“Who is a disciple? A disciple is one who responds in faith and obedience to the gracious call to follow Jesus Christ. Being a disciple is a lifelong process of dying to self while allowing Jesus Christ to come alive in us.” ~ Greg Ogden When travelling with children there is one thing that every … More Disciple
This morning I saw a video of a church band doing an edited cover of the song “Some Nights” by Fun. for a worship service last month. They did a good job with the song and the lyrics work in that context … sort of … it all depends on the message that morning. It got … More Fun. for church?
Why are people not coming to Church? Where are all the 20 – 40 year olds? There are too many reasons to list them all. The most frequently given response is something like the following; “If I am not scheduled to work that morning I want to kick back, relax, like a normal human being without … More Why don’t “they” come to Church?
Lord Jesus, you foretold that your disciples would be despised on account of your name, but that not a hair on their heads is ever forgotten. In times of persecution, defend and revive us by the power and comfort of the Holy Spirit, so that we can be freed from our enemies and praise your … More A prayer for the persecuted Church
06-03-12 How to Shine Without Burning Out – Work
What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true, and in that I rejoice. Philippians 1:18 Can it be that we have something to learn from Paul’s posture on the matter of right teaching? At this time of deep polarization and power positioning I believe … More Above all else, Christ!
Jesus is my homeboy. Jesus is my role model. Jesus is primo leader extraordinaire. WWJD. Jesus is such an inspiration. There is little doubt that we have plunged head first into a deep adoration of Jesus. We love the parts about Jesus that lift up our need to care for the poor. We can’t get … More I like your Jesus, I hate your Christ
While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the on his head. Mark 14:3 NRSV translation What follows after this moment is something … More What should be central to our ministry?
In the Gospel according to Mark Jesus awoke the morning after his triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem, walked into the Temple courts, and drove all the those buying and selling. His lesson for those who remained was; “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the … More Jesus Flipping Tables
Jesus in a teaching moment with his disciples encouraged them to seek God, ask whatever is on their hearts, and while they are pursuing these things trust that our Father in heaven is ready and desires to bless. The example of how a parent would always provide for the basic needs of their children comes … More If you know how to give good gifts….
Rev. Shawn J. Smith 