I see it on billboards, I see it on bumper stickers, I see it on signs in front yards, I see it on Facebook. What do I see? - 2 Chronicles 7:14, "if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then … Continue reading What Keeps You from Praying?
Church
Why Are Members Leaving?
Yesterday I read Thom Rainer's post on "Eight Reasons People are Leaving Denominational Churches for Non-denominational Churches." Here are the eight reasons from his informal Twitter Poll. Denominational churches have a negative reputation. Some respondents used the phrase “negative brand” to communicate this reason. Denominations are known more for what they are against than what … Continue reading Why Are Members Leaving?
Staying Alive
John writes Jesus' message to the Church at Sardis, "The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. "'I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found … Continue reading Staying Alive
How to Help the Church
First let me emphatically say that this post is NOT about money! This post is about you and the church, specifically the congregation of God's people that you assemble with. Where you assemble to worship is probably similar to Central, where we attend and where I preach. We are a good group of people. We are … Continue reading How to Help the Church
What is – – – Who Are the Church?
The Church is a group of individual Christians drawn together by a common faith in Jesus as Christ (Messiah) for worship and service. The Church is a free fellowship, that is, her members are those who choose to be members. Her members wear only the name of Christian, but do not claim to be all … Continue reading What is – – – Who Are the Church?
God’s Dwelling Place
This week in my chronological reading of the Bible, I am reading about the Children of Israel as they flee Egypt. As they learn more and more about God who delivered them, they learn His desires. One thing God wants is to be present in their lives. To help them know He is near, He guides them … Continue reading God’s Dwelling Place
Three (3) Things
Three things, I can remember three things. When Amy asks me to run to the store to pick up a few items, I can usually remember three things. Once she adds the fourth item . . . I have to make a list. Most of the time, I can remember three things. Three things. As I … Continue reading Three (3) Things
Spiritual Leadership
This week a video is running my circle on Facebook. This video is an interview of a young lady who is a "Preaching Intern" at a local church in Tennessee. I am not sharing her name or the church, but wanted to defend why I see what she and this congregation are doing is contrary … Continue reading Spiritual Leadership
A Growing Church
I found this poem in the files this morning. I thought you would like to read it. A Growing Church, by Norman Gipson I really want the church to grow - It means the world to me; I always worship with the saints When I've no company. I really want the church to grow - And … Continue reading A Growing Church
Which Church?
Churches want to grow. Those that grow are contagious congregations that focus on people over programs. Growing churches reach their communities with the good news of salvation in Christ and keep people connected because they help people mature in their individual spirituality. These congregations bring people to Christ and assimilate them into the body of Christ … Continue reading Which Church?
Driving Thought 