It’s Reformation Day (Read more…)
Month: October 2008
Extreme Grace, Part 2
So, when we last left our hero, Peter had just accused some religious officials of being really bad people because they had denied Jesus. As we so astutely pointed out, Peter, too, had done some denying on his own of Jesus but worse…he actually knew Jesus and who he was.* So, now Peter’s lookin’ pretty bad.[Read the full post]
Extreme Grace, Part 1
Twice Peter said the they had denied Jesus. Helloooo, excuse me, Pete, but do you not remember where you were at about the time these little people were denying Him?? Peter had run away like a scared little girl from, oh, yeah, a little girl who had accused him of being a follower of Jesus. Three times! It’s like he totally forgot what he had done. How does that happen? What right does Peter have to be accusing others of denying?
[Read the full post]
My Politics
For too long, in my opinion, Christians, in general, have aligned themselves with a particular party. Now, the trend seems to be going the other way. The reasons cited usually have something to do with one or two particular issues. On the left, it seems mostly environmental and justice issues. On the right, abortion and traditional marriage. On both sides, the economy is a big deal and, of course, the war.
My contention is that none of those are exclusively (or primarily) political issues. They are just issues and, principly if not explicitly, the Bible speaks to all of them. [Read Full Post]
What Difference Does Prayer Really Make?
Since God knows everything before we even know we need something (Matthew 6:32) and because He has no need of anything, including praise, thanks, etc. (Acts 17:24-25 – that is to say, though He may desire to hear our thanks, it is not something He needs to feel good about Himself), what is the real point in prayer?
Ministry Milestones
It’s not a huge one, I suppose, but yesterday marked the two-year anniversary of my interview at MBC (now The Gathering) and the first sermon preached there. My actual two-year anniversary of starting will not come until December 10.
The Powerless Prayer
I’m in a new series on prayer as we look at what has been traditionally called “The Lord’s Prayer” or “The Model Prayer.” When we start looking at what Christ said prayer is and isn’t, we quickly realize that much of what we do really isn’t prayer at all…at least not the kind that Jesus said is acceptable to the Father.
Catalyst Conference, Day 1
I really don’t know that I can adequately put into words all that I’ve experienced today. After a very challenging day getting down here and actually getting to the conference, I understood why things prior to the conference would come with such difficulty: God had some radical things to teach me that could make an…
Catalyst
I leave for Catalyst later today in Atlanta. If there is time, I plan on posting at least a couple of thoughts and reflections from the conference throughout (maybe at least some short ones with the Blackberry). Really looking forward to the spiritual retreat and feeding this should provide. There’s a great line-up of young leaders…
The Gathering Storm
Yesterday was a great day worshiping at thegathering. Music was spectacular and I enjoyed bringing a challenge for us to become “The Gathering Storm,” taking on injustice, hopelessness and meaningless in Chattanooga. I am encouraged by the spirit of those who make up thegathering and looking forward to how God pulls us into becoming difference-makers…
