This American Tithe

Society is crying out for answers that only the church has, but it often wants them without the values and faith that make the church what it's called to be.

I'm alive today because God used an urban ministry to bring my parents together, and to lead our family to a more dynamic faith.

According to Christian counselor and teacher Michael Emlet, reading the Bible "back to front" can help us better apply it to our lives today. In this excerpt from his new book, CrossTalk: Where Life & Scripture Meet, Emlet shows the importance of reading God's Word in an active fashion. PLUS: Keep reading to find out how you can receive a FREE copy of CrossTalk.

In the Old Testament, her testimony stands out as an example of great love, sacrifice, and redemption. But was Ruth the Moabite breaking the law?

In his latest book, Brian McLaren calls the church to a deeper and broader vision of the gospel that makes room for contemporary issues of justice and reconciliation. But has the controversial author gone too far this time? PLUS: Keep reading to find out how you can receive a FREE copy of McLaren's book, A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions That Are Transforming the Faith.

Tiger Woods was raised a Buddhist, and now he's returning to his childhood religion. Hopefully, he'll avoid one of the great pitfalls many of us Christians fall into when it comes to living out our faith.

When my usual pew was filled, I was almost panic-stricken as the usher led me to a different section of the church. Little did I know, I needed a change in perspective.

After my 13-year-old's jarring confession, I talked to other youth about their impressions of God, the church, and "Christ vs. Christianity." I quickly discovered that my son was not alone in his doubts about the integrity of adult Christians.

My 13-year-old son's shocking confession forced me to confront my tendency to obscure Jesus behind the "religious" parts of my faith.

As we move forward into a new decade, we are thankful for God's provision in 2009 and the hope that He gives us for 2010. In addition to the usual resolutions (South Beach Diet, anyone?), it's time to refocus and recommit ourselves to lives of prayer and devotion -- and UrbanFaith is here to help! Check out these top UF articles on prayer, faith, and spiritual renewal from '09, and join us in getting prayed up for the New Year!