“Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” – St. Francis of Assisi. Did he really say that? Probably not. It sounds good, but when preaching the Gospel both words and works are necessary. The Gospel is lived and spoken. Continue reading “The Gospel is Lived and Spoken”
A Thousand Sermons: Why I Preach
When I was let go from my first vocational ministry the one thing I knew I wanted to continue to do was preach. I had no idea where God would take me, but it was clear in my mind what I was to do when I got there. The urge to preach was like my second calling. The first being my original calling to ministry while still in college. God wouldn’t leave me alone about it.
Why You Need to Gather for Worship
If you grew up in a church you may remember being there “every time the doors were open.” It’s a cliché that many identify with in their spiritual development or their faith tradition. But those times and habits, they are a changing. You could simply say that they have changed. Even with people who are considered faithful members of a church body, the frequency of their church attendance has diminished. It used to be that that you were considered a member in good standing if you were with the church 3 times a week, today it is more like 2 to 3 times a month. Did we just move the bar?
Habits – Part 4: Engage Those Far from God
If you are part of a club or an organization that only allowed people to join by invitation you would probably be extremely excited to accept their offer to become a member. You made it in! Conversely, after you have accepted their invitation, you might be a little upset if they decided to allow more and more people to join the ranks.
When you were on the outside you may have wished that more people would be allowed on the inside. Unfortunately, what happens often is that when you finally get on the inside you will be tempted to keep outsiders on the outside. You grow increasingly more concerned with how the club serves you than inviting more people into your club. Ironically, club growth may actually be part of the club’s mission.
Continue reading “Habits – Part 4: Engage Those Far from God”
How the Holy Spirit Changes Your Story (Guest Post)
Today’s guest post is from Brock Paulk.
I’ve always thought I was short.
I was typically the shortest kid in my class throughout grade school. I was so short that eventually my mom started pointing out successful and well-adjusted, short adults just in case I was starting to panic.
In high school, my growth spurt finally hit and, by the time I finished high school, I had grown over a foot and reached the height I am today – which is about 5 feet 9.5 inches.
Even so, I still considered myself short. Continue reading “How the Holy Spirit Changes Your Story (Guest Post)”
Marriage For Keeps – A Profound Mystery
Being married to my wife Ana has saved me from myself. Continue reading “Marriage For Keeps – A Profound Mystery”
Friends For Keeps – To Keep a Friend is to be a Friend.
I meet with a group of fellow ministers once a week. None of us live in the same town so we use a video conference software to communicate. We ask each other such questions as, “Are you hungry, angry, loathsome, tired, and/or stressed?”
Continue reading “Friends For Keeps – To Keep a Friend is to be a Friend.”
Resurrection Stories – Part 3
I should have been there. At the cross. At his grave. In the room with the rest of the disciples. You’ve got to understand – my world had just turned upside down. Continue reading “Resurrection Stories – Part 3”
Resurrection Stories – Part 2
I used to dream of greatness. I believed that I would one day sit at Jesus’ right hand when he came into his kingdom. I was so naïve and foolish. I thought that was what he preached. Now, nothing made sense. Continue reading “Resurrection Stories – Part 2”
Resurrection Stories – Part 1
It was still so dark that morning that we could barely make our way to the entrance where they had laid my Lord to rest. We feared that they did not give him a proper burial. How could we let him lie without preparing his body? He deserved better. Continue reading “Resurrection Stories – Part 1”