Does it matter what words or names we use to describe things? I would contend that it does. Word meaning is a function of the way society uses them. While we might continue to want to use a word or phrase in a particular way, we don’t get to determine their meaning. Society does that…… Continue reading Signs and New Wine
Category: Bible
Mere Christianity – Chapter 8 – “The Great Sin” – C.S. Lewis
I know a man who is haunted by Matthew 7:21-23. He won’t declare with 100% certainty that he is destined for eternal life and there is nothing anyone can say to assure him. Having read this quote this morning, I wonder if he is not plagued with spiritual pride. Don’t get me wrong. He’s not…… Continue reading Mere Christianity – Chapter 8 – “The Great Sin” – C.S. Lewis
Blame You
That voice in your head saying you’re in the right and everyone else is wrong is leading you down a path of isolation and pain.
False Prophets, Figs and Faithfulness
We’re a curious species. And as the saying goes, “Curiosity killed the cat.” I’m not saying that it’s bad to learn. God gave us these wonderful minds and we commit sacrilege when we discourage honest inquiry into reality. God also gave us boundaries such as the inability to see the future or to know for…… Continue reading False Prophets, Figs and Faithfulness
Simple church planting resources galore
What if the essence of church could be boiled down to two words? What if believers in Christ shared life? When we share our lives – our time, money, burdens, joys, and struggles – we experience and demonstrate the kingdom of God. When we share his life, we intentionally engage with the lost and dying…… Continue reading Simple church planting resources galore
Indispensable Unnecessary
Ever since I first read Neil Cole’s Organic Church the alarm on my phone has gone off at 10:02 every morning, Monday-Saturday. It reminds me of Jesus’ command to his disciples in Luke 10:2b that they pray for the Lord of the Harvest to send workers into his harvest fields. That alarm just went off. I…… Continue reading Indispensable Unnecessary
Churched to Death
Why do simple church? Because Jesus told us to make disciples. ” But,” someone might respond, “aren’t sermons, Sunday School, VBS, mission trips, weekend seminars,small groups, and a myriad of other programs carried on by institutional churches just methods for making disciples?” From what I’ve observed after a couple of years of attempting to make reproducing disciples, not…… Continue reading Churched to Death
Learning to Learn
I have some friends who’ve recently come to faith. They’re from a subculture very disparate from mine. They’ve drawn me into conversations I’ve never had with other church members. Since they’re new believers and I’m a pastor, I usually see our interactions as an opportunity for me to assist their spiritual growth. I find myself…… Continue reading Learning to Learn
Gospel
In 1 Cor. 15:3-6, Paul recounts his gospel. Those who would participate in evangelizing the world, do well to consider this passage. First, notice the brevity of Paul’s statement. In just 25 words, Paul relates the crucial elements of the gospel – “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried,…… Continue reading Gospel
Lay Up for Yourselves!
The apostle Paul said that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Perhaps you consider that statement to be naive. I once saw a 20/20 special where John Stossel convincingly made the case that greed drives innovation and, of all things, generosity. So, what’s your attitude toward money? I’d like to share…… Continue reading Lay Up for Yourselves!
Spiritual Savant 