When the Son of God put on humanity and became the Son of Man, he was inviting us to participate in the relationship – the dance – that he shares as Father, Son and Spirit. Cheryl and I love to dance, in particular to waltz or slow dance. Good dancing is fluid – it is … Continue reading "Invitation to the Dance" Read the article
Advent, which means “coming” – or from the Latin “to come to” – not only illustrates the biblical teaching of trusting in God and waiting for a fulfillment of his promises, but it also offsets the commercial hype and focus of Christmas that is usually not focused on Jesus. I believe all of us would … Continue reading "Advent: The Dark and the Light, the Origin and the Destiny" Read the article
… young families, teenagers, more people, a building or better place to worship, someone under the age of ___ in our church, a seasoned pastor. What do you believe you need to make your congregation or fellowship group successful? I love to look at a Scripture with new eyes – asking God to help me … Continue reading "If Only We Had…" Read the article
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
