—a God of mercy, compassion, gentleness, and incredible love for His people.

Jesus told John's disciples: "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor" (Matthew 11:4-5).

In other words: "Look at what's actually happening, John. Not military conquest, but compassion. Not judgment, but mercy. Not crushing enemies, but healing the broken."

[Jesus's true mission - proclaiming justice]

Jesus came not to judge the world, but as Matthew 12:18-20 says, to "proclaim justice to the nations...till He leads justice to victory." He brought compassion and concern to the outcasts of society. He battled sin in each individual, but it was usually done with love, compassion, and gentleness rather than force.

Now, when dealing with demonic beings, Jesus was every bit the conqueror—not allowing them any foothold but driving them out with power and force. But with most people, He was gentle. A shepherd caring for His sheep. A suffering servant.

There were exceptions, of course. With the prideful, arrogant, unloving leaders of the Jewish faith, Jesus exhibited more of the fiery wrath that many expected of the Messiah. But even with these individuals, if there were any willing to humble themselves and ask Jesus true, heartfelt questions—like Nicodemus—He didn't turn them away but showed them compassion and concern as well.

[The church's two paths - force versus love]

When Jesus's time on earth was done—at least for now—He left behind a group of men and women who embraced the Messiah as He truly was and were willing to share that truth with those around them, even to the point of death.

History has proven, time and again, that the gentle way of Jesus, when practiced by His Church, calls many to follow Him. But history has also shown that when the Church tries to spread the Gospel with force, when it "breaks the bruised reeds" and "snuffs out the smoldering wicks," great damage is done.

[The Crusades - the cost of force]

A devastating example is the Crusades. The Church called thousands of men and women to journey to the Holy Land, supposedly following "the will of God," to take it back from the Muslim "infidels." They did this not in love, compassion, and understanding for the lost, but through force.

Thousands were killed on both sides. The cross was worn proudly by those with bloody swords in their hands. The legacy of this quest still weighs heavily on the Muslim world today and has hurt the name of Jesus in immeasurable ways.

Think about that! The very symbol of sacrificial love—the cross—became associated with violence, conquest, and bloodshed. We're still paying the price for that mistake a thousand years later. When Muslims look at Christianity, many still see the Crusaders with their swords, not Jesus with His compassion.

[The better way - examples of gentle witness]

In contrast, there have been many—including men and women like St. Patrick, Columba, William Carey, Amy Carmichael, Jim Elliot, and so many others—who brought the cross of Christ with compassion, sacrifice, gentleness, and love. They didn't come in fiery wrath but in humility and concern.

Their legacy is quite different! Many were won to Christ through their compassion, and the name of Jesus became a name in which, as Matthew 12:21 says, "the nations will put their hope."

St. Patrick wasn't forced on Ireland—he won the Irish through love. William Carey didn't conquer India—he served it for decades. Amy Carmichael didn't dominate India's children—she rescued them. Jim Elliot didn't attack the Waodani—he died reaching them with love, and his death eventually led to their conversion.

[Our mission today - following Jesus's example]

We, the Church of today, must follow the example of Jesus rather than our own expectations. Our human nature desires judgment, a powerful takeover by Christ, and expulsion of the enemy. And yes, that will happen someday at Christ's second return. But it's not yet time for that.

Our mission, like Christ's, is to show the love of God, not His judgment. We are to show the world the love of Christ so that "in His name the nations will put their hope."

This is so relevant to what we discussed in our episode about Christianity and political power! We want to force Christian values on society through laws and political might. But that's not Jesus's way! Jesus changes hearts through love, one person at a time. His kingdom spreads through gentle persuasion, not political power.

[Modern expectations - why do bad things happen?]

Today, people still have trouble with their expectations of Jesus. We ask: If I'm a Christian, why do bad things still happen to me? Why is the Church so greatly persecuted in many parts of the world? Why does Jesus let children suffer? Why do only some follow Jesus and not everyone? Why, why, why?

We search the Bible, our hearts, ask other Christians, read books, listen to sermons. Yet when we ask Jesus Himself, I believe that—just like in John's day—Jesus still says to us: "Pay attention to what you see and hear: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."

[God's quiet power - persuasion not force]

God is moving tremendously in the world, and He has been since the beginning. Yet instead of coming with mighty military power, His present Kingdom comes with quiet, gentle persuasion.

Think about it! Christianity has grown from twelve disciples to 2.4 billion followers worldwide—not primarily through conquest, but through transformation. The explosive growth in China happened underground, through suffering and sacrifice, not political power. The Korean church grew through persecution and prayer. The African church is exploding through evangelism and discipleship, not military might.

Just as Jesus enters each of our hearts with love and patience, His Kingdom spreads in this world with love and patience—with persuasion rather than power.

[The application - changing our expectations]

So what does this mean for us? First, we need to examine our expectations of Jesus. Are we expecting Him to be the conquering Messiah who crushes our enemies and makes our lives easy? Are we disappointed when He doesn't give us health, wealth, and comfort? Are we frustrated when He doesn't immediately judge evil and establish His visible kingdom?

If so, we're making the same mistake John made. We're putting our expectations above God's revelation of who He actually is.

Second, we need to embrace the gentle way of Jesus in how we do missions. We don't go to the nations with swords—literal or metaphorical. We don't force conversion. We don't use political power to compel belief. We go with love, compassion, sacrifice, and service. We wash feet. We heal the sick. We feed the hungry. We proclaim good news to the poor.

Third, we need to trust God's timing. Yes, Jesus will return as the conquering King. Yes, He will judge the earth. Yes, every knee will bow. But that's the second coming, not the first. Right now, we're in the age of grace, the age of the Gospel going to all nations, the age when God is patiently calling people to repentance.

[Closing prayer]

Let me pray: 

Thank you for joining me today. May we never make the mistake of the Crusaders, forcing Christ on others. Instead, may we follow the example of Jesus and the great missionaries—winning the nations through sacrificial love.

Until next time, remember—keep your eyes on the nations, and bring them Jesus as He truly is: the gentle Shepherd, the suffering Servant, the compassionate Savior!

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Pastors, Your People Are Perishing: The Crisis of Biblical Illiteracy in the Church

Hello, friends, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus. Today I need to talk about something that's been on my heart for a long time.

It's about the state of teaching in many American churches today. I'm going to be honest with you: Jeff and I have left a few churches because of what I'm about to describe. This isn't about being critical or judgmental. It's about being heartbroken over what's happening to God's people when they're not being fed the Word of God.

[The original letter ]

About 15 years ago, a friend of ours named John Rackliffe wrote an open letter to pastors. His words struck a chord with us then, and they're even more relevant today. He began with this passage from Hosea 4:6: "My people perish from a lack of knowledge."

This scripture has always been powerful, but it speaks volumes in our current moment. When John wrote his letter in 2010, he was concerned about what he was seeing in Charleston-area churches. But here's what we need to understand: The problem has only gotten worse in the 15 years since.

[The state of biblical literacy today - updated statistics]

Let me share some sobering statistics with you. According to a 2024 study by the American Bible Society, only 11% of Americans are considered "Scripture engaged"—meaning they read the Bible regularly and allow it to transform their lives. That's down from 14% just five years ago. Among Christians specifically, less than 20% read their Bible daily.

Barna Research reported in 2023 that 37% of practicing Christians—people who attend church at least monthly—cannot name all four Gospels. Nearly half cannot identify more than two or three of Jesus's disciples. And when asked basic questions about core Christian doctrines, the majority of churchgoers gave answers that contradicted biblical teaching.

Friends, how did we get here? How did we reach a point where people who regularly attend church don't know the basic content of Scripture? I believe a significant part of the answer lies in what's happening—or not happening—in our pulpits every Sunday.

[John Rackliffe's challenge - the heart of the message]

Let me read you what John wrote to pastors 15 years ago, because it's still desperately needed today:

"Pastors, if you are reading this, the people want to know what God has to say about our world! Please tell them. If you don't know, read God's word and find out! Your flock is perishing from a lack of knowledge. Popular preachers can't help you. Best-selling books are inadequate. Slick programs are not the answer. The Bible is our only answer book. Please tell your people."

When John wrote that in 2010, he was concerned about topical preaching, guest speakers talking about self-help issues, and teaching from popular authors instead of Scripture. But today? The situation has deteriorated even further.

[The problem today - entertainment over substance]

Now we have churches where the Bible is barely mentioned at all. We have services that are more like TED Talks than worship gatherings. We have pastors who are more concerned with not offending anyone than with declaring the whole counsel of God. We have worship experiences designed to entertain rather than to encounter the living God. We even have so-called churches showcasing drag queens and leaders from Planned Parenthood. 

A 2023 study by Lifeway Research found that only 52% of Protestant pastors strongly agree that the Bible is the sole authority for their faith and practice. Think about that! Nearly half of pastors don't fully embrace biblical authority. Is it any wonder that their congregations are biblically illiterate?

And here's something that really concerns me: According to Pew Research, 63% of young adults who grew up in evangelical churches and left the faith say they never really understood what Christianity taught. They sat in church for years, but no one actually taught them the Bible systematically. They got stories and inspirational talks and feel-good messages, but they never learned the grand narrative of Scripture or the foundational doctrines of the faith.

[Why this matters - the times we live in]

Friends, John wrote back in 2010 that "the times we live in are difficult. Terrorism, frequent natural disasters, the American dream disappearing before our eyes, and reports of wars all over the globe are in our faces daily. People want to know why these things are happening and they want to hear it from God."

Well, if that was true in 2010, how much more is it true today? We're living in times of unprecedented confusion, division, anxiety, and fear. We have entire generations drowning in mental health crises. We have families falling apart. We have a culture that's hostile to biblical Christianity. We have believers who are being tossed back and forth by every wind of doctrine because they don't know what Scripture actually says.

And entertainment-driven, topically-focused, feel-good church services are not equipping God's people to stand firm in these times. Second Timothy 4:3-4 warns us: "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."

[What people need - biblical teaching]

Here's what John asked 15 years ago, and it's still the right question: "Will my next place of worship reveal a deep knowledge of who God really is? How can I tell if the church I attend is revealing to me who God is?"

His answer was simple: "Is your pastor regularly teaching from the Bible? If he is not, if he is choosing topics, teaching from popular authors or theologians' writings, or bringing in guests to talk about self-help issues, it may be time to look elsewhere."

Friends, people need to know who God is! Not who Oprah thinks He is. Not what the latest Christian bestseller says about Him. Not what makes us feel good about ourselves. They need to know who God has revealed Himself to be in His Word. They need systematic, verse-by-verse, book-by-book teaching that takes them through all of Scripture—not just the comfortable parts.

[The personal cost - why this matters to us]

Let me tell you friends, leaving a church is hard. It's painful. You have relationships there. You have history there. Your kids have friends there. But you need to ask yourselves: Are your children learning who God is? Are they being grounded in Scripture? Are they being equipped to stand firm in their faith?

Often times the answer is no. You may be getting a lot of entertainment, some great programs and lots of feel-good messages about living your best life. But you aren’t getting consistent, deep, systematic teaching from God's Word. And friends, you shouldn’t stay in a church that isn’t feeding your family the Word of God.

[What to look for - practical guidance]

So what should you look for in a church? Let me give you some practical guidance. First, does the pastor preach through books of the Bible systematically? Not just his favorite verses or topics, but actually working through entire books, verse by verse, chapter by chapter? This ensures that the whole counsel of God is taught, not just the pastor's pet themes.

Second, is the Bible the authority, or is the pastor using it to support points he's already decided to make? There's a big difference between expository preaching—where the text determines what's taught—and topical preaching where Scripture is just sprinkled in for support. Third, does the teaching challenge you, convict you, and call you to obedience? Or does it just make you feel good and send you home unchanged?

Fourth, are doctrinal truths being clearly explained? Do you understand more about God's character, His redemptive plan, His purposes in the world after attending this church? Can you look at what is happening in the world and understand it better through the context of Scripture. And fifth, is there an expectation that you'll read and study Scripture for yourself during the week? Or is Sunday morning the only time God's Word is opened?

[Biblical foundation - God's call to teach His Word]

Nehemiah 8 gives us a beautiful picture of what biblical teaching should look like. Verses 8-9 say: "They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read. Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, 'This day is holy to the LORD your God.'"

Notice what happened: They read from God's Word. They made it clear. They gave the meaning. The people understood. And the result? Conviction, repentance, worship, and transformation. That's what happens when God's Word is faithfully taught!

[The call to action - for everyone]

So friends, here's what I want to challenge you with today. If you're in a church where you're not being fed the Word of God, it's time to have a conversation. Make an appointment with your pastor. Ask him, respectfully and humbly, why expository teaching from Scripture isn't happening. Tell him you're hungry for God's Word. Tell him your family needs to be grounded in biblical truth.

And if things don't change? It may be time to find a church that will feed you. I know that's hard to hear. I know it's disruptive. But friends, spiritual malnutrition has eternal consequences. Your children are watching and learning what you prioritize. If you stay in a church that doesn't take Scripture seriously, you're teaching them that God's Word isn't really that important.

[Five characteristics of a Bible-teaching church]

Let me leave you with five characteristics to look for in a Bible-teaching church. First, Scripture is opened every single week, and substantial portions are read and explained. Second, the teaching flows from the text—the passage determines what's taught. Third, the pastor looks at the world and helps you understand what is going on through the lens of Scripture. 

Fourth, the whole Bible is taught over time—Old Testament and New Testament, easy passages and difficult ones. And fifth, there's an expectation and equipping for personal Bible study—the goal is to make you a student of God's Word, not dependent on the pastor to spoon-feed you.

[Closing encouragement and prayer]

Friends, John Rackliffe ended his letter with these words: "Our time is short and God wants to use us for His purposes. Get out of the dark places and move into the light so that God can put you to work."

I couldn't agree more. Life is too short and eternity is too long to spend your Sundays in churches that aren't teaching you who God is. Pray and ask God to lead you to a church, a Bible study, or a home group that is learning about God from the Bible and honoring Him through genuine worship and obedience to His Word.

Let me pray for us: 

Thank you for joining me today. I know this was a challenging episode, but friends, it needed to be said. Your spiritual health and your family's spiritual health depend on being in a place where God's Word is taught faithfully.

Until next time, remember—as you keep your eyes on the nations, remember the warning that God's people perish from lack of knowledge. Don't let that be your story.

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