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Sentimentality in Worship
In his book, Worship: Together We Celebrate, Leslie Flynn notes: In many churches the art of worship has markedly declined. The so-called hour of worship has become a time when mind and emotions are anesthetized into neutral. Out of habit, church obligation, affection for the minister, peer pressure, family togetherness, patriotism, or community expectation, people…
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All I Have is Christ
I once was lost in darkest night/Yet thought I knew the way/The sin that promised joy and life/Had led me to the grave/I had no hope that You would own/A rebel to Your will/And if You had not loved me first/I would refuse You still But as I ran my hell-bound race/Indifferent to the cost/You…
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Can Mission Become an Idol?
“There is a first-rate commitment to a second-rate mission.” That is what Roger, a leader in global church planting, said as he looked at the rock climbers ascending a cliff in the Alps. Many of us called into ministry feel the same way. Rather than giving our lives to climbing a rock, building a business,…
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God’s Glory Among the Nations: What’s it Worth to Us?
by Rick Wood As evangelical Christians, we often speak of living to glorify God. I usually sign my columns here with, “For His Glory.” But what does that really mean in our everyday lives? How does this desire to glorify God affect the way we live, the commitments and sacrifices we make, and the price…
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Children of God With Orphan Mentalities
There is a scene I recall from Little Orphan Annie worth taking note. Annie has just arrived at her new home, a virtual palace that has been set up for her and for her enjoyment by her adopted father, Daddy Warbucks. Upon entering the foyer, with household staff lined up to greet and welcome her,…
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A Word From a VBS Valedictorian
Trekking incognito along the Emmaus Road, shortly after his resurrection, unrecognized even by the few of his own disciples who walked with him, Jesus challenged the groans of perplexity and faithlessness: He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the…
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Suggested Reading for Season of Lent
The Season of Lent is a time of preparation and anticipation. It is a season that should be characterized reflection, soul-searching, repentance, and ultimately looking forward to celebration – the celebration of all Jesus accomplished for us on the Cross. As Daniel Montgomery, of Sojourn Church writes: “Lent helps us focus on why He had…
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Entering Lent
Today is Ash Wednesday, which means we have now entered into the Season of Lent. If you are not from a church with a liturgical background Lent probably won’t mean much. In fact, for some it may even evoke some negative connotations. While I understand those sentiments, I wish they were not so. At least,…
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Some Guiding Principles for Worship
Most Christians would probably acknowledge that worship is important, essential even. But what exactly are we supposed to do? What is worship, exactly. Is it any thought or action offered to God? Below are a few simple thoughts that I hope will be helpful to shape your practical expectations… Corporateness God calls us to worship…
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The Therapeutic Gospel
What may be the most famous chapter in all of western literature portrays the appeal of a “therapeutic gospel.” In his chapter entitled “The Grand Inquisitor,” Fyodor Dostoevsky imagines Jesus returning to sixteenth century Spain (The Brothers Karamazov, II:5:v). But Jesus is not welcomed by church authorities. The cardinal of Seville, head of the Inquisition,…
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Kingdom-Centered Prayer
Tim Keller writes: Throughout the Old and New Testaments and church history, every spiritual awakening was founded on corporate, prevailing, intensive kingdom-centered prayer. We cannot create spiritual renewal by ourselves, but we can “prepare the altar” and ask God to send his Holy Spirit to change our hearts, our churches, and our communities. Read Tim’s…
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Gospel Clarity for Missional Calling
The article below by World Harvest Mission‘s Josiah Bancroft is a tremendously insightful and clear explanation of the relationship of the gospel to culture. Not only is this an important understanding for the mission field overseas, but Josiah explains why it is essential even within the local church in North America. The video above is…
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