Sharing my story as a life-long learner of Christ
(These are excerpts from a recent sermon from Genesis 15) A little over four years ago, I lost my wife in a car accident. The years since then have been very difficult, and the most difficult thing of all is that my son, Bryce, who was only about three months old when she died, …
Continue reading “The Greatness of God’s Faithfulness (1 of 4)”
I have a problem. Although I am born-again -breathing the new life of the Spirit- I still struggle with temptation to live in the flesh. I imagine you can identify with this problem as well. It’s just a part of the Christian life on earth. Paul addresses the issue in Romans 8:5-6 when he says, …
“You’re just not the same Scott I used to know.” Ouch. The words from my old friend pierced my heart. He was right. I’m not the same Scott I was fifteen year ago –or even ten years ago or five years ago. I went home that evening in a somber mood. I couldn’t shake the …
Over the years, I’m afraid many of us have tried to separate faith from feelings. Don’t get me wrong -there is a healthy balance here. For instance, I don’t love God merely when I feel like it, and my faith is much deeper than being swayed by feelings of peer pressure, shame or guilt. And, …
I just had a fascinating conversation with my brother-in-law, Andy, about discipleship. Andy farms and knows all about tractors (especially a certain green brand). We were talking about how people respond better to teaching when someone has taken the time to work with them personally in their spiritual life. In the middle of the conversation, …
Continue reading “I’m Not a Real Farmer, But I Play One in Ministry…”
When missionaries are commissioned to plant a church, they are expected to reach the community to which they have been sent. For instance, a missionary sent to a suburb of Omaha, Nebraska is expected to reach the people in that particular area through community engagement. Many times this takes shape as a service project such …
This is part 2 of “How now should we talk to our gay friends?” The first part talks about the “how,” or “posture,” of Christian conversation. This part (2) will address the “what,” or “content,” of our conversation. I need to admit is the tension I feel while writing. On the one hand, I …
Continue reading “What Should Christians Say to Homosexuals About Homosexuality?”
Several years ago, I published this article in a denominational paper. Needless to say, it received mixed reviews -some positive, some negative. Nonetheless, I think the issue is just as important as it was then -and certainly more relevant. I look forward to hearing your feedback. Let’s put this in perspective. Fact: Homosexuality is …
The following is a guest post from my friend Angelyn McMurray, Founder and President of We Are Free. Please take a moment to read about this important ministry focused on helping victims of human trafficking and consider how you can help. To profess freedom in Christ while ignoring those being denied human freedom is a disgrace …
How long did the children of Israel have to wait at the edge of the Red Sea before crossing? Sound like a meaningless Bible trivia question? Until recently, I had never given thought to this part of God’s deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. As it turns out, what may seem like an insignificant detail …
