The Bible clearly teaches that as Christians we should not be divisive in our diversity. There are many teachers, and within the Church there are many different spiritual gifts given. The Corinthians were corrected (among other things) for creating factions based on their favorite teachers. (I Cor. … [Read more...] about Christian Unity Gone Wrong
When “Expressing Yourself” Becomes Complaining
Have you ever considered the difference between “expressing yourself”, and complaining? The Bible clearly teaches that complaining is not an acceptable practice. But what about just “expressing yourself” or “sharing from your heart”? I believe that there is a place for sharing unpleasant … [Read more...] about When “Expressing Yourself” Becomes Complaining
How the World Responds to the Cross
Pastor Miles McPhereson, lead pastor of The Rock Church in San Diego California, recently shared this two minute video, which shows, using very powerful imagery, how most people in the world respond to the cross of Jesus Christ. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kQR5yPwUjQ[/youtube] "Jews … [Read more...] about How the World Responds to the Cross
Swamp Christianity
This picture looks disgusting doesn't it? It's a section of swamp land that I often pass while running on a local nature trail. (I'm only showing it to make a point.) Looking at this swamp while I was jogging recently got me thinking about what I'll call "Swamp Christianity". Followers of … [Read more...] about Swamp Christianity
Biblical Stewardship and Greed
I am concerned that many people using the language of "stewardship" today seem to be, in reality, operating out of greed. They mask their greed with a facade of spirituality. In case I just shocked you by that statement, you should know that I do believe that the Bible has much to say about how … [Read more...] about Biblical Stewardship and Greed
Tim Keller on Individualism
"liberals' individualism comes out in their views of abortion, sex and marriage. Conservatives' individualism comes out in their deep distrust of the public sector and in their understanding of poverty as simply a failure of personal responsibility" [Timothy Keller. The Reason for God: Belief in an … [Read more...] about Tim Keller on Individualism
A New Strategy for Ministry Growth
I love strategic thinking and I love creativity. God made us creative beings and He gave us minds to to reason with. However, while I think we should think strategically and we should use our creativity to the glory of God, I think many 21st century Christians have a really inflated view about the … [Read more...] about A New Strategy for Ministry Growth
Purposeful Relationships
The word used in the New Testament for what we usually refer to as "fellowship" is koinonia. The root meaning of koinonia is "to hold something in common." Koinonia speaks to a joining together for a common purpose. I think too frequently we Christians don't experience true fellowship because … [Read more...] about Purposeful Relationships
It’s a Good Thing Technology Isn’t Your God
Yesterday I was checking the library website to see if some books I need are available. The FSU library has a neat feature that enables you, instead of writing the title and call number of a book down, to have it sent to you via text message or email. Enamored with with this new technology, as … [Read more...] about It’s a Good Thing Technology Isn’t Your God
Too Young to Make a Difference?
Have you ever said to yourself, "I'm too young to really do anything about _______ ."? (Fill in the blank with whatever you think the biggest problem is.) That's exactly what generations of young people have said as they went back to doing whatever the rest of the crowd was doing. This "herd … [Read more...] about Too Young to Make a Difference?
No, Mr. President – Killing our Children is Not “a Private Family Matter”.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O68MByaMVdM[/youtube] … [Read more...] about No, Mr. President – Killing our Children is Not “a Private Family Matter”.
“America Alone” and Historical Lessons Unlearned
I'm currently reading a book called America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It by Mark Steyn. The book is all about how declining birthrates, particularly those in Europe, combined with the massive influx of Muslim Immigrants are threatening the very future of Western civilization. Every … [Read more...] about “America Alone” and Historical Lessons Unlearned