Your church may have restarted physical gatherings or soon be about to. Some churches are a few weeks into this uncomfortable experienceno singing, mask-wearing, spaced out seating. Its not surprising that some people have been thinking, We waited four months for this? Maybe youre still joining in worship online for the time being. We all […] This is a good time to examine our hearts and return to the heart of worship.
This year has been filled with a wide range of emotions: fear, confusion, grief, anger, loneliness and sadness. Most people are tired, stressed, burned-out and craving the stability of “normal life.” This difficult year is taking a significant toll on our mental health individually and collectively. For some, the chaos of the last few months … Continued
For the church to respond rightly to miscarriage, we must first see and feel the grief of suffering parents and the biblical truths it illuminates. I began to understand this grief six years ago when supporting parents grieving a miscarriage. We rejoiced when we learned that my brother and sister-in-law were pregnant at the same time as us. About to take […]
This article is not for just anyone. Its for people who are committed Christ followers who have a church home. Its not for church hoppers or shoppers. Its for those who know where their faith community is. Theyve poured into it, and it has poured into them. Its a beautiful and deeply spiritual relationship. Its what churches need right now. Its also the biblical model. You simply will not find a reference to an unchurched Christian in the New Testament. Period.
Jesus said the most defining characteristic of his church should be its love. Your love for each other, he told his disciples, is how the world will recognize that you belong to me. What convinces the world of the truth of the gospel is simply our gospel-shaped love for each other; its not our defense of the faith […]
Former Planned Parenthood Director Abby Johnson Shares Her Story of Finding a New Calling.
It has received a lot of attention during the pandemic. It will receive more attention in the post-quarantine era. Some call it the digital church. Others call it the internet church. In either case, it refers to people joining worship services, and even groups, virtually or digitally. They are not physically present. I am watching … Continued
August is often the driest month of the year here in Southern California. Not only is it physically dry, but it can also be spiritually, relationally and emotionally dry. The fact is, youre more than halfway through the year, but you still have a long way to go. Its about that time when you start to reflect on your spiritual growth during dryness and wonder how youll get everything done. We all face dry periods.
Are your political views and convictions growing in intensity? Are you finding yourself feeling angrier than you used to be about a variety of political issues? Are people in your extended family, community or church becoming angrier? In addition to being in the midst of a global pandemic, widespread demonstrations about racial injustices, and an election year, we live in a media saturated environment where hate and division trigger wider viewership, larger ratings and significantly higher advertising revenue. Learn how to know when your political views have become an idol.
The 18th-century preacher John Wesley once wrote to a fellow believer: “Give me 100 who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen. Such alone will shake the gates of hell, and set up the kingdom of heaven upon earth.” It reminds … Continued
