Writing to Help You Find and Share the Hope of Jesus
Posts related to sharing, teaching, and communicating the truth of the gospel to others.
“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”1 Peter 2:4-5 I was picking up my … Continue reading Living Our Purpose Together
"For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:8 We recently started a new sermon series at Rock Haven Church in the books of 1 and 2 Kings. These books, found in the Old Testament of … Continue reading Is Your Faith “Ineffective and Unfruitful”?: The Danger of Undiagnosed Spiritual Decline
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly ...Colossians 3:16 Since I began following Jesus in 2005, I have tried various Bible study methods in my private, devotional time. I’ve used one-year Bible reading plans. I’ve used Replicate Ministry’s HEAR Journal approach. I’ve used a color-coded highlighting method. And I’ve used different devotional books … Continue reading How I Study The Bible
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.Colossians 3:17 The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians is about growing up into maturity in Christ. Paul writes to encourage the Colossians to not get distracted or deceived by worldly … Continue reading Growing In Christ By Growing In Thankfulness
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.1 Timothy 6:18-19 Where sin compels us to say, “I need more and … Continue reading Tight Fists Can’t Grasp True Life
“[S]eek to show hospitality.”Romans 12:13 When my wife and I moved to South Dakota in 2004, I was not following Jesus. My wife Marie was really the only reason I went to church then. At Marie’s prompting, we visited church after church. We would slip in and out each Sunday without anyone ever really engaging … Continue reading Compelled To Welcome: Hospitality And The Great Commission
I’ve talked to many people who are intimidated by the name “mentoring.” They don’t feel like they’re knowledgeable enough, experienced enough, or mature enough, to be a mentor. So instead of seeing that as a reason to step out of their comfort zone and grow, they instead use it as an excuse to remain where … Continue reading Mentoring. Discipling. Don’t Let The Name Scare You
He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.Psalm 25:9 When Christians think of the Great Commission, hopefully the phrase “make disciples” comes to mind. (Matt 28:19-20) We obey the Great Commission when we make disciples - baptizing people in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and … Continue reading Want To Make Disciples? Consider First How To Be Discipled
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?1 John 3:17 Prior to joining the staff at ATLAS of West Central Minnesota, I worked for another nonprofit managing homeless assistance programs. When trying to help an individual or … Continue reading The Gap Between Your Church And Your Community And The Only Way To Overcome It
[E]quip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”Ephesians 4:12 If you ask my two pre-teen daughters what my most frequent “Dadism” is, they’d probably tell you it’s, “You need to learn to cut your own pancakes.” This is my go-to line whenever they expect mom or dad to … Continue reading “Learn To Cut Your Own Pancakes”: The Forgotten Priority of Equipping
A Thrill of Hope 