Love has lost its true meaning. In modern cultural language, love is often replaced by the complexities of sexuality. During my time as a youth
Read MoreReflecting on the US Presidential Election one month later, December 10th, 2012. As we find ourselves one month beyond the conclusion of the 2012 US
Read MoreIt’s common to hear us church-goers get into a heated debate over church politics, leadership structure, etc. Every once in a while, I’m reminded and humbled that the Church doesn’t just exist in our Western world circles. The Church is alive and active all over the world. Much of it, experiencing terrible persecution for their faith. In our Western culture, I wonder if and/or when we will experience persecution.
Read MoreHave you ever met anyone who claims to be a bona fide palm reader, fortune-teller or tarot card reader? If so, have you ever asked them what they think of Jesus. Some of you may have immediately concluded that it would be foolish to connect with such a person. And perhaps it is on some level, depending on one’s level of spiritual maturity.
Read MoreIn our lives, work or school, family life or social settings feel overwhelming. Sometimes it’s the layering of all those things that become too much. Add to all of that our goals and aspirations that we feel called to reach, but then they might fall apart as well. In these moments, life feels impossible!
Read MoreThe other day I watched a sobering video clip. Author and speaker Francis Chan addressed young pastors and their pursuit to improve their craft. He noted the trend that young pastors often have a strong ability to teach, but their lives are not always displaying what they’re teaching.
Read MoreI came across an old Larry Norman video. My mind immediately went to his famous song, “I Wish We’d All Been Ready”, so I searched for a couple of versions. It had been a long time since I had heard this song and I had forgotten how haunting the lyrics were.
Read MoreYesterday was my wife’s birthday and we had a great time with the family. Overall, she had a pretty enjoyable day doing some of the things she loves. And yet, as I think about how I acted yesterday, I feel convicted.
Read MoreWhy do we do what we do? Are we stuck between legalistic church life (pursing religious piety) and prideful rebellion (self-seeking glory)? How are these behaviours centred on the Gospel? How are they reflecting Jesus to our world?
Read MoreAs Believers, we can get caught up in what we ought to do, or ought not to do. We try to justify our feelings about actions we should be or shouldn’t be taking. All of this is in order to achieve a type of holiness through self-imposed regulations.
Read MoreLoss is hard. I remember walking with my wife after losing her father. It was really hard. However, when I think back, it was during our family’s sorrow that I found a renewed understanding of eternity and God’s faithfulness.
Read MoreGoal-setting is so important! When I was a youth pastor, taking trips was a key part of the ministry. Before we left, we would have an evening of spiritual preparation; a group session to discuss the spiritual goals for the experience. Goal setting can be a great addition to any conference or mission experience, to increase the impact of the trip.
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