A Thought on Theological Terms

Calvinist. Arminianism. Evangelical. Missional. Seeker.

The list is long and each word gives us a lot to blog, tweet and argue about.

If we make theological terms/phrases/buzzwords the main thing, they become a boxing ring. They become alliances. They become sides of a battle field.

If we make JESUS the main thing, theological terms/phrases/buzzwords become helpful language that lets us identify concepts as we have discussions within our family.

After all, if someone believes that Jesus is God and truly accepts his gift of salvation, the number one term we should use for them is “brother” or “sister.”

photo credit: 8lettersuk via photopin cc

Hate: Part 4

As Christians, we have incredibly strong convictions. We want what we believe is right to prevail. We want to change the world. We want everything to fall in line with scripture and be just so. But in reality the world is a dark place that can only be fixed by the love of Jesus.

That’s one reason why arguing and pushing for our stances with pride isn’t working, it’s not the love of Jesus. We just get blown up by the media as crazy old southerns who burn science books and everyone watching beleives that that’s who we are.

The opposite of pride is love. Love says, “I’ll give to you.” Read More…

FTGF Episode 7: Jesus Matures People Then He Multiplies People

This is a message I gave at an event called Grace United. We had all of the students from each of our 5 campuses come out for a night of worship. In this message I cast this vision: since Jesus has matured us, he wants us to multiply. How do we multiply? By telling everyone we can about what Jesus has done for us. I then give my personal testimony and tell the story of how Jesus used me for multiplication minutes after receiving Christ. All for his fame. All by his Grace. Thanks for listening!

The Great Gatsby

My wife has been waiting to see this movie for a while. Apparently she, like all other people who went to high school, has read the book. I haven’t.

So I didn’t know what to expect. Turns out, I liked it.

I like modern twists on classic stories. I like movies that take place in New York and the 20’s. I like Gatsby’s massive closet and wardrobe. I like his confidence and his use of the phrase, “Old Sport.” I like how important he seems. I mean, everybody owes him one and his phone is constantly ringing.

I like that he crashes and burns. We all do. Because, in one way or another, we can all relate to it and that’s what makes this story fascinating. At some point, we’ve strived to become something we’re not, in order to get something that’s not ours. Though we dreamed about our plan working, it never did and we’re left trying to figure out what we should have done differently. Read More…