Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34) I’ve always thought the wording sounded instructive – as though Jesus were saying, “Come on. Go get a cross and let’s go!” World Magazine’s Gene Edward Veith once suggested that self-chosen crosses are… Continue reading take up your cross
The Bible is full of feminine imagery for God. God speaks through Isaiah saying, “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you” (66:13). He speaks through Job, “From whose womb comes the ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens…?” (38:29). Jesus says, “…how often I have longed to gather… Continue reading she
Q really is pretty unique as far as conferences go. It’s about 4 things: Culture, Future, Church, and Gospel. And it studies our culture’s seven channels of influence: Church, social sector, business, education, government, arts & entertainment, and media. Q’s wide range of speakers address how we as believers can proactively and positively influence our… Continue reading Thots on Q
Yes, I’m an entire day behind, still trying to process all the incredible discussion from Q, and now waylayed by crises on my first day back at work. Will hope to develop some observations later, but for now, a few more thought-provoking quotes from Q day 2: “My faith gives me confidence that my life… Continue reading more Q quoteables
A few soundbites from the speakers on Q Day 1: “The real definition of insanity is trying to achieve dramatically different results by doing the same thing better” ~ Alan Hirsch, author of The Forgotten Ways “We aim at teaching beginners (new converts), but you can’t “program” spiritual growth. That only happens through suffering. So… Continue reading Q quoteables
One of the hottest buzzwords regarding the Church today is the term “missional.” Is your church missional? Should it be? Biola University recently produced an article, The Church in a Missional Age, which outlines much of the debate surrounding the term. Written in a simple 101, 201, 301 format, it clarifies meaning and views, both… Continue reading missional church – short course
Our new message series “Scars” begins this weekend, on Easter. On a weekend when many normally non-religious or people of lapsed faith choose to attend church out of a sense of tradition, we thought this was a topic that would connect with everyone. Everyone has scars – some visible, some not. Marks from the hard… Continue reading scars
I love how the Bible speaks to you, no matter where you are in your life, what you’re feeling, or your life experience. One of my favorite verses as a single woman has always been Proverbs 20:6 (NIV) “Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man, who can find?” There was… Continue reading a faithful God
Last night I had the opportunity to hear Bill Lobdell speak, promoting his new book, Losing My Religion. Bill is a former reporter for the Los Angeles Times, a born-again Christian who lost his faith while covering the Religion beat. To understand his journey, you should first read his personal story, an eye-opening account written… Continue reading losing faith
About a month ago, we declared our church a “No-unemployment Zone.” We handed out cards across all our campuses and anyone who wanted to could fill one out and mark one of two boxes: I’m employed, but commit to pray for those in my church family who need work, and I’ve been laid off or… Continue reading a no-unemployment zone
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