Christmas (with the possible exception of Easter and that rabbit) is probably the most difficult holiday for Christians. Seriously. We have to figure out how to deal with the fun stuff of Christmas–you know, gift-giving, flying reindeer and jolly elves in red suits with the real (and true) reason we celebrate–the God-man coming to earth…
Tag: Christianity
Where Is Your Faith?
Last night, during Worship Out Loud at The Gathering, I spoke on Luke 8:22-25. Here are the thoughts on that passage that led to that talk. Jesus gave His disciples a command: “Get into the boat and let’s go to the other side of the lake.” They obeyed. First step of a good disciple…when you’re…
Get Over Yourself
Those were my three final words from our Discipleship Class this week. They are words I am learning to live by. If you stop and think about it, the cause of most of our conflicts with others is the failure to get over ourselves. It is because we think so highly or at least so…
When God Goes Missing
Do you ever feel as though there are things God doesn’t see? If my actions are any indication, I must. Sometimes I feel as though injustices happen and God just misses or seems to ignore it. Those are the times I want to (and too often do) call “foul!” really loudly so someone will see…
On Mission
The report yesterday on the mission day in Atlanta was awesome. I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for The Gathering. So many important doors are being opened and it’s incredible to watch our people excited about walking through them. On Saturday, we had 7 people join with a great team from Birchwood Baptist…
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…
Devoted to Destruction
Along with several others at The Gathering, I’m reading through the Bible chronologically. Today, I read the account of Joshua leading the people to take Jericho and came across his instructions. He first told them that all within the city was devoted to destruction (people, animals, and everything but the gold). I know that sounds…
Real Community
I’ve been thinking about the real purpose of church and what we’re supposed to be about. Ultimately, of course, it’s to glorify Christ by making disciples (Matt. 28:19-20), but how do we do that together…as a church; a family? Hebrews 10:24-25 came to mind: 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to…
The United States: A New Frontier
Preface: Please read the entire post before deciding you know what I’m saying by the first three paragraphs. Thanks. ———————– If a street thug gunned down a Muslim for talking to them about the Koran, what do you think would happen? How would the news media handle it? How about if a Buddhist or Jew…
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…
How to help in Haiti
A letter to members and friends of The Gathering: As I am sure you have been following the events of the past week related to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, you are probably feeling the same desire as I have to “do something” to help alleviate some of the suffering. It is difficult to know…
Knowing Evil
Reading the chapters for the One-Year Challenge, I got to thinking about the dilemma that faced the real first family with that fruit. What is it that really caused them to give in? Why couldn’t they simply resist and realize that taking that first bite would be absolutely devastating? I think it’s because they weren’t…
Trusting When It Counts
Most of my married life has been one of uncertainty. I’m not talking about my marriage, specifically, but rather the circumstances we have been in most of our life together. Two years after Karen and I were married, we were called up to New England, uncertain of what we were to do, why specifically we…
2010: Year of the Mission
I met with our Mission One:Eight Team this past Wednesday night and left so encouraged and excited about the coming year at The Gathering. God has moved in some pretty big ways over the last couple of months, removing the inward focus that largely characterized what this church has been, bringing a fresh wind of…
Piper on the Prosperity “gospel”
The so-called “Prosperity Gospel” sells millions of books a year for it’s proponents, but it is a counterfeit gospel. John Piper pulls no punches in telling it like it is in this compelling video. (ht: Shane Waldrop, @fuelshane)
Church, 7 Days a Week
Love this video. Don’t know where this church is, but if they’re also preaching the Gospel like they seem to be living it, they’ve got it going on. This needs to become the goal of The Gathering (and every other New Testament church for that matter).
The Gathering…in a year.
I had someone ask me this week where I hope The Gathering will be in a year. It didn’t take me long to come up with a few things I hope to see this church being in the coming year: 1. Strong disciples. That is something every church intends to accomplish, but few actually do….
Mission to Peru – October, 2009 Video
Check out my previous video from our first trip in July here.
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…
Eight-Foot Ceilings
I don’t have the resources. I don’t have the money. I don’t have the time. I don’t have the talent. I’m scared of what will happen if it fails. I don’t know how people will react to it. Man, am I used to hearing these sentences. Who am I kidding…I’m used to saying these things. …
