Churches that understand their identity, mission, and eternal purpose are most likely to do the things God wants. The church exists in God’s eternal purpose to unite all things under Christ. In Ephesians 4, the church participates in this purpose through the ministry of every member, facilitated by the leaders Christ places in the body. …
Continue reading “Ephesians 4: the church that genuinely serves”
Ephesians 4 begins the practical section of Paul’s Ephesian letter. Paul undergirds action with principle. Chapters 1-3 focus on church identity, “Who are we?” The church must understand its identity and purpose. Chapters 4-6 answer the question, “What do we do?” The Christian life that reflects our shared identity in Christ Jesus includes requirements, reasons, response, and results. Requirements. …
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:1-16–Understanding the church and what it does”
The church is in constant need of renewal. The past is never good enough; the present is fleeting; we want the future to be better–as bright and good as it can be. In my experience, many churches desire renewal but do not know how to find it. Church renewal occurs when multiple dynamics are brought …
In my experience, preachers get a lot of compliments. Maybe some don’t; God bless them! What is the highest compliment a preacher can get? One compliment I think I will never forget. It may qualify for the best ever. A church member said of her preacher, “He brought Jesus back to our church….” Thrilling, encouraging. …
Continue reading “An Interesting Compliment: “He brought Jesus back to this church””
In two previous articles, I have suggested some changes that we must make in how we “do church”. These include a renewed focus on Christ, Scripture, and others; a commitment to the world around us and a commitment to discipleship and involvement rather than consumerism. Because I am a minister, and have spent my life …
[This blog is a continuation from yesterday. Here are some additional items to consider as we ask whether our focus is biblical and healthy.] 3. We must focus on people more than task. We must know who we are, and not only what we must do. One can do the right things without being the …
A preacher friend of mine and I were visiting about the greeting program at the church where he ministers. He wanted to make some changes to insure a better contact with visitors. His problem? The same deacon had organized the greeters and the greeting program for a long time. It was generally ineffective. My preacher …
[Reposted and updated from 12/26/07] Science fiction popularized the time machine with its ability to take a person from their present reality to a different point in time. My boys watched the movie, “Back to the Future,” again and again when they were growing up. U.S. religious practices reflect an increased interest in spiritual connections …
Today I share some random thoughts concerning the challenges of our contemporary world. How should the church live out the faith of Jesus in the present world? We live in a religiously divided world; we live in a non-Christian world, we live in a post-modern world. Some days it seems that everything that was nailed …
Continue reading “Being Church in the World in Which we Live”
In Revelation 2-3, Christ is pictured in the midst of the seven churches of Asia. In Revelation 21-22, Christ is again in the midst of the church. In these two passages, perhaps related if one accepts a symmetrical or chiastic outline of Revelation, there is a lesson for the modern church and today’s Christians. Certainly …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: Christ is in the midst of his church”
