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But We Preach Christ Crucified
The Early Church found itself in a difficult position. As I see it, there were two groups of people you could be associated with: Law-abiding Jews or free-living Pagans/Gentiles. Romans, who were Gentiles, ruled the day. So free-living (sexual promiscuity, etc.) ruled the day as well. They didn’t have much tolerance for Law-abiding Jews who…
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In Defense of Contemporary Worship
My last post mentioned my frustrations with the way contemporary worship is treated in many churches. In its defense, contemporary worship is no worse than any other style. In fact, contemporary worship is the primary style of worship that has made the biggest impact on my life. It’s how the style is used and what…
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Being A Christian: Wonderfully and Fearfully Awesome
I was reminded yesterday of how rich I am. Not because I live in the wealthiest country in the world, but because what I read in Ephesians. Paul wrote this book while in prison to encourage God’s people of their true state, not whatever struggle they find themselves in (even if in prison). Among other…
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Top Five Reasons The Gospel Must Constantly Be Preached In Our Churches
Ok, so I’m not sure these are the most important reasons, but right now to me they are. In no particular order: 1. Where else can one hear the Gospel? You could argue that we should be spreading the Gospel in our work, school, neighborhoods…but reality demonstrates that this happens very infrequently, if at all.…
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Five Churches I Could Easily Have Dismissed
Here are five churches I’ve attended during this time of transition, along with some reflections of each one: Church of the Highlands This church thrives on building excitement among its members for their church and their faith. Out of all the churches I’ve attended, I think this church is the one that I most often…
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Does The Gospel Really Have Any Power? (Part 2)
In the first post on this subject a week or so ago, I made the case that the Gospel doesn’t have any real power unless there is faith. Today, the point I want to make is that the Gospel doesn’t have any real power unless there is weakness. Does this mean that Christianity or the…
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Today Should Never Have Happened
It’s the day after taxes were due, and we’re ok for now. That shouldn’t be the case, but it is. When I resigned my part-time job in January, I had nothing lined up to fill the loss of income. Before my resignation, we were already living month to month, with very little wiggle room to…
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Does The Gospel Really Have Any Power?
I don’t think it does. I think it may once have had power, but largely it’s fizzling out. I think church growth experts out there recognize this. Simply sharing, spreading, teaching, exploring, reviewing, singing, articulating, living out the Gospel is largely ineffective. It is not enough to draw in droves of new people, and it…
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Good Friday
Today was such a horrible day in human history–the day we killed and executed God. If there is anything humans have ever done that would make us deserving of eternal hell, today fits the bill. If anyone needs proof that we are really a depraved people, the fact that we would kill the Son of…
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Any Time Now… (Part 2)
In a previous post about two months ago, I shared my struggle with holding out for God to come through, instead of complaining or worrying. I contemplated the possibility that throwing one’s hands in the air, giving up, losing faith, or doubting God might be the better approach, even if God rebukes me. That is,…