So here I am, thinking about a whacky idea (or is it???), and I figure that I should get some feedback from you. Here is the idea: what if church membership had to be renewed every year? I grew up in a tradition that tied church membership to salvation. You did not just commit yourself…
when Jesus questions my faith
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 17 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” [Matthew 17:20] How do we measure faith? It is not…
wedding oops
This is funny, in a sad kind of way. My guess is that he’s not the BEST man anymore…
family-friendly churches?
I found this great discussion at internetmonk.com. There is some great feedback in the comments that follow. How can families with young children have a continuing participation in church life? Is it impossible? Should they worship as a family? Should one parent go with older children? How can churches make this time more manageable for…
the shack series continues
Sermon series continues. This Sunday Chris Fortin will be giving the message on the theme The Garden of Your Soul (Matthew 13:1-23). It corresponds to chapter 9 (A Long Time Ago, In A Garden Far, Far Away). Mack’s gaze moved over the garden that surrounded them. ‘But it really is beautiful, and full of you, Sarayu. Even…
has Satan sidetracked me?
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 16 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s. [Matthew 16:23] Although Jesus’ words may seem harsh, there is an important lesson here. Satan is always lurking in and around…
what really matters to God?
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 15 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. [Matthew 15:19] This chapter contains an interesting mix of stories: the confrontation with the Jewish leaders, the gentile woman, the many people coming to be healed, and the second miraculous meal. The…
time alone
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 14 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. [Matthew 14:23] How did Jesus do it, how did He handle the stresses and expectations placed on Him? In this reading we get a glimpse into the key to Jesus strength and…
Your kingdom come
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 13 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. [Matthew 13:19] The center of Jesus’ message and ministry is the Kingdom of God (Matthew uses ‘heaven’…
what God wants (not religion)
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 12 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ [Matthew 12:7] How many innocent people have been condemned by the religious establishment because they did not fit their ‘criteria’? How many religious people have totally missed…