If you think about the fruit we are bearing as bearers of the life of Christ, one fruit is unavoidable in scripture—the “fruit of righteousness.” If the word sounds off-putting to you, that’s fine. It did to me too. To be honest, until very recently, I have always hated this word—“Righteousness.” I thought it sounded… Continue reading The Fruit of Righteousness
To make a disciple of Christ we have to BE disciples of Christ and move forward as brothers and sisters together. As a disciple-maker, you move into this relationship not as "one above the other," but only as one with longevity, steadfastness, and experience in the faith. The qualifications for discipleship do not change. These… Continue reading Basic Qualifications of a Disciple of Jesus
Making disciples starts with knowing why you are doing it. Reason #1: Love-Driven Obedience to Christ Plain and Simple. He told His followers to disciple the nations. Are you a followers of Jesus? Then that means YOU! (it also means if you are NOT doing it, you are not obeying Jesus, and that means you… Continue reading Know Why You Are Making Disciples
Here is a beautiful picture of how we the church have lost the art of making disciples. "One Spring, my family and I were traveling through Florida on our way from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa. As we were driving along, I was impressed by the beauty of the acres and acres of orange groves. As… Continue reading How To Make Disciples: The Machine is Broken
I am thankful for the blood of Jesus who cleanses me from the sins of my past and the sins of my ancestors. I am thankful I do not carry their guilt before God. I am thankful, but I am still sorry. I am still sad. I am thankful for the hand of fellowship offered… Continue reading Thanksgiving for Racial Reconciliation
*I'm writing this as a post that encourages people to stay married. It's a simple strategy that has allowed for the healing of many broken relationships that I have watched God heal over the years. However, if you or your children are being physically abused or threatened with violence, get help now from a local… Continue reading “It Was Not This Way From the Beginning:” God’s Heart on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will… Continue reading Jesus on Leadership: Do Not Call One Another Teacher or Father or Instructor…You Are All Siblings
I have had SO many conversations lately about what makes something right and wrong and who defines it. You might think it's an easy answer but many people are doubting scripture as an actual basis for understanding sin and morality, thinking it portrays God as unmerciful and harsh. Until we yield our own definitions of… Continue reading WHY MORALITY MATTERS
God purposed us to be His. He loves you! Nothing terribly unpopular here (everyone likes to be loved), but for everyone who has believed in Jesus for their justification before God, by the blood of Christ, He desires you to now be set apart. This is where the rubber meets the road. You are His… Continue reading FIVE UNPOPULAR TEACHINGS OF JESUS
You might think the narrow way is belief in who Jesus is, that He died for our sins, and that He is coming back to take us to heaven, but Jesus said many will call Him Lord, but will not enter into the wedding feast. In other words, many think they are on this narrow… Continue reading Literally Obeying Jesus: And How it Will Change Your Life
