Church Blog
“The Abolition of Thought”
The focus of this chapter can be summarized in one word: Outrage. People can say things online that you would never consider saying to someone in person. James demonstrates this with a personal anecdote about getting into a Twitter fued with someone, to the point that they blocked his account, but then when he saw this man in person, he acted like it had never happened. And this is not a unique experience, as many others have observed or experienced themselves (in fact, I have on many occasions)…
“Made For Friendship”
I am so excited to start the book Made for Friendship which focuses on something I love—friendship. I love the friends I have. I love making new friends. I love all the different kinds of friendships I have—I think we need a diversity of friends and types of friendships. And I love helping others make friends. All that to say, I love this topic, and I will be praying that the friendships in our church grow because of this summer series…
Persevering Through Affliction
It isn’t coincidence that the topic of perseverance in the Christian faith through the many afflictions we face was put last. After all, the title of the book, Bright Hope for Tomorrow, gives the image of a light in a dark place. Usually, these dark places we live in as believers are filled with affliction. And the intent of the enemy through these afflictions is to force you to resign your commitment to Jesus. To make you feel like it isn’t possible to persevere, so you quit. However, God’s intent through these many afflictions brought on by the enemy is to use them to conform you increasingly into the image of Christ...
The Resurrecting One
For those of you who are reading through our Spring Resource, I am sure this week’s topic on the book was an encouragement to you—I know it was for me.
This year, I am turning forty, and I am already feeling it (I can sense the eyes-rolling already as you think, “Wait until you hit my age”). At some point in your life, you get past that age where you feel immortal. And you begin to feel the weight of the fall in your body.
But even beyond this inescapable life experience, what we also feel is loss of loved ones. We see the pain and struggle of others. And internally, we feel what the apostle Paul described—and the author of this book pointed out—as a groaning inside of us. A groaning over the pain and struggle we feel and a groaning for something better.
Dark Despair & Bright Hope
“If I know -BLANK- is coming, [we reason] I can make it through today (Pg 2).”
Since this is the first review for this Spring Resource, let me start by saying that I am excited to experience this journey together through this helpful book on the return of Christ. The author made it clear in the introduction that his intention is not to get into the debates regarding “how” or “when” Christ will return. Instead, his aim is to look at this vital topic and see how it transforms our daily life.
Why We’re Not Preaching on the Woman Caught in Adultery
The next pericope (or section) in John’s gospel, 7:53-8:11, is undeniably one of the most beloved stories about Jesus. The story famously known as The Woman Caught in Adultery.
Unfortunately, it isn’t a story that exists in the earliest manuscripts of the Bible that are available. Which leads Bible scholars to several conclusions regarding its validity in Holy Scripture and prominence in Christian teaching. And because of this, many Bible translations have included notes about it, including the ESV that we use.
An Enduring Legacy: Celebrating 130 Years of Ministry
There is an old saying, “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.”
The trees we are gathered under today were planted decades ago by people who likely knew that they would never enjoy the shade we do today. And yet, they planted and cared for them for years. As we celebrate the 130th anniversary of when our church was first incorporated in 1893, we acknowledge that there were pioneer people who planted a church in which we all enjoy the shade of today…
Philip—The Ideal Church Member
Occasionally I am asked the question: what is the ideal church member? I am typically asked this question by new people who are interested in joining the church. The heart behind this question is great: What is the best and most ideal way to get involved in the church? How can I get plugged into the flow of discipleship already happening?
Why Preach Expositionally through the Bible?
A really important (perhaps even critical) conviction when it comes to church ministry is the conviction of expositional preaching.
What is expositional preaching?
The Yearning for Fellowship
I have found myself reflecting on Philippians 1:3-11 in a different way than I had before given the circumstances we are all currently in. Yes, none of us are in prison for sharing the gospel, so I don’t want to sound overdramatic. However, life during COVID-19 feels a bit like house arrest. Thus, this forced and necessary separation has caused me to resonate with Paul’s sentiment even more over his beloved church family. Here are a few of my observations and takeaways.
Talking to Others About Jesus
Talking to people is easy. Talking to people about Jesus—not so much. At least this is the experience many Christians have when it comes to sharing their faith with others. I know from personal experience that sharing the gospel is not easy. Think of all the obstacles…