Church Blog
The Danger of Santa Claus
As a kid, I can still remember my parents and grandparents yelling out the phrase, “If you don’t behave Santa won’t bring you any presents on Christmas.” Is this a good way to teach our children to make good choices? Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing inherently wrong or sinful about watching or reading the heart-warming stories about Santa Claus, his magical elves, or flying reindeer. In fact, these stories which have developed into a fun and fantastical mythology have their origin in the real generosity of a third-century Christian man named Saint Nicholas of Myra. The story of Santa can be very entertaining and even promote good moral decision-making, but there are several problems that arise when we present the fairytale of Santa Claus as factual and then use that story as a means to disciple children.
The Importance of Mentorship
As a young adult living in an ever-changing, fast-paced world, influence is heavy. The influence of my friends, peers, adults, and even my parents stirs my thoughts. As I seek to grow closer to the Lord and grow in my spiritual life with Christ, I find more and more that having mentors is an incredibly valuable gift. With this in mind, I believe that there are 5 key facets that should frame our approach to mentorship.
Philip—The Ideal Church Member
Occasionally I am asked the question: what is the ideal church member? I am typically asked this question by new people who are interested in joining the church. The heart behind this question is great: What is the best and most ideal way to get involved in the church? How can I get plugged into the flow of discipleship already happening?
Why Preach Expositionally through the Bible?
A really important (perhaps even critical) conviction when it comes to church ministry is the conviction of expositional preaching.
What is expositional preaching?
On Worship and Other Important Things: Q & A’s with Boys
Asking our three boys big questions at dinner is one of my favorite activities. The answers—like the boys themselves—are as unpredictable as the wind. A few nights ago, I asked them this one: “If you could have dinner with anyone besides Jesus, living or dead, who would it be?”
Not losing a moment, seven-year-old Isaak confidently announced, “Bob Ross.”
Bob Ross?
The Yearning for Fellowship
I have found myself reflecting on Philippians 1:3-11 in a different way than I had before given the circumstances we are all currently in. Yes, none of us are in prison for sharing the gospel, so I don’t want to sound overdramatic. However, life during COVID-19 feels a bit like house arrest. Thus, this forced and necessary separation has caused me to resonate with Paul’s sentiment even more over his beloved church family. Here are a few of my observations and takeaways.
Shepherding our Children in Times of Trouble
In light of recent events, our kids are cranky, they are scared, they are driving us crazy, they have too much time on their hands, and the weather is not cooperating, which really adds to the craziness of everything around us. Our kids have had a lot more time to think and process in recent days. Some of the things they are saying are deep and seem to come out of nowhere. It’s times like these that we as parents need to dig in and really evaluate what it looks like to shepherd our children.
Why Hope is Better Than Luck
Outside of keeping up with the laundry, I have many things I hope for. Some I’ve seen realized. Some I’m still waiting on. Some seem like a dream forever deferred. But with all of my planning, dreaming, and hoping, it’s in times when all seems lost that I remember where my hope comes from.
While luck is based on chance, hope is based on a person.
While the world searches for an elusive rainbow, looking for a shiny treasure, we worship the Creator of rainbows, the true Treasure, the One who reigns from a throne bathed in majestic ribbons of light.
Talking to Others About Jesus
Talking to people is easy. Talking to people about Jesus—not so much. At least this is the experience many Christians have when it comes to sharing their faith with others. I know from personal experience that sharing the gospel is not easy. Think of all the obstacles…