Published on May 17, 2012
John’s first epistle offers several “tests” to help Christians know if they have savingly come to faith in Christ: The belief test: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God” (1 John 5:1a). So ask yourself: do I trust in Jesus Christ for salvation? The obedience test: “If we say we have fellowship with him while we... more
Published on May 10, 2012
I know what you're thinking, "What does this guy know; he doesn't even have any kids!" I asked myself the same question when I began to write this (and so did everyone else on staff with kids)! But I spend a lot of time around students, and I hear a lot about parents and how they parent. Raising up the next generation of Christ-followers is my pa... more
Published on May 2, 2012
This is a question I’ve been asking myself for weeks now. A few weeks ago, we began a course for our high school seniors called Life Skills with a focus on helping them transition successfully into adulthood. Last week, I was at Orange Conference which is built around success in ministry. But let’s be honest, success is on my mind because it’s ho... more
Published on April 25, 2012
There is much hope to be found in the Bible. It is a life-giving and life-changing book. It tells the story of a God who deeply cares for his people (Ps. 23) and his creation (Ps. 24.1). His ways are higher than our ways (Is. 55.9) and his mind is complex (1 Cor. 2.16). The Bible tells the story of how God is rescuing and redeeming a world broken... more
Published on April 11, 2012
The idea of worship can be a touchy subject around the church. Because of traditions, experiences, preferences, and many times the lack of understanding, believers can be extremely divided when worship is discussed. Therefore, it is great to take a refreshing back-to-the-basics look at what worship is and who the worshipper should be. In The Unqu... more
Published on April 5, 2012
On a Thursday evening about 2,000 years ago, Jesus reclined with his closest friends and celebrated his last Passover meal. Their meal was different this time, though. As Jesus explained that the bread and wine represented his own body and blood, his disciples had no idea what would happen the next day - but Jesus did. He knew exactly what was co... more
Published on March 19, 2012
If you only read one book this year, you should strongly consider King’s Cross by Timothy Keller. In the current trend of self-help and theme-driven Christian books, it can be difficult to find a book that sticks to the Book. I love the way Timothy Keller unpacks the Scripture and makes it come alive to the reader. King’s Cross is a journey thr... more
Published on March 13, 2012
I love books. If you know me or you’ve been in my office, this will come as no surprise. I love the idea of “books,” which connotes reading and learning - but I also love books per se. Physical, tangible books. No ebooks or digital copies here. If I could get a car air-freshener in “New Book Scent,” I would. Maybe it’s because I’ve built my lif... more
Published on February 13, 2012
For years, the New International Version has been the Bible translation of choice at The Fellowship. It’s been the standard for preaching, teaching, and study - at least during Donnie Smith’s tenure as Pastor. However, as of February, 2012, The Fellowship is switching to the English Standard Version as the preferred translation to be preached, ta... more
Published on January 30, 2012
When I was little we went to the Five & Ten Cent Store. Before going inside, my mama would say, “No asking for everything or I’ll cut your ‘wanter’ out.” I tried so hard not to “want” a coloring book, a pack of Chicklets gum, or a bottle of bubbles. Most of all, I wanted candy. There was a whole aisle of it. That’s when I usually caved and would... more