Church consultant Chuck Gaines recently posted an article in which he shares 10 observations on growing churches. Characteristics of growing churches include: 1. Positive spirit of excitement. 2. Spirit of expectation. 3. Celebrative worship service. 4. Opportunities to build meaningful … [Read more...] about 10 Observations on Growing Churches
Persecution: Then and Now
I'm currently reading The Church History by Eusebius of Caesarea who lived apprximately 260-339 A.D. He records some pretty horrific persecution of Christians during his day. For example he writes, "...why need I give example after example of the godly martyrs' contests throughout the world, … [Read more...] about Persecution: Then and Now
Need Financial Peace?
As our nation is fighting through a recession, many people are struggling more than ever before to make ends meet. Such pressure is causing many to seriously re-evaluate their spending habits and seek wisdom on how to attain financial peace in the midst of national distress. Dave Ramsey's 13 week … [Read more...] about Need Financial Peace?
John Piper’s Book on Job
Pastor John Piper, Pastor of Preaching and Vision at Bethlehem Baptist Church and Desiring God Ministries recently re-released his book of poetry inspired by Job in an illustrated version. This promo video for the book was very moving for me. With epic poetry and powerful imagery, it really … [Read more...] about John Piper’s Book on Job
Fit Bodies – Fat Minds
As you think about goals for the new year consider this quote, "Anti-intellectualism is a disposition to discount the importance of truth and the life of the mind. Living in a sensuous culture and an increasingly emotional democracy, American evangelicals in the last generation have simultaneously … [Read more...] about Fit Bodies – Fat Minds
5 Reasons to Study Church History
1. Church History can help us avoid bad theology. 2. We can learn from the greatest pastors & theologians of all time. 3. It can help us set/maintain traditional boundaries (History can serve as a great reference point for church related decisions we need to make in our time.) 4. Church … [Read more...] about 5 Reasons to Study Church History
George W. Bush vs. Karl Rove – Reading Contest
At the begining of 2008 I set a goal of reading 20 books by the end of the year. Unless I do a lot of reading in the next two days I will fall just short of that goal at 19 books read. I was thinking of keeping my goal the same for 2009 when I read this article by Karl Rove in which Mr. Rove … [Read more...] about George W. Bush vs. Karl Rove – Reading Contest
Tim Keller – media archive link
If you are not aware, Tim Keller is the Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan (New York City, not Kansas). In 2001 he started a Church Planting Center that has planted over 100 churches since! You may have heard of his book The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism which was … [Read more...] about Tim Keller – media archive link
Expelled the Movie
I just watched Ben Stein's 2008 documentary Expelled:No Intellegence Allowed which is all about how respected scientists who make any mention of Intelligent Design are being black-balled and more-or-less "expelled" from the scientific community. American Professors have been denied tenure, had … [Read more...] about Expelled the Movie
Revelation or Information? – YES!
Do we need faith or deeds?... Should I go to work or love my wife?... Should a person repent or be baptized? These questions are all similar to the question I posed in my last post. I asked, "Do people need more information about God or more revelation from God?" I'm about to say something really … [Read more...] about Revelation or Information? – YES!
Revelation or Information – A Quick Survey
[polldaddy poll=1216897] What do you think? I'll be posting my thoughts on this question in a day or two... … [Read more...] about Revelation or Information – A Quick Survey
Do You Make People Thirsty?
In Matthew 5:13 Jesus said to a large crowd of his followers, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt looses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again..." He continues to build upon this with the metaphor of light, saying that they were also the "light of the world" and concludes this … [Read more...] about Do You Make People Thirsty?