bird-watching

My Epiphany

A chance encounter with a northern bobwhite reignites a forgotten hobby—and opens a doorway to seeing God through creation. Doug Priest reflects on bird-watching, Scripture, and Christian stewardship of the environment.

July 23, 2006

Dave Butts

We Would Like to See Jesus

By Dave Butts “Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “˜Sir,” they said, “˜we would like to see Jesus”” (John 12:20, 21). This is an amazing story in Scripture. At the same time the religious leaders of the day were trying to silence Jesus, these Gentiles were trying to find him. There is something about Jesus that attracts people; especially those who are free from traditional expectations. The Jews of that day were expecting a political Messiah who would

A Parable About God’s Call

By Terrence O’Casey Some former ministers can be the preacher”s greatest ally, while others can make him want to quit. Some churches can be like the wild mustangs of the West. They buck every move the preacher suggests, but when they finally trust him, what a great ride they give. The rugged Steen Mountains of Eastern Oregon soar to more than 9,000 cloud-haloed feet. Down in the glaciated bowls carved out below the ridges, one occasionally catches a glimpse of the magnificent wild mustangs called Keigers. These sleek animals have never felt a bit in their mouth, a saddle on

Taking Small Groups to a Higher Level

By Greg Marksberry Most newer and larger churches believe small groups are a leading contributor to their growth. This strategy for building community has emerged as the most effective way to connect people within the body of Christ. But are we using small groups as well as we could to produce fully devoted Christ-followers? A recent Barna Research Group survey indicates small group participation has doubled over the last decade, with nearly a quarter of churchgoers attending weekly small group meetings. But while participation is up, discipleship is not. When asked to identify their most important goal in life, not

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