Over the years, the “R” word has developed a bad reputation. Repentance has often been used as a threat rather than an invitation—spoken as though it were the doorway into eternal life rather than a gracious warning from a loving God. As a result, repentance has been confused with the Gospel itself. But when repentance … Continue reading The “R” Word
Category: Jesus
Why Bother with the Church?
Over the years, you’ve probably heard people say, “I love Jesus, but I don’t need to go to church to be a Christian.” Recently, we asked some people why they aren't involved with the church and got some pretty honest answers. Here are a few of the responses: “My parents MADE me go as a kid. I … Continue reading Why Bother with the Church?
Holiness is what I need for Christmas
Jesus didn't come just to make us happy, happy, happy. He came so that ruined people could be declared holy, holy, holy before a righteous God. Happiness is a temporary feeling based on our personal circumstances. Holiness is our eternal standing before God based on the finished work of His Son, Jesus. The LORD God says, Be … Continue reading Holiness is what I need for Christmas
The Messiah – more than just background music?
In December of 1984, during my junior year at Lakeview Centennial High School, the a cappella choir was invited to sing George Frideric Handel’s, Messiah, in its entirety with our rival school (South Garland) at the newly opened Garland Performing Arts Center. Many of us were friends from earlier days at O’Banion Middle School, so we were excited to … Continue reading The Messiah – more than just background music?
God’s Unshakable Hope
Most of the time, our meaning of hope is not much more than wishful thinking. We say things like, "I hope we have a White Christmas." "I hope the Texas Rangers win the World Series." "I hope the Dallas Cowboys can win at least one meaningful game someday." "I hope I got an “A” on … Continue reading God’s Unshakable Hope
Dust
On our own, we are nothing - we're made out of dust. But in Christ, we are His priceless work of art - raised from the dust of death's decay to be made alive to reflect His beauty and glory. You're not just a piece of work - you are God's Masterpiece!
Friends
A few months ago, DeeDee and I got together with some great friends before they moved to the Seattle area. This month is our anniversary, of sorts - the four of us have been friends for 20 years. As we sat and watched our growing kids play together, we reminisced. We had some time to … Continue reading Friends
Why pray?
More Americans will pray this week than will exercise, drive a car, or go to work. According to Gallup polls and Barna surveys, nine in ten of us pray regularly, and three out of four claim to pray every day. But as multiple surveys dig a little bit deeper, they consistently find obstacles that keep … Continue reading Why pray?
following Jesus 