Churches that understand their identity, mission, and eternal purpose are most likely to do the things God wants. The church exists in God’s eternal purpose to unite all things under Christ. In Ephesians 4, the church participates in this purpose through the ministry of every member, facilitated by the leaders Christ places in the body. …
Continue reading “Ephesians 4: the church that genuinely serves”
Ephesians 4 begins the practical section of Paul’s Ephesian letter. Paul undergirds action with principle. Chapters 1-3 focus on church identity, “Who are we?” The church must understand its identity and purpose. Chapters 4-6 answer the question, “What do we do?” The Christian life that reflects our shared identity in Christ Jesus includes requirements, reasons, response, and results. Requirements. …
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:1-16–Understanding the church and what it does”
The church is in constant need of renewal. The past is never good enough; the present is fleeting; we want the future to be better–as bright and good as it can be. In my experience, many churches desire renewal but do not know how to find it. Church renewal occurs when multiple dynamics are brought …
What does God want from us? What does God want from his creation? What is God’s message that we are called to take into all the world? These questions continue to burn in my heart. We have made our little lists. We have focused on an institutional concept of the kingdom and missed the bigger picture. …
When I was a kid, I liked the section of the comics that challenged the reader to identify the things that were wrong in a picture. I admit that sometimes I still glance at the children’s section of the comics to see how quickly I can find the problems in the picture. Keeps my mind …
Continue reading “Preaching: What’s Wrong with This Picture?”
In my experience, preachers get a lot of compliments. Maybe some don’t; God bless them! What is the highest compliment a preacher can get? One compliment I think I will never forget. It may qualify for the best ever. A church member said of her preacher, “He brought Jesus back to our church….” Thrilling, encouraging. …
Continue reading “An Interesting Compliment: “He brought Jesus back to this church””
We don’t know what to do with God! We want to control him, box him, understand him. We want our Christianity in neat, little, predictable packages. We want a Holy Spirit under control. We are so committed to “decently and in order” that we limit God. Christianity is a personal treasure hunt! Treasure hunts are …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: Will Anything Surprising Happen Today?”
One can think nothing greater than to think about God. Unfathomable, rich. Our life cannot surpass our knowledge and understanding of God. All begins with God. We must begin in the right place. Without understanding the nature, character, and actions of God, we cannot grasp worship. We cannot appreciate and experience genuine community. We miss …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: Seeking to understanding God”
