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Even the Pharisees Got Grace
I would not have done well with the Pharisees. After my second or third encounter with them, I would have lost it. I would have, in my Dad’s words, “blown my stack.” Anger, rage, yelling, frustration, high blood pressure would have all poured out at the same time. As I read through the Gospels, I lose patience with the Pharisees – one of several main Jewish religious groups of Jesus’ day – in a hot minute. But, Jesus does not.
A Loss Is Not A Loss
When you fall off the bike and scrape your knee, you simply put some alcohol on it, bandage it, and hop back on the bike because you got places to go and life does not slow down for you to sulk in your failures.
“Genesis thru to the Maps”
Comedian, singer and former member of the Bill Gaither Trio Mark Lawry always has a slightly different way of remembering experiences in his life. He’s a good ole southern boy with a zany sense of humor, particularly about family and church. In of his comedy shows, he talked about his mom, a woman who was a great example of a Christ-follower. According to Mark, she would often share the Gospel message with anybody, pretty much anywhere. He said that his mom once got into a spiritual discussion with another woman at a grocery store. In Mark’s words, she shared the Gospel, “from Genesis all the way through to the maps!” …
The Bible & Team Leadership
The leadership theory often associated with Christianity tends to be servant leadership. Jesus is often held up as a perfect example of the servant leader, and scripture implores Christians to follow his example. However, the leadership theory that seems to permeate the governing bodies of the people of God throughout scripture is team leadership. Team leadership is grounded in the Trinity, and also seen in the theocracy of ancient Israel and the government of the Church.
The Liturgy As Sacrifice: An Examination of Pope Benedict XVI
Because “the Church believes as she prays” (i.e. lex orandi, lex credendi), it is of utmost importance that the underlying theology of her prayers truly reflects her beliefs. Pope Benedict XVI has, therefore, written extensively to ensure that the Church’s prayers are built on a strong theological foundation.
‘In His Own Likeness’
It is commonly heard in Christian circles that humans were made “in the Image of God”. When pressed, however, it is unlikely that one will hear consistent and universal answers concerning the implications of humanity bearing God’s Image.
Book Review: Beyond Smells & Bells by Mark Galli
Beyond Smells & Bells by Mark Galli is a wonderful entry-level book on Christian liturgy. It paints an exciting picture of the hidden treasures afforded us by the various liturgical traditions. Galli’s knowledge of and excitement for liturgy, coupled with his easy-to-read style, make this a “must read” for all those interested in exploring the liturgical elements of the western church.
Bottom Line For God
You are an important part of the Kingdom. How you serve God and why your serve Him starts with having the right heart to serve. As church techs, technical artists, or technical leaders—whatever title we wear—God needs our hearts in the right place.
Originally Original Sin: How the Doctrine of Original Sin Led to the Calvinist/Arminian Debate
The Calvinism vs. Arminianism debate is one of the many modern theological issues that cause division in the Church. However, this divisiveness is not as modern as it may appear. Since the time of Cyprian, there were differing opinions concerning the nature of original sin. These deceitfully small differences eventually led to the creation of two opposite theologies in Calvinism and Arminianism.
Merely Christian
Rather than the fidelity to a cause with a possibility of Christian thought tossed alongside, the averation of an undiluted faith in Jesus Christ and God’s authority is to be elevated. Rather than the indecisive fluctuation between Christ and the world, it is a discipline to embrace mere Christianity as venerated and irreplaceable. Rather than allowing one’s mind to be clouded by doubt, being “merely Christian” means the joyful devotion to sharing the testimony of unadulterated Christian faith.
