What is the main business of the Church? Until we know why we exist, we will struggle to live into our purpose.
I pulled George G. Hunter’s book The Recovery of a Contagious Methodist Movement off my shelf the other day. As I was flipping through the pages, the following paragraphs stood out.
Continue reading “The Main Business of the Church”
When we gather around the Lord’s Table we are invited to celebrate and to commemorate the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross and the gift of salvation provided in and through his shed blood.
I vividly remember the weekend when my view of communion changed. It was a three-day spiritual retreat in rural Dooly County, Georgia. I was not sure what was going to happen. Those who had sponsored my trip had been rather cryptic about it all. I don’t really remember if I had any expectations. What I can say today, is that what happened, I definitely did not expect.
Continue reading “The Lord’s Supper: The Gospel According to the Five Senses”
When I look into the face of my brothers and sisters as they worship I am looking at someone who understands my journey.
There are so many obstacles to worship. We are confronted with an innumerable set of distractions every day. Some of them are more compelling than others, but only just so. It is so easy to allow our attention to wander and focus on the silliest of things. Anything to avoid doing what needs to be done. It doesn’t matter how hard we try there will always be something vying for our attention.
Continue reading “Worship and the Search for Intimacy with God”
The apostle Paul tells us in Colossians 3:4 that Jesus’ life is now my life. Have you considered what this means for how you live your life?
I was reading Colossians today and this phrase in chapter 3, verse 4 stood out.
When Christ, who is your life…(CSB)
Paul is talking about how we have become a “new man.” That the old person we used to be has gone away. We have been changed and transformed. It is a truly remarkable thought. Continue reading “Who’s Life is it Anyway?”
I could use your help. What are some theological church words that you are confused about, have heard but don’t fully understand, or even like and wish more people did as well?
I am starting a new series here on the site!
I’ve been out of youth ministry for about 4 years. However, during my time serving young believers, I was often asked to define “church words.” Since I grew up in the church I did not give many of these words much thought. I was/am accustomed to hearing them. Then I realized that not everyone understood how important these theological words were. Continue reading “Help me Fill in the Blank!”
It does not matter what you are mourning, know that God is with you!
I found this video by Dr. John Piper both interesting and thought provoking.
We do not always know how to respond to our sorrow. Because we are in the middle of our jumbled up thoughts, we struggle to make sense of what’s up or down. But, that does not mean that there is not a way to mourn that is explicitly Christian. That we can’t be reminded and encouraged in and through the pain and grief we feel.
I find Dr. Piper’s thoughts helpful. It does not matter what you are mourning, know that God is with you!
That is one of the hardest statements I have ever had to type, and I typed it on my Notes app during the last session of Passion 2017.
If you did not attend Passion 2017, or have never attended a Passion event, simply Google Passion Conferences or 268generation and research what it’s all about. I have been a supporter and participant in this movement ever since I attended Passion 2005 in Nashville, TN. God has used Passion in my life in important ways. And I will never speak negatively about something that is so powerfully emboldening an entire generation of college students.
Continue reading “I’m gonna need to crush your dreams to give you faith.”
Today is my wife and my’s 14th wedding anniversary.
Today is my wife and my’s 14th wedding anniversary. It is crazy to think that we have spent this much time together and have not killed each other!
But, seriously, I look back and I am amazed at what we have seen and done together. Continue reading “14 Years… and counting”
