What do you think about End Times Prophecy? – Q & A, Part 5

This week we take a break from our Relationships in the Church series. At Faith Church this past week I gave a Q & A sermon. I asked the congregation for questions ahead of time, and then I attempted to bring biblical theology to bear on their questions. Here’s the next question: What is Faith Church’sContinue reading “What do you think about End Times Prophecy? – Q & A, Part 5”

Does evil and suffering in the world negate a loving, all-powerful God? – Q & A, Part 3

This week we take a break from our Relationships in the Church series. At Faith Church this past week I gave a Q & A sermon. I asked the congregation for questions ahead of time, and then I attempted to bring biblical theology to bear on their questions. Here’s the next question: As Christians, howContinue reading “Does evil and suffering in the world negate a loving, all-powerful God? – Q & A, Part 3”

Should women be pastors? – Q & A, Part 2

This week we take a break from our Relationships in the Church series. At Faith Church this past week I gave a Q & A sermon. I asked the congregation for questions ahead of time, and then I attempted to bring biblical theology to bear on their questions. What do you think about the roleContinue reading “Should women be pastors? – Q & A, Part 2”

The power of “with” – Caring for one another, Part 5

I recently had lunch with a friend who has been going through a deeply difficult season of life for the past two years.  It all started when his wife shocked him by separating from him, and likely turning his two teenaged sons against him.  She cut off communication, and they eventually moved out.  She refusedContinue reading “The power of “with” – Caring for one another, Part 5″

Delegation is discipleship that builds up the church – Caring for one another, Part 4

Though I’m a leader, I sometimes struggle with delegation, as there are times when I think it will be so much easier and faster if I just handle whatever matter is before me.  Getting others involved takes time, and they might not do the work like I think it should be done.  Maybe you knowContinue reading “Delegation is discipleship that builds up the church – Caring for one another, Part 4”

A powerful question for church families – Caring for one another, Part 3

My wife and I recently watched the television series, New Amsterdam. It’s about a public hospital in New York City. The main character Max Goodwin is the medical director, and he asks a question repeatedly in nearly every episode of the series. (He might ask it in every episode! I didn’t keep track.). His question, which I’ll revealContinue reading “A powerful question for church families – Caring for one another, Part 3”

How can you spend more time praying with others? – Praying together, Part 5

The enduring practice of the earliest Christians was gathering for prayer.  It was essential to their meeting together.  They didn’t just demonstrate praying together, they also taught it. Consider a few passages that provide a foundation for churches to gather for prayer. Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” 2Continue reading “How can you spend more time praying with others? – Praying together, Part 5”

The effect of church families gathering for prayer – Praying together, Part 4

The first Christians spent the better part of three years observing Jesus’ practice of prayer. They heard him teach about prayer. Years later when they instinctively gather for prayer over and over and over, they demonstrate for us their commitment to do what Jesus did and taught.  In Acts 4, as we saw in the previous post,Continue reading “The effect of church families gathering for prayer – Praying together, Part 4”

Why I decided to cancel our church’s weekly prayer meeting, and why I told people I would not start it back up – Praying together, Preview

When I started as Faith Church’s Youth/Associate Pastor in 2002, Faith Church held weekly Sunday morning worship, Sunday evening worship and Wednesday prayer meeting.  A few years later the Sunday evening service had dwindled to the point where maybe a handful of people attended, and we canceled it.  At that time Wednesday prayer meeting wasContinue reading “Why I decided to cancel our church’s weekly prayer meeting, and why I told people I would not start it back up – Praying together, Preview”

The Bible’s helpful teachings about confronting others – Holding others accountable, Part 4

I hate confrontation. I think most people also hate confrontation. When I have to confront someone, I can delay and avoid like a champ. Then when I can wait no longer, and the confrontation actually happens, I can say far less than I ought to have said. My emotions and fears take over. I can physically shake. I hate it. But ifContinue reading “The Bible’s helpful teachings about confronting others – Holding others accountable, Part 4”