September 22, 2024
An Alternative to Selfies
Jesus still calls his followers to “deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Our selfie with him means being, as Paul put it, “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20).
Articles for tag: Philippians 2:3
February 13, 2023
February 19 | Discovery
Questions for group discussion for use with this week's lesson from Nehemiah 5:1-19, "Courage to Deny Oneself."
December 12, 2022
Restoring Koinonia in Today’s Church
Apparently there has been some debate about the meaning of "koinonia" (Christian fellowship/community) as described in Acts 2:42 and the rest of the New Testament. I didn’t know that . . . until I listened to a recent podcast on the topic. . . .
June 2, 2016
Moving from the Method of Meeting to the Mess of Meeting
By Susan Lawrence Encouragement for anyone who sometimes finds church a troubling place. If we insist on avoiding the messiness, we may miss the greatest blessing. Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds. You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. Do this even more as you see the day coming. If we decide to go on sinning after we have learned the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 10:24-26*). Encouraging each
September 7, 2014
To Lead Change You Must Be Changed
By Casey Tygrett If you have ever traveled via commercial airliner, you might be vaguely aware of the preflight safety talk. It”s something most people completely ignore, even though it could save your life and possibly others. The flight attendants tell you, “First put on your oxygen mask and then assist others.” My favorite flight was the one in which the flight attendant recommended we first put our mask on, and then put a mask on “the child most likely to pay for your retirement.” The directions may at first seem selfish and uncaring. However, if you have ever experienced
April 20, 2013
Lessons from a Fat Wallet
By Eddie Lowen Not long ago, removing my wallet from my pants pocket became difficult. That”s a good thing, right? On Subway restaurants” TV commercial, a thick wallet is evidence of frugal spending and increasing net worth. Dave Ramsey likes fat wallets. However, my wallet was gaining girth from items other than legal tender and dead presidents. Membership cards were to blame. Multiple membership cards. Some were plastic, others card stock. I emptied my wallet and discovered nearly a dozen membership cards to seemingly every organization in our city and beyond. A sampling of my memberships includes: Sam”s Club, which
February 14, 2013
Real Love, Real Joy
By Mark A. Taylor My preacher had advice for married folks in his sermon last Sunday: “As long as you”re going to be married the rest of your life, you might as well enjoy it.” His list of strategies for pursuing and discovering joy in marriage was a thought-provoking challenge even for an oldster like me (anticipating my 40th wedding anniversary in just a few months). But I was even more interested in a Wall Street Journal feature Tuesday that quoted scientific research to underscore a fact about marriage that Jesus himself might have offered. “People who put their mates” needs
January 17, 2012
Cultivating Cultures that Help People Flourish
By Steve Hayner How does a leader shape a culture? Is this even possible? Doesn”t culture just happen as a result of the individual attitudes and activities that each person brings into the community? My strong observation and premise is that leaders can””and do””shape culture. I say that from my experience in various organizations over the years, as well as from the Scriptures. For instance, Joshua”s example of unswerving faith moved the people to stand with him on the day he issued his “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” challenge””and they maintained that “culture” for a long time after Joshua
May 10, 2006
What We Can Do if We Can”t Agree
Churches often disagree about women in ministry, from eldership and ordination to worship leadership and Communion. This article urges humble respect so believers who differ can still serve together in fellowship.
