From Questions, Two Applications
"Why can't followers of Jesus just get along?" "I do not believe in denominational titles...there is only one church?" "If the protestant reformation had not happened there would still be one united church." "I am non-denominational...Christians just need to love each other and not get caught up in doctrine." Sound familiar?? True enough, we are …
Did you like school? Were you a kid that kind of hated it? I detested it. When my mom would pick me up from kindergarten I would immediately begin to ramble out a string of complaints about the day. Shortly into the school year my mom set down a rule. Each day when I was …
What comes to your mind when you hear the word FEARLESS? Is it the soldier running into battle? The firefighter climbing a tall ladder up to a burning building? A civilian charging an active shooter at a mall? Often fearless has the idea of bold... courageous... valiant... lionhearted... stouthearted... heroic... daring...and yeah I could have …
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 …
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 …
The Reforming Raker 