Don’t Miss the Ultimate Benefit of Christianity’s “Salvation”
Forgiveness from the penalty of sins. Freedom from the power of sin. Freedom from the presence of sin in eternity. These are incredible benefits to what Christianity has called “salvation.” And yet these are not the greatest benefit of getting saved. There is still one privilege that surpasses them all.
“Wait, So Why Did Jesus Have To Die?”
This was the question an individual recently asked me. What if I told you that Jesus as our substitute is utterly foundational to what makes Christianity good news? Rip out the idea of Jesus as our substitute who makes atonement for our sins? It’s akin to ripping out the very foundation of a house which will no longer be able to stand.
How to Know You’re Operating Out of Gospel Security
Do you operate out of gospel security or gospel-less insecurity? Gospel security happens when we live from a deep-seated belief of our core identity as a child of God. To neglect this turns us into fearful performers who need to achieve and earn the love of God and the respect of others around us leading to perpetual exhaustion. This post looks at two evidences of gospel security from the life and journey of the Apostle Paul.
Are You Trustworthy?
It’s been said that “Trust is hard-earned, easily lost, and difficult to reestablish.” What does it mean to be trustworthy? How do I regain trust once I’ve lost it? This post answers these questions by looking at the life of the Old Testament prophet, Daniel.
Self-Awareness Is Not Enough
No one wants to be the person lacking self-awareness. It places a lid on one’s personal relationships and professional development. But what if I told you that unless coupled with two other “awarenesses”, self-awareness alone is insufficient, if not potentially dangerous?
Is “Gospel-Centeredness” Still Relevant in a Post-Everything, Spiritual Formation World?
Gospel centrality, the thought that the work of Christ—His death and resurrection—as being foundational and the lens through which we understand all things discipleship used to be popular. Is this still relevant in the current life of the church? Or is this now an outdated question in light of cultural shifts?
4 ways new-ish parents win by simply making it to church (Part 2)
It’s a common experience for new parents or parents of young kids to feel like their experience of God has taken a dramatic turn. In this post, I make a case for why the simple discipline of going to church will make all the difference for you and your family.
“Help! Something Has Shifted Spiritually Since Having a Kid”(Part 1)
In the last few weeks, I’ve had multiple conversations with Jesus-loving parents of young kids who have expressed a spiritual wrestle and frustration in the new season of parenting. What do we make of the new season of parenting? This piece serves to encourage those who find themselves there.
Are You Falling For a New Counterfeit Gospel?
Jesus-believing individuals can turn away to a “different gospel.” This turning away can occur rapidly and quickly according to the Bible. In this post, I want to share four versions of “different gospels” that I believe followers of Jesus ought to be aware of in our current moment and the antidote.
There’s a Better Solution to Uncertainty Than Control
Control is comforting because it puts “me” in the driver’s seat. But control is illusive and elusive. And this makes control draining. It is exhausting to bear the weight of an untrue reality, with all of its daily implications. In this post, I share a better way to navigate the uncertainties of life than control.
Two Views on Church Gatherings on Christmas Day
Is your church having service on Christmas Day? In a few weeks, you may find yourself in a growing heated discussion between followers of Jesus throwing judgmental glances at one another. So who’s right? The person who attends church on Christmas Day? Or the person who doesn’t attend on Christmas Day?
Could “dragging the kids to church” be a good thing?
Who wants to go to church with kids who don’t want to be there? What kid wants a church experience where they have to go? We should just let kids be, right? Let them do their own thing? Parents can enjoy church on their own and we don’t want or kids to grow up hating the church. But while this line of thinking may appear right, there’s data that paints a different picture. Consistent church-attendance for our kids may be better for their future.
Why THAT Church Is Still More Than Its Failures
In the last few years, we’ve seen leadership implosions and scandals from churches large and small. There’s a real temptation to reduce the whole of a church down to its failure. And while I understand the kneejerk impulse, here’s an unpopular opinion: That’s only partially true. THAT church is still more than its failures.
Why I’ve Started Meeting With a Spiritual Director
It is easy for a pastor to guide everyone else to God while walking around in circles, personally. It is easy for a pastor to smile on stage, but lose sensitivity to the ways of Jesus. These are just a few reasons why I began meeting with a spiritual director.
The Odd Reason Why Your Bible Reading Plan Fails (And What To Do About It)
Why is it so hard to stick with a reading plan? How come it seems like some people are able to find a Bible reading plan and stick it out while the rest of us struggle in reading plan mediocrity? There may be a surprising answer.
Reflections from The Mars Hill Podcast
“The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill” podcast series has come to an end. Some have loved the series. Others have wondered if we’re just soaking in the failure of others. But wherever you stand on the validity of the podcast series, we can all agree that there is much to reflect on and learn from the Mars Hill story itself. In this post, I share a few of my reflections.
And the science says? Practice gratitude to experience it
The Bible says we should be grateful. But there's some science that backs up what the Bible has been saying all along. This post lays out the good news that gratitude is not just something that happens to us, it’s something we can trigger and generate as well.
Why Physical Church Attendance Is A “New" Spiritual Discipline
The Covid-era has changed how God’s people engage with the local church. In this post, I share why we should no longer assume that people view the physical gathering as being essential, but help people to understand why it is so. Churches have to associate physical church gathering as one of the spiritual disciplines alongside Bible reading, prayer, community life, generosity, etc.
Is My Church Healthy? Here’s An Indicator We Don’t Often Think About
There is more to a healthy church than theological literacy, emphasis on spiritual practices, robust small group systems, or engaged volunteer teams (as important and as essential as these are). In this post, I share why I believe there's a correlation between the handling of staff departure and the health of a church.
Do We Hurt Young Leaders When We Platform Them Too Quickly?
How quickly should young leaders be platformed? Do we set up young leaders for failure when we empower them too much, too quickly? How do we wisely unleash the gifts of younger leaders so it looks beautiful 20 years later? Is there a way to make it fall-proof? This post explores these questions.