What were people reading in 2018?

Every year we like to give our readers a look back by sharing the most read articles of the past year. Here are the articles that topped the list in 2018:

10. What does it mean to believe in God?

Of course it’s easy to say “I believe in God.” But what does that actually mean? How does believing in God change our lives? Is there any action involved on our part when we believe? Readers were eager to know the answers to these questions, and that put this article at the #10 position on our list.

To believe in God is to believe that He is, and that His Word is true.

What does it mean to believe in God?

9. What does it mean to be born again?

Jesus is pretty clear when He says that a Christian must be born again if they want to see the kingdom of God. But the concept of being born again is not necessarily easy to understand. We wanted to help people understand this important and life-giving opportunity that we receive in Jesus, so this article explains this essential concept.

I need to surrender absolutely everything to be born of the Spirit – it is a rebirth of the mind and heart.

What does it mean to be born again?

8. Only by the grace of God

The expression “Only by the grace of God” is used extensively among believers, as well as “Everything is by the grace of God.” What people mean by these expressions can vary widely. This article explores how God’s grace prevents us from being passive Christians.

It is this true grace that makes us worthy of walking with Jesus in white garments.

Only by the grace of God

7. If we are saved by faith, then what is faith?

A lot of people looking for answers to this question clicked on this article this year. It is almost impossible to put the meaning of faith in a nutshell, but some things are fundamental in order to grasp the concept. Especially since it is written that we are saved by faith.

Faith is a choice.

If we are saved by faith, then what is faith?

6. What does it mean to fear God?

Over and over in the Bible we are exhorted to fear God, to have the fear of the Lord, to live in godly fear. But why should we fear God? Isn’t God love? This article reveals how fearing God and loving God are actually the same thing.

“You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.” Luke 4:8. This relationship we have with Him will be carried on into eternity.

What does it mean to fear God?

5. What does the Bible say about forgiving others?

The Bible is crystal clear on the subject of forgiving others. But why is it so important, and how do I get the strength to forgive them? We tackled this sensitive topic this year, to try and encourage and help those who are grappling with forgiveness.

As in all things, we need to look to our Forerunner, Captain, and Master as our example.

What does the Bible say about forgiving others?

4. 25 scriptures for Christians struggling with loneliness

The popularity of this article shows that loneliness is a far from uncommon issue. Many people struggle with this, but Christians can thank God that we have His Word and the comfort and promise it contains.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

25 Scriptures for Christians struggling with loneliness

3. Soul vs. spirit: What is the difference?

This is a question that many people want to know the answer to. Every individual has both a soul and a spirit, given by God. What separates the two, and how do they affect us? Click on the link here to find out a bit more.

The intention is that our spirit is to be made alive so that God can speak to us; we should live for Him and for the heavenly things. Then we find rest for our souls.

Soul vs. spirit: What is the difference?

2. 20 examples of what it means to be poor in spirit

This is the most popular of several articles we published this year on the topic of being poor in spirit. This appears to be something that people are really interested in knowing more about, since the promise for those that are poor in spirit is that they will inherit the kingdom of heaven!

Poverty in spirit is really something to strive after – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!”

20 examples of what it means to be poor in spirit

1. 30 Bible verses about hope for young Christians

Our most-read article this year was all about the hope we have as Christians. Hope for this life and the future. God has given us incredible promises. If you are feeling down, or tired, go to the Bible to recharge! This article collects many of the most hopeful scriptures in the Word of God.

Hope causes us not to get discouraged, not to give up, because we have something to keep going for.

30 Bible verses about hope for young Christians