Paul had a roller coaster relationship with the church in Corinth. They loved him. Then they hated him. They admired him. Then they belittled him. Like the ocean tide, the Corinthian believers were up and down in their estimation of the apostle.
Read moreHow To Unleash Jesus' Mighty Work in Your Life (Mark 6:1-6)
The story before us is one of the most terrifying in all the gospel accounts. Jesus visits his hometown of Nazareth (1), and they are astonished at his words and works (2). They knew he was powerful, mighty works having been done by him all throughout the region (2). But since they had known Jesus and his family for many years, they took offense at him (3). (12 Minutes/3000 Words
Read moreArchival Post: Jesus Made A Loving Family
Against this backdrop of societal change, along with pressure against the Christian faith, it is crucial for believers to understand and embrace the family of Christ. More than ever, the church must demonstrate family life.
Read more# 11 Exile Conduct -- 1 Peter 2:11-12 -- The Grace of Exile
# 11 Exile Conduct -- 1 Peter 2:11-12 -- The Grace of Exile
Read moreArchival Post: Get Your Head Up!
Humanity was supposed to wear a crown — not one made of gold and jewels, but of God's glory and honor. We were supposed to be a regal people, free and self-controlled. Love and joy and goodness were intended to flow from our lives and hands and hearts.
Read moreArchival Post & Podcast: How To Combat Mission Fatigue
A point comes in any church's life where atrophy sets in. The passion and joy and labor begin to dry up as people begin to grow discouraged in the mission. Soon, the fight, and what they were fighting for in the first place, is forgotten. Life -- it's busy, after all -- swallows up fruitfulness. The church becomes an afterthought. The mission is replaced with routine. (5 Minutes/1000 Words)
Read moreElection Year Encouragements for Our Congregation
As everyone is aware, we are in a divisive presidential election season. Though I love my country and consider myself blessed to be a citizen here, as a senior pastor, I grin and bear these seasons every four years. But this year, I thought it could be helpful to offer some pastoral counsel for this election. I want to point you afresh to Jesus and give you some biblical pillars during this disruptive time. (8 Minutes/2000 Words)
Read moreArchival Podcast: 6 Ways to Let God Weigh Your Heart
Many of us look to honor God in our daily lives, but we often get caught up by our own desires. So how does God break through to direct our lives? When does God speak? In this conversation, we look to the Proverbs and personal experience to see how God can weigh our hearts.
Read moreJesus Made a Loving Family (Hebrews 13:1-6)
I have many friends in Christ who, growing up, had terrible families. It has always fascinated me how they gravitate to their new family in Christ with such appreciation. For them, it's like they're relearning everything they previously knew about human relationships. The loving family of the church is not stale or old news to them, but a fresh social experiment filled with adventure, risk, and love. (14 Minutes/3600 Words)
Read moreUnknown Yet Known (2 Corinthians 6:9)
Paul had a roller coaster relationship with the church in Corinth. They loved him. Then they hated him. They admired him. Then they belittled him. Like the ocean tide, the Corinthian believers were up and down in their estimation of the apostle. (4 Minutes, 1000 Words)
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