Starting Sunday, June 5, 2011, I’ll be delivering a series of four messages on The Seven Deadly Sins. The Seven deadly sins come from a list that began to develop in the fourth century after Christ by Evagrius Ponticus and was developed thereafter and referred to often by different Christian leaders as a helpful reminder of what were “Capital Vices”–that … Read More
“The Huddle”–A Model for Reaching Men Here?
Yesterday, I had the pleasure to visit an inter-denominational lunchtime, hour-long, weekly gathering of about 150 men at the YMCA in Kokomo, Indiana. They usually distribute some kind of free lunch and eat it during a talk that is meaningful to men on some level. The format was simple: 12:05–announcements12:10-12:30–a speaker who delivers an address relevant to men12:30-12:50–discussion around tables12:50–table … Read More
God Cannot Lie
Q: If God is all-powerful, then how can he not be able to lie? A: The answer to this question, turned in on an index card on Sunday, February 6, 2011 is kind of philosophical, as the question is rather philosophical in nature. Because God is the sum of all superlative positive attributes, a lie would go against the definition … Read More
May 2011 Series: THE CROSS
May 8-29, 2011, I’ll be delivering a series of messages on the richest theme in the scriptures: The Cross. We’ll look at what it means generally and how it applies to our lives. This will be a great time for long-time followers of Christ to renew and sharpen their understanding of how the cross of Jesus applies not only … Read More
Easter Bunny Theology
Sometimes church people and even well-meaning pastors miss some of the most amazing moments for reaching people through the cultural windows that are present and create opportunities for the gospel to come alive. I’m thinking about those moments in the Christian calendar that intersect with a huge cross-section of nominal Christians–Christmas and Easter. Tomorrow is Easter. Just today, as a … Read More
Christ Our Healer Sunday
On the morning Sunday, May 1, 2011, we’ll be having specially themed services at 9 and 11 on God’s power to heal. We will worship, take communion, hear testimonies about healing, listen to music, anoint the sick with oil, and pray with faith for people who need physical and emotional healing. I’m looking forward to this morning and the amazing … Read More
Feeling God’s Presence
Q: How can I, as a teenager, begin to feel God’s presence? How does he become more real and personal? This excellent question, submitted on our Q Sunday event on February 6, 2011 asks a question that many people pose at all stages of life. Becoming more aware of God’s presence and finding God to be more intimate in one’s … Read More
Biblical Translation
I’ve been asked what version of the Bible I use for the Sunday morning message at our church. I use the New International Version, Copyrighted 2011. I use this translation because I believe it is a good one. A number of my teachers in graduate school worked on this translation. Perhaps the New American Standard Bible is the best version … Read More
A Second Visioneering Meeting
This Sunday evening, April 17 at 6:30, we will be having the second of two Vision 2011 Meetings. Everyone who considers First Assembly their church home is encouraged to be present and participate. This coming Sunday night, we will briefly review the core values, mission, vision and goals of First Assembly that were presented in some detail at the first … Read More
My Life Group
I wanted to post today about the Life Group that Tracy and I plan to host in our home every Friday evening at our home from 6:30-to 8. We’re leading this group with Pastor Adam and Sarah Howard. The group is called “Character Development for Leaders”. This class is a Bible study designed around various character traits and leadership skills … Read More