“I’m so done with 2020!” said a friend in a recent conversation. “I’m totally over it.” If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that sentiment since June or so, I’d be rich. (You, too?) The whole population is more than ready to put this past year to bed. It’s been a weird one. A tough one. In too many cases, a tragic one. So it’s understandable that we just want this year to go away. We want life to go back to “normal.” We want to regain what was familiar. I can’t wait to get with my extended family again. I can’t wait to go out without a mask on. I can’t wait until Continue Reading
Did the early Church provide a model for church life today?
Imagine the earliest days of Christianity, as in, book of Acts Christianity. A most unlikely bunch of folks are meeting together, testifying to the power of their resurrected Lord (Acts 4:32-35). They experience signs and wonders such as healings. They gather often, break bread together, listen to the apostles’ teachings, and meet one another’s practical needs. In fact, their love for one another is so radical that they sell their stuff to take care of each other. They are devoted. They are unified. It's amazing. Sounds fantastic, right? I’ve heard plenty of statements over Continue Reading
How to be thankful even in 2020
Out on a walk one day a few years back, I noticed a cluster of people on the sidewalk about a block from home. I knew the one couple, so I stopped to chat. As the minutes ticked by, I wondered if there might be an opportunity to talk about the Lord. After all, I’ve spent decades in church being constantly challenged to share the good news about Jesus. You know, that subtle (or not so subtle) pressure to lead people to Christ. Don’t get me wrong; I want people to receive the love of God and abundant life. Still, the temptation to count evangelistic trophies is not Continue Reading
Why Christians can’t afford to get this wrong
It’s been my great delight to launch into seminary studies at Regent University this year. My final New Testament class assignment from Dr. Carrie Wood this last week was a reflection on how my studies have impacted my spiritual formation. I’ve been challenged in a couple of specific areas, one of which I'll share here. While the context is pro-life ministry, what I'm about to tell you is critical for ALL of us who follow and represent Jesus. Please continue reading here: pregnancyhelpnews. Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay Continue Reading