Posts tagged “Faithfulness”
Jesus Judges Churches Too: Faith in the Midst of Suffering
It’s tempting to think that being a good enough Christian will lead to a good life. But Jesus warns us that because of our faith in him, we will suffer and have to endure pain. That begs the question: Then why risk everything for Jesus? The answer lies in a short letter from Jesus to a small first-century church suffering unimaginable persecution. It’s an answer that still holds true for us today as we hold on to our faith while battling through the hard times.
Take refuge in him
There are times when we want a safe place to go and let someone protect us. We wish someone would shoo people away when…
Jesus Judges Churches Too: Does My Church Love?
What would Jesus say if he came to your church? Would he say the same thing he said to the church in Ephesus—one of the seven churches he addresses in the book of Revelation—that your church is passionate about the truth even if it is costly? But wait: Jesus doesn’t just care about truth . . . would Jesus say that your church also loves?
The faces of Mom and Dad
Picture your parents in your mind’s eye. In all that you see, do you also envision the face of God superimposed over theirs? In…
Jesus Judges Churches Too: What if Church Is Boring?
What do you do when church doesn’t feel interesting enough? If you’re discouraged about your church experience, Pastor Mike says the best thing you can do is read the first chapters of the book of Revelation. But this isn’t an end times sermon series. Rather, we see how Jesus shows up in ordinary churches.
Progress & perfection
Do you think God’s happy when you’re making progress but not yet perfect? Consider that question as you listen to Paul: “Brothers and sisters,…
Getting fit
Have you ever thought about the ways in which exercising and spending time with Jesus are similar? On the surface, your fitness goals and…
What Is Love? What’s My First Love?
What is the first love in your life? In our busy world of work, school, kids, and relationships, what is your greatest passion? Your answer is so important when it comes to love. Because in order to love well, you need to have the right order of your loves—starting with the first love.
“You suck”
My son, husband, and I were listening to a presentation by a mental performance coach. He invited a dozen high school football players to…
Truth and consequences
Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus said, “My kingdom is…
How to Worship when War Hits Home: The gospel will be preached
Last Christmas, a man from Afghanistan showed up at our church. Just in case you have never been my city, we don’t have very…
How to Worship When War Hits Home: Start with God
I was emotionally holding it together right until the point when the young man prayed for “my people.” It was our church’s usual post-sermon…