Preaching through the Sermon on the Mount has profoundly affected my thinking about ministry. During this series—The Jesus Agenda—God started working in me with the question, “How do we measure healthy ministry?” In other words, how can you tell a healthy church from an unhealthy one? Even though Jesus doesn’t[...]
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 The pursuit of happiness is the right of every American citizen. But as citizens of God’s kingdom, personal happiness shouldn’t be our greatest goal. That's because chasing the American dream[...]
“For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20 When most of us think about living up to God’s standard, we tend to think about a list of do’s and don’ts. We make a checklist.[...]
“Let your gentle spirit be known to all men…” Philippians 4:5 More people are becoming hostile and confrontational these days. Consequently, psychologists have flooded bookstores and the internet with advice on how to talk with angry people. But we need to be careful that the advice we follow doesn’t[...]
“Because of the littleness of your faith” Matthew 17:20 Have you ever wondered why you don’t have more strength or power in your spiritual life? Jesus’ disciples certainly did. After they failed to deliver a boy from demon possession they asked Jesus, “Why could we not drive it out?”[...]
The Virgin Birth of Jesus is often taken for granted in Christian circles. Yet, there have always been doubters. We certainly live in a time when more and more people are skeptical of Christianity; at least certain parts of it. But that’s the thing—you can’t pick and choose which things[...]
“And He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?’” Mark 4:40 When was the last time you experienced fear, worry, or anxiety? It’s probably more recent and more often than most of us care to admit. When life’s troubles disrupt our peace, we need to consider the[...]
“And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up” Mark 4:37 Some situations feel like being in a storm at sea with your boat taking on water. And when things seem out of[...]
“I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12 Many people today are unashamed for doing wrong, while shaming Christians for doing right. Why does the world play the[...]