Life Teams ought to be gospel communities. Here's a great passage from Everyday Church by Chester and Timmis which contrasts gospel communities with traditional small groups. Gospel communities are not like house groups, Bible study groups, pastoral groups, or ministry teams. House groups obviously vary hugely, and yours may function very much like a gospel … Continue reading Not Small Group
In a Foxhole
When we say that we're "sharing life," we're being intentionally ambiguous kind of like this picture. Like the faces pointing in, we're sharing our lives. According to St. James, the kingdom of God operates under one law, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (James 2:8). Of course we can't do that from a distance and so … Continue reading In a Foxhole
Let There Be Light!
It's more than sad that Christians have a reputation for being hypocritical. As the light of the world, Christ came to reveal and to expose. All who come into his light must simultaneously become more authentic and more pure. We can only do this when we believe enough in the potency of his blood to … Continue reading Let There Be Light!
Stand Up, Church
Christ said, "On this rock, I will build my church." (Matt. 16:18) Paul wrote that, "His (God's) intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to His eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." … Continue reading Stand Up, Church
Love Hurts
Consumerism in church is more dangerous than most of us know. Not only does it siphon off the missional focus which Christ gave us and which legitimizes our existence, it strips the church of its ability to produce Christlike disciples. According to Paul, the church grows as all of the members speak the truth in love. … Continue reading Love Hurts
Church as Family vs. Church as Healthclub
Christ taught us to pray, "Our Father." He wants us to be a family to each other. Not in our warped western sense of immediate family holed up in our houses in front of the tube but in the eastern sense of extended family sharing life day by day. In their excellent book, Misreading Scripture with … Continue reading Church as Family vs. Church as Healthclub
On Reining and Releasing
Christ is the most secure leader of all time. Consider these words of his, Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. (John 14:12 NIV) He had no need to … Continue reading On Reining and Releasing
Pleasant Street is Gone 