The Challenge Of Seeing Ourselves As God Does, In A World Trying To Ensure We Don’t

You know the other day I was thinking about something Paul said towards the end of Romans, and it’s stuck in my heart and mind lately. This is something that I don’t think too many of us people…and even us Christians who believe Christ lives in us can see or accept about ourselves. Romans 15:14 I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness… NLT Paul says he is convinced that you . . . Read More »

Top Three Reasons Why People Remain Spiritual Victims

When I was in High School, I had a 1968 cherry red Ford Mustang with a 302 engine in it.  I was in great condition too.  I worked as a dishwasher at a restaurant called Ponderosa.  For Central Pa, it was a Hosses.  I would drive to work and park in the back.  Every time the trash needed to be taken out, I was the guy to take care of it so I would push the trash to . . . Read More »

Forgiveness Involves Three People

Last week, we shared how Jesus rocked the disciple’s understanding about God’s kingdom.  They just didn’t understand it.  They viewed Jesus as the Messiah who would take out Rome with an army and establish a new Kingdom.  They thought Jesus would be next King and they would have the key power spots around Jesus.  Because of this they argued with each other about who was the greatest.  Remember we explained how they wanted power, position, and statues? They . . . Read More »

What The World Thinks Is Great Doesn’t Transfer Into The Kingdom

God’s kingdom is in complete conflict with the kingdom you and I live in.  In our world, our understanding of greatness is only available to a few.  It’s based on money, achievement, education, power, beauty, title, or followers on social media.  In God’s kingdom, it’s radically different.  Greatness is available to everyone.  It’s based on the condition of our hearts and how we love and serve others. This is why as a Christian; you can feel conflict as . . . Read More »

I Used To Be Excited About God, Now, Not So Much

Have you ever wondered why people respond so differently to God?  For example, why would five kids in the same house with the same parents in the same church have five different reactions to God?  One may grow up and be deeply in love with God and walk with humility.  One may grow up and be okay with God on Christmas Eve and Easter but nothing more.  One may grow up and walk completely against how they were . . . Read More »

Thee Unapologetic Vision

Today, we are 20 years old. I wanted to briefly walk through how we got here and then I wanted to talk about what matters most, the heart of who we are as a church. To share some fun facts with you, I need to start and say, a couple families are still with us twenty years later.  We couldn’t get rid of them – lol.  These families were with us day one when we stood behind the . . . Read More »

Fighting Limits is Fighting God

Here is today’s big point.  We all have limits in our lives. If I’m younger than 16 years old, I cannot drive a car.  Why?  Because the State of Pa said it’s illegal.  I have a legal limit. I will never be an elite NFL wide receiver.  Why?  Because I am barely athletic enough to bring home the groceries let alone being in the NFL.  I have physical limits. If I have children in diapers, I will be . . . Read More »

To Be a Disciple of Jesus: Choices

If you have been walking with us this summer through Colossians, this will make a ton of sense.  I want to recap this letter so far.  Paul is writing the church in Colossae and basically says, what you are doing is hard work and it can feel very ordinary.  I pray that God anoints you with His glorious power so you as a church can live out Christianity with passion and power.  To keep God’s passion and power . . . Read More »