There’s a great threat looming over the Church right now. In my opinion, it’s the Church’s greatest threat. And it’s not doctrinal error, poor exegesis, a lack of discipleship, or even the contemporization of the Church. I believe the #1 greatest threat facing the Church right now is a lack of love — real love that...
We’ve all heard the story of Zacchaeus and the sycamore tree. In fact, just the mention of his name is probably enough to bring the Sunday School jingle to your mind. I’ve always enjoyed the story, but only until recently have I realized how illogical it is. Zacchaeus was basically a 1st-century gangster. As a tax collector, he would’ve...
It’s that time of year again. This weekend is Easter, which means you’ll likely be participating in your fair share of pastel family photos, Easter Egg Hunts, and post-church family dinners. This also means you’ll likely listen to a sermon, read a social media post, or participate in a church service focusing on the death and resurrection...
A few weeks ago after moving into our new house I had to make one last visit to our apartment office to turn in our keys. I walked in but before I could do anything I was approached by an older man who was visibly distressed. The rent payment system had just been transitioned to online-only and in an act of desperation he asked if I would help...
Over the past several weeks I’ve spent some time reading through the story of Christ’s birth. It’s a story that transcends both time and history and is one that I look forward to teaching my son every Christmas season as he grows older. He may only be a little over a year old, but my wife and I already have him playing with a plastic manger...
Growing up, my dad had a strict “no quitting” rule. It didn’t matter how bad of an experience I was having with a sport, a team, or a hobby – quitting was not an option. If I signed up for it, I was expected to follow through with it. It was okay to fail. It was okay to mess up. It was okay to make mistakes. But it was...
I have a confession to make. To some it may sound shocking, especially considering I write faith based blog posts, but…. I hate religion. Now, before you think I have gone off the deep end and I’m renouncing my faith – please understand what I mean by “religion”. When I say religion, I’m not talking about a...
I don’t know about you, but I’ve heard the story of Jesus’ birth more times than I count. I’ve experienced it through dramas, songs, Hallmark cards, Veggie Tales, Sock Puppets – you name it and I’ve probably witnessed it – and I’m sure you have to. I’m not against any of that. In fact, I’m strongly for it. I believe that if...
As a child, I regularly roamed the woods surrounding my house. It wasn’t uncommon for me to walk up to the front door with mud on my shirt, grass stains on my jeans, and dirt caked to the bottom of my shoes. While I’m sure it wasn’t my mom’s desire that I always come home and create an avalanche of dirty laundry for her to do, she never...
Over the past few years I’ve had several discussions with several different people about defeating sin and my only answer to that is a simple one – “fall in love with Jesus”. That may sound too simple to some, but I believe it to be the truth. I’m afraid that we may be missing the point if all our effort is focused on...
