Tag: Christ

The Tragic Loss of Real Masculinity

On By Elisha McFarlandIn Blog Posts, Christian Posts21 Comments
The Tragic Loss of Real Masculinity

Our culture has completely lost what it means to be a man. What was once a proud and accomplished status now lies discarded in the dirt. Boys have taken over our country. They have normalized non-manhood, brought themselves and their immaturity into popularity, and they continue to reject the true calling to manhood.

This travesty has destroyed many pieces of our culture. Quality of relationship has decreased massively over the past fifty years, punctuated by increases in divorce and abortion.

What needs to be done? How can we, as Christians, aggressively attack and destroy what our culture portrays as “manhood”, and show the way to creating true, real men?

It all starts with our boys.

Continue reading “The Tragic Loss of Real Masculinity” →

John Grisham’s Guide to the Depravity of Man

On By Elisha McFarlandIn Blog Posts, Christian Posts15 Comments
John Grisham's Guide to the Depravity of Man

Over the summer, I have made it a point to increase my reading load. Mein Kampf, Pride and Prejudice, A Man Called Peter, Pontius Pilate, and many others have been the subject of my reading. Yet, standing apart from the rest, a single author has recaptured my attention, returning my reading to the world of novels.

This man is known as John Grisham.

Continue reading “John Grisham’s Guide to the Depravity of Man” →

3 Ways Christ Helps Us Combat Depression (Guest Post)

On By Elisha McFarlandIn Blog Posts, Christian Posts, Encouraging Verses19 Comments
3 Ways Christ Helps Us Combat Depression

Panic sets in. Heart racing, your eyes dart around frantically. You gasp desperately for breath, and your entirety trembles. There is no escape. The darkness has imprisoned you, and from within there is no way out. 

Depression is the seemingly inescapable, wall-less prison that confines and cripples teens today. The cycle of fears feeding fears leaves teens feeling hopeless, worn out, and defeated. This is when the Devil tries his hardest to lead us into despair. Those lacking a consistent and strong connection to the truths of the Bible will ultimately fail to stand on their own strength. Yet, at times, it seems impossible to discard the mindset of despair. Thankfully, by God’s grace, there are three factors to combating this mindset.. This isn’t a “3 steps to leave depression” guidebook. It’s not the same for everyone. But in my personal experience, I’ve found that these three things are often key to my thoughts and doubts. I hope they help you as much as they did me.

Continue reading “3 Ways Christ Helps Us Combat Depression (Guest Post)” →

Christ, the God of Fulfillment

On By Elisha McFarlandIn Blog Posts, Christian Posts16 Comments
Christ the God of Fulfillment cross images

Even in the darkest of times, God is good. It seems cliche, doesn’t it? Yet over the last eight weeks, this has become my mantra. I have repeated it over and over again, and the words still haven’t lost their meaning.

We all suffer. It’s part of being human. Some suffer more than others, leaving us to question life’s equality. Others bear suffering as their cross, convinced that the burden doesn’t exist.

In one way or another, every single one of us is suffering. You, reading this, are suffering. Right now. In some way, you are. I, writing this, am suffering. It’s part of sin’s curse.

Thanks, Adam.

Continue reading “Christ, the God of Fulfillment” →

What is True Fulfillment?

On By Elisha McFarlandIn Blog Posts, Christian Posts33 Comments
True fulfillment

Teenagers struggle with fulfillment. Somehow, as we transition from children to adults, we begin feeling this never-ending thirst for something. We don’t know what it is, but we certainly feel that it can be filled.

Some seek this fulfillment in family or a significant other in the hope that a relationship will fill this gap. Others seek fulfillment in sports, hoping that fame will cure their mysterious problem. Finally, others seek fulfillment in momentary pleasure, assuming that drugs or alcohol can fill a hole in their hearts.

After all, isn’t this what the world teaches us? That we can find fulfillment in pleasure, fame, and money?

Continue reading “What is True Fulfillment?” →

Throwing Yourself In the River of God’s Grace

On By Elisha McFarlandIn Blog Posts, Christian Posts27 Comments
Throwing into river of God Christ Christians

Sometimes, it just feels like the whole world is against you. Your friends think you’re weird, your siblings think you’re a dork, your parents are disappointed in your grades, and your best friend just moved to Montana. The only thing you want to do is run away from home. Is this you? I hope it’s not just me.

Honestly, this often isn’t far from the truth. Somedays, you feel like you’re on top of the world. Others, you want to find the nearest cliff. I’ve been on both ends of the spectrum more times than I can count, and I’m positive I’m not the only one.

When you feel this type of pressure, there is only two things you can do: throw yourself in a river or throw yourself in a river.

Wait, what? Aren’t those the same thing?

No.

Continue reading “Throwing Yourself In the River of God’s Grace” →

Throwback Saturday: Christ’s Coffee

On By Elisha McFarlandIn Blog Posts, Christian Posts, Throwback10 Comments

Christs Coffee Africa Boy

Yep, you knew it was coming. Coffee is, after all, one of the Africa Boy pillars. It’s what keeps me (and probably you) sane. So, if you aren’t a coffee fan, dry your eyes and click that back button, because this post isn’t for you.

Continue reading “Throwback Saturday: Christ’s Coffee” →

Why 2020 Will Be the Best Year of My Life

On By Elisha McFarlandIn Blog Posts, Christian Posts, Current Events19 Comments

Change. It’s what defines us, is it not? At some points in our daily lives, we resist change in its various forms. Changes in relationship, physical location, and mood are all common things that we, as humans, deal with on a daily basis. However, some forms of change can be beneficial to us, some more obvious than others. While a job change that increases your salary by 40% is an obviously good change, a death in the family would likely be considered the opposite. Despite this quick classification, you may not realize at the time that the death of that loved one will actually shape you and your relationship with God in the future.

This is where Romans 8:28 comes into play. It says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The verse is very clear- God works all things for good, including change. Should change be resisted? Maybe, maybe not. It depends on the situation. However, one thing is for certain- God works all change for his good, and in some way, change will be good for you or someone around you.

Continue reading “Why 2020 Will Be the Best Year of My Life” →

Throwback Saturday: Christianity’s Popularity

On By Elisha McFarlandIn Blog Posts5 Comments
Christianity
Originally posted here.

A lot of people question Christianity’s validity. They say, “Faith is useless! Trust in science and fact is the only truths in this life!” They question why Christianity is so popular in the first place. But I tell you this: Christianity has been the greatest religion because it’s the only one that is true. 

Continue reading “Throwback Saturday: Christianity’s Popularity” →

An African Thanksgiving

On By Elisha McFarlandIn Blog Posts6 Comments

Today is Thanksgiving Day. All around the world, Americans are gathering to celebrate this momentous holiday. Yes, I said all around the world. Even here, in the middle of Nowhere, Uganda, Americans are gathering.

What used to be an American holiday is now known across the globe. Although celebrated mostly by Americans, the holiday is recognized in nearly every calendar today. And so, even here in Uganda, we are wished a “Happy Independence Day” by cheerful Ugandans.

Continue reading “An African Thanksgiving” →

The Identity of the Christian Blogger

On By Elisha McFarlandIn Blog Posts3 Comments

I spoke on this last week. Citing something similar to a Lecrae quote, I said, “You aren’t a Christian blogger if you aren’t blogging about Christ.” This remains true.

Of course, if you are a Christian, this doesn’t immediately label you a Christian blogger. Being a Christian blogger is about stance- who you are, what you write, and what you stand for all matter in your category.

“But why have a category at all? Why can’t I just blog?” You’re probably asking. Well, here’s the problem- if you don’t have a category, it’ll be almost impossible to stand for something without your readers asking why. This is one of the reasons that WordPress has you enter your website’s category. Not only does it give your readers a sense of preparation for your posts, but it also makes you easier to find and gives you a niche.

Continue reading “The Identity of the Christian Blogger” →

1 Grateful Person Tag

On By Elisha McFarlandIn Awards, Blog Posts8 Comments

Praise

I was tagged for this entirely original award by Jesusluvsall. Thanks, brother! I seriously appreciate it! Guys, if you haven’t read his outstanding blog, be sure to do so, as it can be found here.

This tag is based on Luke 19, the tale of the ten lepers. In the story, Jesus heals ten men with leprosy, a terrible disease that removes your capacity for pain reception. Sadly, only one of the ten healed men came back to thank Jesus, and it is after this man that we aspire. Let’s be like the one leper, a man who’s gratefulness won over his joy.

Here are the rules.

1: Use any picture in your post that expresses gratitude

2: Pingback to the original post at 1 Grateful Person

3. Share the intro

4: Share what you are grateful to Jesus for

5: Share a passage from the bible about gratitude that means something to you.

6: Tag anybody

With that said, let’s get right to it.

I am extremely grateful to Jesus for allowing me to live in such an awesome place. His gift to me, in having me raised in Uganda, has changed my life, and I am someone entirely different from who I might have been, had God chosen to raise me in the United States.

I have relationships I would never have had. I have parents that walk deeply in the Lord. I have siblings that are very similar to me. I have an opportunity to play sports and share my testimony through basketball. All of these and many more are the results of my Jesus choosing to raise me in Uganda. He has made me the Africa Boy.

Romans 8:28 also describes the negative side of growing up in Uganda.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.

Even the disadvantages of growing up in Africa work out for my good. The relationships I have left behind, experiences I have missed out on- all working out for the Glory of God.

Because of this, I am a different creation- one shaped and molded by God. Praise Him for His mighty work!

With that said, let’s continue to my tags.

Ariana

Lydia Potter

Keziah

Those are the three that I would specifically like to see do this, but if you’re reading and you would like to do this tag, go for it! You are officially nominated!

Anyway, thanks so much for reading, guys. Your support means a ton to me. Currently, we are 20% of the way to 1,000 followers, our next major milestone. If you’d like to join this journey, be sure to click that Follow button below. Now, you’ll never miss out on a new post!

Once again, thanks for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful day.

 

Last Post: Three Reasons You Should Celebrate Halloween

Featured Post: Four Crazy Facts About Uganda That You Probably Didn’t Know

 

Parenting: Noble Cause or Terrible Curse?

On By Elisha McFarlandIn Blog Posts14 Comments

www.africaboy.home.blog.png

With the abortion movement as large as it is, some may think this post to be unnecessary. After all, over 30 million abortions have been performed this year alone. Despite this mass murder of babies, hundreds of millions of babies are born each year, creating a large number of parents.

Continue reading “Parenting: Noble Cause or Terrible Curse?” →

Hints of Christianity in the MCU

On By Elisha McFarlandIn Blog Posts, Marvel7 Comments

Crosses

Hints of Christianity are surprisingly common in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. One might think that the MCU would abolish any comparison to Christianity, being a totally pro-homosexual and pro-feminist company, but there are more valid comparisons then seen at first glance. Warning: minor spoilers ahead.

Continue reading “Hints of Christianity in the MCU” →