We need a new perspective on death. Most of us, reasonably so I suppose, view death as the end. The end of life, the end of all things good. The end of all things we love. Heaven is nothing more than the rest of everything; the reward for enjoying all of the good stuff here…
Month: March 2015
On Sitting Still
The following poem, written by Muriel Blackwell, has always stuck in the back of my mind as I think about children’s ministry. On Sitting Still by Muriel Blackwell He told me just to sit right here, But not to make a sound; And he would teach me all the truths Within the lessons found. Although…
Barna Report on the State of Atheism in America
According to the most recent Barna Group report, 1 in 4 unchurched persons in America is either an atheist or an agnostic. You can read the full report HERE.
A Strong Challenge from Jesus
“But I warn you–unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teacher of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:20, NLT). I can’t imagine the disbelief that swept down the hillside as those words left the lips of Jesus. The religious teachers and Pharisees were…
Be Better Than That
I believe the Sermon on the Mount should be read as a unified whole, not a collection of individual thoughts. Jesus, who was the most gifted communicator the world has known, wove these thoughts together with smart transitions. For example, be began with The Beattitudes which display the core of a disciple’s character. Out of…
Influence:: Three Summary Thoughts
This week I’ve been posting some thoughts about our Christian influence by way of Jesus’ metaphors of salt and light. Today I want to offer three brief summary thoughts to wrap up this thread. 1. Our Christian influence (salt and light) is driven by our Christian character (the Beattitudes). A friend recently reminded me that…
Influence:: Light
“You are the light of the world–like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out…
Influence:: Salt
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless” (Matthew 5:13, NLT). My grandfather has been gone for over 20 years, so my memories of him are diminishing. One thing…
Influence
If you think about your life, you can count on several fingers the names of those who have made an impact or continue to bear influence. These are the people who have spoken the words into your life that you replay over and over in your mind. Maybe that impact came from a parent or…