It is possible that in the constant rush of this season that our worship comes directly out of duty and habit. Perhaps we forget the what and why that provides the foundation for our Christmas celebrations. That fundamental basis is the incarnation. It may even be true that we have never actually understood the importanceContinue reading “Worshipping Christ at Christmas”
Category Archives: Church
Hope in the Judgment
Who can stand against the Judgment of God? No one. The nations of Israel and Judah learned this the hard way. The northern kingdom, Israel, had 19 kings who were all fundamentally evil and turned the country farther and farther from God. One of them, King Ahab, was perhaps the worst Israelite King of allContinue reading “Hope in the Judgment”
Protecting ministers from narcissism
C.S. Lewis calls pride the “great sin” and “the essential vice.” Scripture teaches that through the “pride of life” (1 John 2:16) we can be tempted into sin. There are even more passages show a disdain for hubris (excessive pride and self-confidence) and the need for humility. There is a healthy level of narcissism thatContinue reading “Protecting ministers from narcissism”
Holding on for Change
G.K. Chesterton said, “The Bible tells us to love our neighbors and to love our enemies probably because they are the same people.” In Nehemiah, the neighbors from on all four sides became opposition to progress. Nehemiah 4:1-23, details the situation and the adjustments Nehemiah had to finish the building project. For Nehemiah and us,Continue reading “Holding on for Change”
Strategy for Change
Strategic planning is a place some will not venture. In the Church, it is the pseudo-spiritual that see no basis for the practice of the organization. Addressing the Church’s unique ministry context is required for Church leaders. Proverbs 19:21 states, “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, thatContinue reading “Strategy for Change”
Faith for Change
In the Gospel according to Mark, Jesus utters four words that are incredibly powerful. He says, “Have faith in God” (11:22). He proceeds to talk to them about having faith to move mountains and about the disciple’s prayer life. In the previous blog post, we ended with a prayer to receive a burden and inContinue reading “Faith for Change”
Three Church Government Structures
We just went through our annual business meeting last week. Many people cannot stand meetings. I do not hate meetings. In fact, I enjoy meetings (when they are productive and result in action). If the church you attend provides a way to be involved in these meetings, it is a splendid idea to do so.Continue reading “Three Church Government Structures”
SOM: Blessed are they which are persecuted
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophetsContinue reading “SOM: Blessed are they which are persecuted”
SOM: Blessed are the Peacemakers
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9 It is estimated that there has been a little over 260 years of peace in all of recorded history. While there are many causes for conflict, we still desire to have peaceful resolutions. Now, we find Jesus referring toContinue reading “SOM: Blessed are the Peacemakers”
SOM: The Blessed Attitudes
Our attitude towards things has a direct affect on what we go through. It is because of our attitude that our reaction toward different situations, people, and thoughts will determine how we react and how we react will in turn cause different outcomes. Making our attitude toward things the root cause of many things thatContinue reading “SOM: The Blessed Attitudes”
