Over-spiritualizing Church

There is a reason Jesus referred to himself as “son of man”. Quite a number of years ago, I was asked by my district pastoral leader (DPL) to move to Cincinnati, Ohio, to pastor a church. I said “no” because I had just moved my family to pastor another congregation. Over the course of several … Continue reading "Over-spiritualizing Church" Read the article

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Called for Relationship, Not Religion

May we never grow weary sharing that God is a Father we can always run to. “Religious people drive me nuts, always putting others down and spouting off about their beliefs.” I was talking to a landscaper who was helping me with a lawn project when he shared an argument he had overheard between two … Continue reading "Called for Relationship, Not Religion" Read the article

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Where is the Good News?

Healthy churches are known for what they are for, not what they are against. Most people know what churches preach against – sin. Depending on the pastor, certain sins are preached on more than other sins. It quickly becomes clear to a new believer that there are all kinds of things God is against, and … Continue reading "Where is the Good News?" Read the article

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Hope, Faith and Love in a Fellowship Group

Our focus on healthy church and the three avenues of Hope, Faith and Love are applicable to any size group or congregation. “We only have eight people in our group; how are we expected to have a champion or coordinator for the Hope, Faith and Love avenues?” The simple answer is you aren’t. While we … Continue reading "Hope, Faith and Love in a Fellowship Group" Read the article

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Faith Avenue: What Is Your Reality?

One of the most important things for a Christian to know is about identity. Who is Jesus? And who am I in Jesus? For most of my life I referred to myself as a sinner in need of a savior. I would often focus on my challenges, my shortcomings, my sins, and I always knew … Continue reading "Faith Avenue: What Is Your Reality?" Read the article

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Easter — A Day and a Season

Easter is more than a memorial of the resurrection; it is a 50-day celebration focused on triumph and victory. The wonderful phrases of Easter never cease to remind us of the wonder and power of Jesus, the Christ.  Religion could not limit him. Sin could not control him. Evil could not defeat him. The cross … Continue reading "Easter — A Day and a Season" Read the article

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God’s Great Saving Act

A triduum is a religious observance that lasts three days. The best-known example of this is the three days from the evening of Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday. Called Paschal or Holy Triduum, this one event is the not only the center of the Christian year, it commemorates the great saving act of God. The … Continue reading "God’s Great Saving Act" Read the article

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An Easter Preparation Challenge

In a world full of social and political division, we are not called to take sides and thus be part of the division. Easter Preparation season reminds us we are called to be centered in Jesus and to point others to him. The Easter Preparation message is simple—Jesus saves. Social justice doesn’t save, political affiliation … Continue reading "An Easter Preparation Challenge" Read the article

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Faith Forward

Jesus, having returned from the 40 days of temptation in the desert and beginning his public ministry, enters a synagogue and is handed a scroll of the prophecies of Isaiah. He unrolls the scroll and reads these powerful words, which is part of Isaiah’s prophecy about himself. The Spirit of the Lord is on me, … Continue reading "Faith Forward" Read the article

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A New Birth

The birth of a child is not only exciting, it changes everything. I’ll never forget the excitement that filled our home as we anticipated the birth of our daughter. We decorated her room, we bought furniture, a car seat, clothes and all the items needed to take care of a newborn. We talked and talked … Continue reading "A New Birth" Read the article

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