I was reading in Exodus 4 today, and there is a passage in there that makes for good discussion.
Exodus 4 22 Then say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son,  23 and I told you, “Let my son go, so he may worship me.” But you refused to let him go; so I will kill your firstborn son.’”                                                     …

The Golden Globes just passed me by again. I don’t care who won. I don’t care what they were wearing. I think this whole awards deal is just an enormous practice in hedonism. Actors are being paid a ton of money to play make believe. That’s not enough. They have to pretend like the movies they are making have some social significance. That’s still not enough. They need to be thought of as politically relevant. That’s doesn’t bring fulfillment. What’s it going to take to bring joy to the very …

So I’m reading in Genesis 22. This is a story I have read and studied so many times. It is among the top in the “Best of the Old Testament” moments. An event that we have celebrated for millennia.
Genesis 22:6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together,
You can’t help but see the parallels between this story of sacrifice and the story of Jesus’ sacrifice. The …

I’m reading a book called Primal, by Mark Batterson. I love the way he writes. Two of the books that have had a giant impact on me were written by him. They are In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day and Wild Goose Chase. Great stuff.
Anyway, I just read and reread a quote in Primal. Batterson quotes an author named Gary Thomas:
“Thinking about eternity helps us retrieve [perspective]. I’m reminded of this every year when I figure my taxes. During the year, I rejoice at the …

Idling…

So much for redlining. It seems like God has put us all in idle mode today. As much as I hate to miss gathering together on Sundays, God clearly wants us to worship Him is a little different way this weekend. Here are some thoughts that come to my mind, but I’m sure you guys can think of some creative ways to put a smile on the face of God. Click here to share your ideas or ask your questions on our facebook page.

I know some of you will be …

We are preparing to celebrate Christmas.  This is a pretty big deal. It’s a big deal throughout most of the world. Why is that? Why is the birth of Jesus such an occasion? Jesus’ birth took place in a moment. Though this moment passed with no pomp and circumstance, no ceremony, largely unnoticed by the world, this moment changed everything. Our very calendar revolves around this moment. History has since been divided into the era before this moment, and the era after this moment.

Things changed when Jesus Christ entered our …

OK, I just got another e-mail ranting about the evils of saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” I was told that if I love Jesus, I will say in loud, angry tones, “Merry CHRISTmas!”
Here’s what I’m thinking. I’m going to say Merry Christmas every chance I get. I love Christmas. I can only say it for a month or so. I will make the most of it. No one will tell me I can’t say it. Honestly, I don’t fear that I will lose my right, as an American, …

I am reading this cool little book called Deadly Viper Character Assassins: a Kung Fu Survival Guide for Life and Leadership. While reading a chapter about being transparent and not trying to hide our flaws, I came across a great quote.
“Do you know that by dwelling in in the shadows, you subject yourself to what lives in the shadows. You do not find safety in darkness. When you conceal, you find the evil that everyone hides.”
I don’t want to live there.  Do you? I would suggest you determine the …

Evangelism – a word that strikes fear in the heart of many. That goes for evangelizers and evangelizees.  It’s is a very misunderstood word.  Even among the church, even among evangelists, there is some confusion and disagreement.  Imagine that, disagreement in the church.
Some hold to the classic method of sharing the Gospel Message and then leading the individual in a prayer.  The prayer is called “the sinner’s prayer,” or “the prayer of salvation,” or the prayer of commitment,” or some other creative term.  Many would argue that this prayer is …

We just finished the “Tough Questions” series. I have to say, we finished with some of the hardest sermons I have ever preached. This last week, speaking about divorce, was emotionally exhausting. It is such a personal topic that has touched every one of us in a very real way. I have asked God over and over this week, “What could I have done to soften this? How could I represent You better?”
What I heard from Him was both hard to hear and very freeing. I have not been authorized …