This is the time of year when many are making resolutions (diet, exercise, read the Bible, etc.). But, why do our good intentions seldom work? Could it be that we try to manage our lives, control outcomes and just "try harder" too much? Are we

Love All

Dec 20th, 2009

"What do you want?" This is a long-time heralded Christmas question. But, how will you respond? We are challenged today by Luke's account of the dedication of Jesus at the Temple. Jesus' encounters with Simeon and Anna at the temple have the po

Give More

Dec 13th, 2009

Do you remember receiving the "perfect gift" at Christmas? There seems to exist unspoken pressure at Christmas to give the "perfect gifts." Many of us will search long and far to find just the right gift. But ... what if we decided to "go the d

Spend Less

Dec 6th, 2009

Exchanging gifts has been a time honored tradition at Christmas. But, has this become the center of Christmas? How much is too much? When does Christmas become excessive? And, how has American consumerism played a role in this? If Christmas has

Worship Fully

Nov 29th, 2009

"What do you want?" This is a question we ask every year at Christmas. But, what does this question say about how we celebrate Christmas? Let's reenter the Christmas story again. Our hearts are formed by what we worship. How might the familiar

Prelude to the Advent Conspiracy

Nov 22nd, 2009

Thanksgiving and "Black Friday" lead us into the Christmas season. But, what does a day like "Black Friday" say about how we celebrate Christmas? Let's consider what it might mean for us to reframe the Christmas season this year.

The Generosity Factor

Nov 15th, 2009

What does it mean to be "generous"? In Malachi 3, God issues a challenge to his people. God knows how human nature works (how we like to clutch to what we have). But, God urges toward the generous life. Explore some of the "resistance factors"

"What Does My Baptism Mean?"

Nov 8th, 2009

Baptism is our moment when we experience the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ by faith. But, now that I am baptized, what's next? What are the ongoing implications of a baptized life? Galatians 3:26-27 challenges us to wear the implicatio

"What Does the Bible Say?"

Nov 1st, 2009

The Bible has a lot to say to us about baptism. Baptism marks a seismic shift from an old identity, ethic and worldview, to a radically new identity in Christ, a new life in the Spirit, and a restored and hope-filled worldview. Baptism is our a

"What Did Jesus Say?"

Oct 25th, 2009

What is baptism about? Is it just something we're commanded to do? Is it just a step in salvation? Baptism may be more important than you think, but maybe not for the reasons you think. What did Jesus say about baptism? Perhaps Jesus can help u

Celebrate The Vision

Oct 18th, 2009

2009 has been a challenging year for many people with the condition of the current economy and people losing jobs, income, etc. Yet, God's goodness and faithfulness has overshadowed many of the "dark clouds." About this time last year, a new vi

DROP

Oct 4th, 2009

Just a "drop" can make a big splash. We will learn from Jesus, as he teaches us about the great power of small things. God uses people like us to make a big difference!

LENS

Sep 27th, 2009

When we refocus our vision, we will begin to see the world as God does. Allow Jesus' mission mandate from Luke 4 to open your eyes to see the people around you in new ways. We need Jesus' eyes.

DETOUR

Sep 20th, 2009

God uses detours to get our attention and help us see what is really important. The story of the "Good Samaritan" will challenge your view of being "neighborly."

The Power of Connection

Sep 13th, 2009

We need people! Christianity is not to be lived alone. God made us and wired us for connection. We often stress the importance of connecting to God. Yet, we must connect to others as well. Consider the "power of connection."

Everybody Gets Saved Eventually

Sep 6th, 2009

Urban Legneds

"Everybody Gets Saved Eventually"

Sep 6th, 2009

"Certainly a 'God of Love' wouldn't send anyone to hell." Ever heard that one? "All paths lead to the same destination." Or that one? Confronting the finality of life, the reality of eternal life and the existence of hell, are all difficult sub

"My Tithe is Whatever I Can Afford to Give"

Aug 30th, 2009

What we typically give as our "tithes and offerings" is not quite what God said a "tithe" is, especially in the American church. Why is there always a hole in my pocket? Maybe we need to consider some new priorities.

"Godly Homes Guarantee Godly Kids"

Aug 23rd, 2009

The one promise a lot of parents count on isn't really a promise at all. We can make it easier for our kids to know God. But, we may need to revisit Proverbs 22:6.

"God Just Wants Me to Be Happy"

Aug 9th, 2009

Ultimately, we tend to think that happiness is our "end game." Don't we tell our sons, daughters and close friends and relatives, "I just want you to be happy."?? Is this God's final aim? If so, are Christians to be happy all the time? Could th

(i.e. immorality) "I Can Handle It"

Jul 26th, 2009

When it comes to immorality, sometimes we (as Christians) tend to think that we can "handle it" - that this is a sin that those caught up in bad or evil do. Yet, foolishness often leads to a fall. What does the Bible really say to us?