In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. John 14:20 ESV I spent most of my life praying for Jesus to return and ignoring the truth that he already did in a very real way. Now before you think I’m changing doctrine, please … Continue reading "Pentecost – Jesus’ First Return" Read the article
The Ascension signaled the end of one ministry, and the beginning of another. The disciples had been through a lot; they had seen the good, the bad and the ugly of Jesus’ time on earth. They had seen many miracles – water into wine, healings, thousands fed from a boy’s lunch, demons exorcised, storms halted … Continue reading "Jesus’ New Ministry" Read the article
Celebrating the resurrection is much, much more than a day. After completing 40 days in preparation for Jesus’ resurrection, the church fathers set aside 50 days to celebrate that resurrection. Why 50 days? For a number of reasons, including these listed below. It was 50 days later when the Holy Spirit was poured out on … Continue reading "Easter Jubilee" Read the article
The Easter prep (Lent) season, which begins on Ash Wednesday and continues until Holy Saturday, is full of meaning for us. On Wednesday, February 14, millions of our brothers and sisters around the globe will have a bit of ash on their foreheads in the form of a cross. Though our denomination doesn’t observe this … Continue reading "Easter Preparation" Read the article
The “aha” moments of seeing the Light. There are three “aha” events associated with the season of Epiphany. They are the visit of the Magi (wise men) from the East, Jesus’ baptism by John in the river Jordan, and Jesus’ first miracle of turning water into wine. What is your “aha” moment? The Magi and … Continue reading "Epiphany" Read the article
The greatest event that has a beginning, but no end. I love the way the apostle John starts his Gospel, “In the beginning…” What is he referring to? The beginning of the creation? The beginning of the earth? The beginning of the universe? The beginning of time? The beginning of the plan of God? We … Continue reading "The Incarnation" Read the article
Preparing for the birth of a child leads to a time of great celebration. I’ll never forget preparing our home for our first child. We didn’t have the internet to tell us what we’d need to prepare for our first child. Today you can go to several websites that give you lists to help you … Continue reading "The Greatest Celebration" Read the article
A healthy church is filled with those who need healing. A man I highly respected made a statement that stuck with me. He said for years he looked for the perfect church in hopes he could join and be among those wonderful believers. But when he joined, he realized two things: one, his presence made … Continue reading "The Truth About Healthy Church" Read the article
Jesus, the Son of God, gave us a new commandment telling us how to be Christ-followers and how to build healthy churches. I spent many years of my Christian walk in frustration because I didn’t know how to keep the Great Commandments. I wanted to love God, but I knew in my heart I wasn’t … Continue reading "Jesus’ “How-To”" Read the article
Bringing challenge is less about confrontation and more about love and the 4 Es. I often hear pastors and leaders share their struggle to bring up tough topics with their leadership teams. “I struggle with confrontation.” “If I bring this up, I’m afraid she will leave.” “He already has enough on his plate; I hate … Continue reading "The Hardest Part of Leadership" Read the article
