Have you ever been swayed by what other people think, even though you don’t really agree with them? Have you ever been influenced to act contrary to your beliefs because you feel pressure from others? Often we say that teenagers succumb to peer pressure, but the reality is that adults of all ages are justContinue reading “Peer pressure and our longings – First Sunday of Advent 2019, Part 2”
Tag Archives: Apostle Paul
Reading other people’s mail – Titus 1:1-4, Part 1
Have you ever accidentally received mail for your neighbor? It happens to all of us from time to time. The question is, what do you do with it? Usually just walk it over to their house, right? Do you ever just throw it away? Please don’t! It’s illegal! Most often misdelivered mail happens when youContinue reading “Reading other people’s mail – Titus 1:1-4, Part 1”
How the Winnebago can teach us something important about grace
Yesterday I introduced the new sermon series I’m giving at Faith Church this October. We’re pausing the Deuteronomy series in order to make way for the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Each week this month we’ll be looking at one of the Five Solas of the Reformation. This week we start with Sola Gratia,Continue reading “How the Winnebago can teach us something important about grace”
Why does following the way of Jesus seem so difficult?
For those of you that are followers of Jesus, have you ever thought that that following the way of Jesus is difficult? I think life itself can feel difficult. But then add following Jesus, and there is another layer of effort, right? Ever think thoughts like this? I hear Jesus say “my yoke is easy andContinue reading “Why does following the way of Jesus seem so difficult?”
Advice to a new young pastor (and what all of us can learn from it)
On July 1, 2008 I became the senior pastor of Faith Church. I was scared. What had I gotten myself into? I had been youth/associate pastor at the church for the previous six years. The youth group was awesome, and I had a ministry umbrella over me, deflecting the rain of difficulty, responsibility, and leadership.Continue reading “Advice to a new young pastor (and what all of us can learn from it)”
Why I’m preaching 3 different sermons about modesty…at the same time…kinda…
Tomorrow I’m preaching 3 different sermons on modesty…at the same time. Kinda. Obviously, I can’t speak three sermon simultaneously, unless I recorded them separately and played them all at the same time. Or maybe I could record two, playing them at the same time as I preach the third. Imagine the cacophony. Instead, I’m planningContinue reading “Why I’m preaching 3 different sermons about modesty…at the same time…kinda…”
Could prayer meetings and hand-raising be the worship that God really wants?
Last week I mentioned the massive investment Christians have made in building-centered, staff/program-heavy, Sunday worship. I wondered if God might evaluate us concluding, “I wish you would have done something different.” But how do we know what God would say? Most of us involved in leading church worship do want to know God’s evaluation of our worship.Continue reading “Could prayer meetings and hand-raising be the worship that God really wants?”
Two things Christians should fight for
Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight. Generally Christians are not supposed to be fighting. So what fight is Paul talking about? He calls it a good fight. Not too many fights could be described as good ones. Life can feel like a fight. Have you ever felt that way? Life seems too hard sometimes doesn’tContinue reading “Two things Christians should fight for”
How to stop the drama in your life
Are you a drama magnet? A drama queen? None of us likes to admit it, so maybe I should ask “Has anyone ever told you that you are a drama queen?” Have you ever looked at your life and thought, “Why does drama seem to follow me around?” In my post last week, I sharedContinue reading “How to stop the drama in your life”
How to know if you are a drama magnet!
Are you a drama magnet? Of course not! No one wants to admit it. But really, are you? Do you find that your life seems to be filled with drama? Have you ever considered that all the drama in your life is because you are a drama magnet? What would you family say? What wouldContinue reading “How to know if you are a drama magnet!”
Engaging Scripture 