You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life…
Tag: Authenticity
I Am a Hypocrite
Listen to an audio version of this post. Yeah, it’s true…I am a hypocrite. There. Said it. You want to try it? Really, you should give it a shot. Ok, say this with me, “I am a hyp…”. Wait, not yet. Let’s make sure you should say it. I suppose it’s possible (though not…
Come and See
As someone who has studied apologetics extensively, I know and have used all of the logical arguments for the existence of God, the deity of Christ and the reality of miracles. I have talked with people about the rationality for believing in the reliability of Scripture and the resurrection of Jesus. As a natural skeptic,…
Walking in the Shadow of the Resurrection
Easter’s over, the crowds have dispersed, eggs found, rabbits eaten, services conducted, Monday came and went…now what? Maybe the answer lies in how Monday went. Did it seem like Easter to you? Were you walking in the shadow of the Resurrection? Was it filled with hope and grace, forgiveness and joy? It’s so easy to…
Idols of the Heart
Rarely do I teach a class or deliver a message that hasn’t already penetrated my soul and taught me first. I think that the only way a message is really exceptional is if the Holy Spirit has brought the hammer down first in the teacher/preacher’s life so that the passion can come from a place…
If you say that you’re a follower of Jesus, but you’re not actually following Jesus, then you’re not really a follower of Jesus. David Price
Fear Factor
I’ve been thinking alot about fear lately. As a matter of fact, it’s what I talked about this past Sunday at The Gathering. I’m not talking about just any fear, but the fear of living honestly before people. Being authentic without feeling the need to alter who you are to please someone else…
Hypocrisy
The charge of hypocrisy is the one I most often hear levied against the Church and used as an excuse by those who want no part of it. “I don’t want to hang out with a bunch of hypocrites” This is often the claim made by those who fail to realize that that statement is…
Deception
Do you have a pet peeve? Is there that one thing that just sets you off quicker than anything else? I heard one person whose pet peeve was people who have pet peeves. Hmm. I think one of my greatest pet peeves is deception. I hate when people try and deceive me…especially when I know…
A Rant.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the state of The Gathering and where we’re going and how we will get there. I am incredibly encouraged by the spirit of the people who currently make up this Body and the excitement that is present about our future. There is a focus on the Mission here that…
On Integrity
The topic of integrity is something that has been coming up a lot in our circles here both in my teaching, as we’re walking through Acts, and in circumstances related to our overall community. The following are simply thoughts I have on integrity, so as you read, please don’t think I’m trying to be exhaustive…
What Does Organic Church Really Look Like, Anyway?
Thinking a lot about church lately. Yeah, I know – it’s my job. But I’m thinking more in terms of reformation and growth. You know, what we’re really supposed to be…and be about. At our church, we’re in a place where we’re re-thinking how things are done – What’s important. What’s NOT important. I find…
