God answers prayer. Let me carefully emphasize this again: God moves, heals, comforts and is our help in times of troubles. Because of this, we rightly rejoice when the answer to our prayer comes in the form of receiving what we requested. It is more difficult though, when God does not do or provide what […]
Sorry Christian, You Never Get to Graduate
Whether it’s been months, years or decades since the last time you walked down an aisle to that classic tune, Pomp and Circumstance, if you’re a Christian you’re never done learning. This is because in the school of discipleship, where all Christians go to become more like Christ, classes in Biblical Literacy, Spiritual Formation, Missional […]
P.S. I Love You – Dear Church, A Final Note
Father Abraham had many sons, and many sons had father Abraham. I am one of them, and so are you, so let’s just praise the Lord… I get a bit dizzy thinking about that song. In truth, it’s never been one of my Sunday School favorites. That said, of all the metaphors Scripture uses for […]
A House Divided – Dear Church, Part 3
I am a C. I am a C-H. I am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N. I have C-H-R-I-S-T in my H-E-A-R-T and I will L-I-V-E E-T-E-R-N-A-L-L-Y! Did you sing along to that Sunday school classic? It’s a fun one, but who knew as a kid that Christians were actually so divided? Generally, it has been understood that those […]
The Entertainment Driven Church – Dear Church, Part 2
Oh when the saints go marching in, Oh when the saints go marching in. Oh how I want to be in that number, when the saints go marching in! My church growing up would play that song every Sunday as the kids got up to leave for kid’s church. I would walk down the short […]
When the Church Fails: Dear Church – Part 1
Here is the church and here is the steeple, open the doors and there’s all the people. Do you know that little hand motion? I do, because I grew up in the church. As a little girl I loved attending Sunday services. As an adult, I realize it can be complicated. Don’t get me wrong, […]
Who Brings a Bible to a Sword Fight?
When it comes to movies, there is nothing better than a good fight scene. This is especially true when the hero starts their story arch with very little ability. There’s just something incredibly invigorating about watching an improved protagonist display awesome skill … and kick a little tail! Personally, I’m particularly fond of sword fighting […]
Counterfeit Christianity
Sacrifice is found at the heart of the Gospel. We know it. We see and celebrate it in the Easter story, but what does it mean for the Jesus-follower? Can we really follow in the footsteps of a savior who came ready to suffer and sacrifice and not be willing to do the same (Mark […]
I Pledge Allegiance to…
I grew up in a Christian home that was also very political. We watched presidential debates the way most people watched summer blockbusters – with our favorite snacks and a giddy sense of anticipation. Loving God and country as a Christian meant wanting the values of society to align with biblical values, and that’s not […]
Sharing the Gospel in a Noisy World
Jesus left us with a job to do – share the gospel (Matt. 28:19-20). Proclaiming the Good News is a task rooted in love and watered with urgency, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In fact, many fear the commission of evangelism. What if I offend someone? What if I don’t know the answer to […]