At The Gathering on Sunday, I talked about how easy it is for us to become complacent in our journey with Jesus. Complacency can sneak up on us as we become so familiar with grace and become so comfortable in our salvation that the whole thing can become somewhat blasé (That’s French for, “meh”). That…
Ethnic Unity Lecture
Last night, I had the privilege of delivering a short lecture to the Chattanooga-Hamilton County BM&E District Association’s Unity Week & Congress of Christian Education. It was a true joy to see many of our Gathering church members sitting amongst and worshiping with some wonderful Christian brothers and sisters of the African American community. Our…
The Mind-blowing Nature of Grace
One of the most challenging aspects of the Gospel is the amazing grace of God that declares Believers as perfect in Christ. It is hard to grasp because we know we’re still sinners. How can we be both sinners and sinless at the same time and, if true, how can we live in that reality?…
Birds of a Feather: Understanding the Need for Real Community
The random honking was faint at first. Then through the trees I could see the flapping of wings as they approached from the East. Now in full view, they banked to the left making a complete u-turn in full formation, gliding as they made their approach down to their landing area. In the final few…
On Jacob’s 18th Birthday
There is that first time you hold your newborn child that redefines who you are. Wrapped tightly in the little blanket, knit hat on head, eyes tightly shut, feeble and helpless. Though the last two adjectives can also be used to describe the feeling of being a new dad, it is the child in your…
But God: The Foundational Truth
Last week, I wrote about the amazing chapter 2 of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, where he reminds them of God’s amazing power to change the course of life through His everlasting mercy. I mentioned that the recent experience of my Dad’s very serious illness from which he is currently recovering reminded me of his…
When All Hope is Gone…But God
One of my favorite passages of Scripture is Ephesians 2. This is the chapter where Paul tells us that we were once dead in trespasses and sin, living according to power of evil, carrying out all of our sinful desires, indulging ourselves in everything that leads to righteous wrath and judgement. Let’s face it: that’s…
The Proven Character of Our Faith
Several years ago, my friend, Todd, called me with news that he had developed terminal cancer. I remember hearing the strength in his voice. It was noteworthy, not only because he had just received the news no one wants to hear, but because my own voice was shaky as my heart sunk at the news….
Sermon 11-26
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Sermon 10-29
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Summer Under the Psalms S2:P12
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Sermon 8-20
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A Sad but Hope-filled Pilgrim
I have been reflecting on the weight of what is going on in our world of late. It is weighty, isn’t it? I suppose that’s why the expression of feeling “burdened” is appropriate during these times of reflection. That’s definitely what I’ve been…burdened. It’s so hard to turn on the news and see the level…
