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 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 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
Published on December 13, 2011
Have you ever played “Telephone?” It’s a children’s game that shows how easily stories get twisted. One person whispers to the next sitting in a circle, and the sentence gets repeatedly whispered until it’s made its way around the circle. Then the last person says the sentence out loud - only it’s never the same as it started. Now imagine a gam... more
Published on December 6, 2011
As we begin “Unwrapping Santa,” our new blog series fittingly starts on December 6th, St. Nicholas Day - the day that people all over the world are remembering the death and celebrating the life of Saint Nicholas. Getting to the root of questions like “Who is Santa” and “Was he a real person” lead us back in time to the village of Patara, on th... more
Published on December 2, 2011
With Christmas fast approaching, we’re launching into our Christmas series on Sunday mornings, “Unwrapping Jesus,” - where we’ll take a focused look at the Messiah. The Christ. The One who was born in Bethlehem and would grow up to die for the sins of the world. The One who, according to popular bumper stickers, is the “reason for the season.” ... more