From Questions, Two Applications
Word association...what comes to mind??? End Times... Judgement... New Earth... Rapture... Resurrection... Redemption... Retribution... I am sure that on each point a few words or ideas may have come to mind. And rightfully so that we think of different things with each one. Yet let me ask: Was one of them motive to pray? I …
How hateful are you? Is that a strong point? Is this an area that needs improving? On a scale of 1-10 how does your hatred compare to Jesus' hate? Hater's Gonna Hate It is striking how Jesus rebukes Ephesus for their lack of love, yet commends them for their hatred. Yeah, see for your self: …
Just a few months after I had taken on my first pastorate (that is, my current and only pastorate) I led my first "Annual Business Meeting"...and had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I botched the budget presentation, didn't know how to make a motion for a vote, and lastly, I didn't maintain the …
I hopped out of my car and walked casually into the College Ministry building when all of the sudden Jen went rushing by me and out the door. There was no wave, no hi...or any real acknowledgement that I was there. I did not think much of it in the moment besides the fact that …
Continue reading "God’s Design: Sexuality, Gender, and Marriage"
The past two posts I have asked you to consider what problems your church has. I won't ask the questions again but I do want to launch from there. I do not mean to be negative, but lets be real: How many Sunday dinners have been meat, potatoes, and a side of deacon so-and so, …
Again I ask the two questions I mentioned last week: What does God want you to do on a Sunday Morning? What does God expect? Why do we do what we do at church. I’m sure for many of you those are not new questions nor new ideas. Maybe you have given thought to them. …
Continue reading "What Your Church Should be in 14 Verses (Pt. 2)"
About two years ago I began to notice three men in my commmuniy (one from my church and two from other churches) who had what I call “holy discontent”. Its that passion to see one's church be more than it is. You can hear the concern not so much in their words, but in their …
Until my dying day I will remember the first time I watched Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (if you are not familiar with LOTR that is the first of a trilogy). There I was in our living room. My friend Jake was over and we anxiously watched Frodo and Sam walk …
Not too many people can say they have never misrepresented a person or an idea. We get misinformation from someone and pass it on. Or we read a news heading on Twitter. We misunderstand a persons statements...and the list goes on and on of how an idea or event can be misrepresented. This often happens …
"But Dad, it's not my favorite!" This is the daily declaration my three-year-old makes when she doesn't want to eat lunch or do as she has been told: "It's not my favorite." Hannah and I have tried to explain to her that we often, more often than not, "do" things we'd rather not do. It …
The Reforming Raker 