Inward Transformation to the Outward Expression of Life
A phrase that we often repeat in our student ministry goes "Know + Be + Do = Authentic." This is a picture of inward transformation that leads to the outward expression of our lives. We believe this is the essence of spiritual growth! As we grow in knowledge, that knowledge grows roots down into our... Continue Reading →
It has been interesting to see the effects of social media on our culture over the past several years. One aspect that I find particularly interesting is the way that many people perceive what they believe to be a new or different identity online. So many seem to struggle with the ethical guidelines of this new... Continue Reading →
Our culture has slowly sacrificed Thanksgiving on the altar of consumerism over the years. This has been difficult for me to watch. What used to be an early rise on the day after for mega-deals at big chain stores all of a sudden backed up to long lines forming that evening for midnight door-busters. Over... Continue Reading →
As Paul speaks of the bold advance of the gospel in this passage, he says something that has brought great conviction in accordance with the sermon and this video from Sunday. In verse 27 he writes, "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel," (ESV, emphasis mine).
To create a physical representation of the invisible God is to seek to render understandable that which is too great for our understanding. And when we do this, we inevitably diminish God. Always. And we do this in our own image, in our own likeness, in an attempt to portray God in the way we wish for others to see him. This is a serious violation of the person of God. Indeed, as many have written about the book The Shack, much can be said about the way that God is misrepresented.
Hey T Swift! It’s us. You know, the tall, "handsome as hell" bad guys who "do it so well." We’ve been following your career and music for some time now, and our appreciation for you just continues to skyrocket. It’s funny, we never thought we would say that, but you have no idea how... Continue Reading →
Recently, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary adopted a new official hymn. They selected a beautiful new song written by Keith and Krysten Getty entitled, “For the Cause.” I love being a student (yet again!) at this wonderful Seminary. I appreciate their heart for the gospel, and especially their vision to see “every classroom a Great Commission classroom.”... Continue Reading →
I had the honor of preaching yesterday at my church, Westwood. Our pastor has been faithfully walking us through the Book of Isaiah. Last Sunday we arrived in chapter 28. Peter quotes a portion from this chapter in the second chapter of his first letter: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone... Continue Reading →
I have been horrified at the recent videos released exposing Planned Parenthood's selling of tissue and organs of aborted babies. I am thankful, though, that they have once again shed light on the issue of abortion. I am thankful for the resulting dialogue. I am thankful that some seem to be thinking twice about abortion... Continue Reading →
I highly recommend this book, and hope that many parents I know will buy it and read it. I want to offer some reflection that I hope will either provoke others to read the book for themselves, or at least share some of the more practical takeaways for us. So, this will not be a 'book review,' but rather a brief summary of the 4 most practical points of application that Erin and I have already begun to put into practice in our home.
