Category: Connecting to God
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Seminary and relational “in-between-ness” (spending time on what really matters)
Seminary can be an amazing time. You’re preparing for ministry. And for one of the only times in life, you’re surrounded by people who believe something similar and are pursuing a similar calling. They may have different backgrounds. They may be diverse. But they have a similar passion. They’re preparing for a similar thing. That’s…
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More on “cool”
After writing yesterday about the lure of “cool,” I received an article in my in-box from Catalyst that talks about the same thing. (I, of course, added the bold words for the ADD folks) But here’s a secret I’ve discovered: life is bigger and sweeter than whatever cool has to offer. I once thought cynicism…
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Just say yes
When Bob Roberts asked Loren Cunningham what he thought it would be like to stand before God after all of the impact he’s had on the world, here’s what happened: It became real quiet for a few minutes while Loren answered in typical humble Loren fashion, “Oh, I don’t know, I just said yes. All…
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Don’t chase other people’s calls
Sometimes, when I look at the “Christian” world, I get stressed. Not from the bad things but from the good. You see, I love God. I deeply believe that God sent Jesus to teach us, lead us, and die to rescue us from a death we brought on ourselves because of sin. I also love…
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Passion’s response to the Virginia Tech tragedy
Go to hopeforthehokies.com to see what Passion is doing as part of its response to what happened at Virginia Tech. They’re offering a five-song EP of worship songs by Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, David Crowder Band, and Charlie Hall for free through May. “Our desire is that these songs will encourage anyone at Tech or…
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Hope in tragedy
J.R. Woodward, a pastor in LA who spent the last few days at Virginia Tech, wrote a powerful post on hope. It’s long, but it’s worth the time. When we look around at our world, we can see how much God loves diversity. We don’t look alike, we don’t act alike,we don’t dress alike. We…
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Accountability – beyond the list
I love what Steven Furtick has to say about accountability: What if accountability was focused more on making each other great than making sure we were being good? We would all agree, and rightfully so, that if you see blatant sin in the life of another Christian, it is your responsibility to call it out. …
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Christianity in vibrant colors
I’ve been listening to some lectures by Michael Frost, and want to share a metaphor he used. Most churches today paint in pastels, he said, but the world – life – is painting in vibrant, primary colors. A lot of times, to a lot of people, the church seems lifeless when compared to the spirituality…
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The cross changes everything
It’s midnight, and I’m working on a paper about John Wesley’s views on salvation. For my breaks, I’m listening to parts of Tim Hughes’ new album. The first song, Happy Day, is about the resurrection. Greatest day in history Death was beaten, you have rescued me Sing it out, Jesus is alive The tradition I…
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Missional linkage: on Jesus and dressing up the gospel
+ Alan Hirsch on Jesus: And then I come to that quintessential saying of Jesus in John 14:6 ““I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” And I realize afresh that this is exactly how I experience my connection with God—as a relationship mediated…
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Without vision …
I can’t get the verse that says without vision, the people cast off restraint (or are discouraged) out of my mind. Actually, in my mind it’s “without vision, the people perish” (still not sure what translation that is). Here’s the thing. It’s true. We need direction, a goal, a picture to work towards. We need…
Jon Sampson 