Even If i Walk Alone

Instructing and encouraging you to live your life as a disciple of Jesus

mission

Building the Church

by

I listen to a lot of sermons from various churches across the country. This helps me stay focused on the mission of Christ and at the same time receive input and encouragement from a variety of Godly people. Recently I was struck by two messages I heard back to back, as they were absolutely diametrically opposed. I will withhold the names of the pastor’s and churches as focusing on any single congregation would miss the point.

Building the Church

In the first sermon, I heard an impassioned plea for the people to give sacrificially so they could build a new children’s wing onto their church. In sharp contrast to this was the second sermon in which I heard the pastor contemplate putting a “for sale” sign outside of their church so they might give the money to the poor throughout the world. [Read more…] about Building the Church

Born This Way

by

One of the greatest realizations you can have is that you were uniquely created with gifts and talents to continue the mission of Christ. Not only did He love you enough to die for you, but He also gifted you specifically to collaborate with Him in bringing the Kingdom of God to fruition.

Born This Way

So many wander through life discouraged because they believe themselves to be insignificant and without purpose; this is tragic and we need to be telling them how special they are in the eyes of God. [Read more…] about Born This Way

You Are Special

by

In the last post (see “The Message of the Bible”), I mentioned that I had recently had the opportunity to hear Mike Breen speak. He made a point that I had not heard before.

You are Special

We are probably all familiar with Genesis 1:27 which says that we were created in the image of God; Mike told the audience that a more accurate translation of the Hebrew word for ”image” in this passage would be “imprint”. It’s a subtle but profound difference. [Read more…] about You Are Special

The Message of the Bible

by

I had the privilege of listening to author Mike Breen speak this past Sunday. He touched on something that aligned well with the things we discuss here, so I wanted to expand on it a bit today. The statement he made was that the Bible is essentially about two things: Relationship and Representation. The relationship aspect applies to how God relates to us and how we relate back to Him. Representation refers to how we are the image bearers of God to our world.

Bible

Put in terms I often use here, representation is synonymous with reflecting God to others. The Bible is a large book and we generally think it complex; however when you break it down to these two concepts, it truly becomes very simple. [Read more…] about The Message of the Bible

Starting the Day off Right

by

Getting out of bed in the morning can be a challenge or a gift. I have thankfully gotten to the place where I wake without an alarm clock, because I’m certain that the sound they make is akin to something of a demonic nature. Regardless of whether we waken to the sound of a buzzer, a rooster or simply to the sounds of the day, that moment provides us the opportunity to spend some time alone with God. We can choose to roll over and grab ten more minutes of sleep or eagerly embrace the chance to commune with the One who gave us life. I long excused my surly attitude in the early hours by simply saying that I was not a morning person. I still prefer late nights, but the practice of rising before dawn and enjoying some time with God has softened my interactions with others in the morning. [Read more…] about Starting the Day off Right