As I prepare my Romans “The God Report” messages for our senior high group each week I will be posting some reflections and insights along the way. Let’s begin with the way Paul introduces himself to the Roman church. One of the small group “mixer” activities we like to do is called “Myself in 10 … More ROMANS: Meet Paul (1:1-7)
Jesus Creed recently alerted me to a post by Jen Bradbury on “Outcome Based Education” for our youth groups. She asks youth ministers what they hope their students will take away from our ministry before they graduate on to college. Read her full POST here. Otherwise, I thought she nailed all of the “biggies” I certainly … More Desired Outcomes for Youth Ministry
A recent USA Today story discusses well-known Christian Brian McLaren and a small group of Christians who are joining with Muslims in their observance of Ramadan fasts. Here’s an excerpt from the article: In announcing his Ramadan fast plans on his blog last month, McLaren wrote, “We are not doing so in order to become … More Christians Fasting for Ramadan
Everyday we are inundated with messages that shape and influence our view of the world. The Information Age provides us with many sources of information and news, cultural commentary and political spin. We are taught what to think but not how. We are given much to chew on but little advice on what we should and should not … More New Romans Series: “The God Report”
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15
As a bright-eyed, blond-haired lanky kid who ate, drank and slept basketball from an early age through high school, I was one of the lucky generation who got to watch MJ, Bird, Magic, Barkley, Robinson, Ewing Tuesdays on TNT and those Sunday afternoon doubleheaders on NBC. I spent nearly every night in the basement watching … More Michael Jordan: My Fallen Hero
“No one’s written your destiny for you, because here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future.” -Barrack Obama in his controversial speech to school children “It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of … More Obama: Who’s Writing Our Destiny?
These are not the BEST books I’ve read. There are definitely books more profound, better written, more well-known and vastly more influential. But there are books that we read at certain times in our own spiritual and intellectual journeys that just come at the perfect time to open new windows of thought, challenge previous convictions … More My Top 3: Impacting Books
“All things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Col 1:17). Have you seen Louie’s message about the human molecule called “Laminin” that holds the human body together? Check this video out and let me know what you think? “For you created my … More Louie Giglio: Laminin
Here’s a relevant topic for youth pastors. How do you address the topic of “cursing” with teens without sounding stuffy and pharasaic, old-fashioned and legalistic? I believe Brett McCracken comes at it from the right angle and with the right message. It’s not so much about the rightness or wrongness of actual words, but rather … More “Christian Cussing” (Brett McCracken)
Richard Dawkins, aggressive atheist and author of the bestselling The God Delusion, asks of what value are theologians anyway: “What has theology ever said that is of the smallest use to anybody? When has theology ever said anything that is demonstrably true and is not obvious? I have listened to theologians, read them, debated against … More What good are theologians?
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Phil 4:8-9). … More PHILIPPIANS 32: Think On These Things (4:8-9)
“I think these younger Christians are the vanguard of some major new religious, social, and political arrangements that could make the older form of culture wars obsolete. After they wrestle with doubts and objections to Christianity many come out on the other side with an orthodox faith that doesn’t fit the current categories of liberal … More QUOTABLES: Tim Keller
I have so far in this series highlighted the inadequacies of two of the key aspects of the popular human system of social ethics: (1) that human beings have the ability to wisely and justly direct the course of history, and (2) that humanly created structures, powers, and programs are able means to bring lasting … More Cruciform Justice 10: The War of the Lamb
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds … More PHILIPPIANS 31: Don’t Worry, Be Happy (4:4-7)
Where were you when the news broke on that tragic morning in America September 11, 2001? That’s the question we all ask years later. And we all remember. For what it’s worth, I was in my car on the way to Bethel University to lift weights with some buddies on campus. We didn’t lift any … More Remembering 9/11
“Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at … More PHILIPPIANS 30: I Plead with You Whom I Love (4:1-3)
What did Jesus mean when he told his fellow Jews to “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s”? Greg Boyd brings another strong critique of American tendencies toward a nationalized version of Christianity. In a recent sermon entitled “Handing Jesus Over to Caesar” Boyd argues that Jesus’ answer “undermined … More Boyd Waxes Bold on Jesus & Politics (Again)
“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their … More PHILIPPIANS 29: Follow My Example (3:17-21)
As we mentioned earlier, the humanistic optimism that drives the prominent secular theories of government acts as if human beings control the course of history. This is a responsibility too large for any human being and inevitably stirs up within them an overbearing anxiety, fear and despair. Many have therefore painted themselves into a Darwinian … More Cruciform Justice 9: Living Out of Control
Keri and I have spent some time this summer watching some movie series. We started the summer with the X-Men movies and are now working our way through the Harry Potter movie series. NPR’s All Things Considered recently ran a story that caught my attention. The piece focused on the mixed receptivity of Harry Potter … More Harry Potter Resurrected
What does a narrative approach to Scripture say about the authority of Scripture? 5. Narrative Understanding of Scriptural Authority. Most foundationally, we must treat Scripture as more than a static repository of abstract truths that reveal true propositions about God, history and the human condition (though these too are important, have their special place and can be … More A Powerful Collision: God, Bible, Authority & Narrative 4
“Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.” (Phil 3:16). There is a lot going on in this single verse. Paul is summing up a long, sustained … More PHILIPPIANS 28: Growing into Spiritual Adulthood (3:16)
“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my … More PHILIPPIANS 27: No Turning Back Now (3:12-15)
Kingdom Harbor 