Book Reviews, Christian Living

New FREE Resource: “Tainted”

I am excited to announce our newest free resource! It is a PDF e-book entitled, “Tainted: Recognizing, Understanding and Repairing the Filters of Life.”

Since I began developing this material, I have discovered that you can apply the core concept of “Tainted” – the concept of filters – to virtually every realm of your life. From your relationships to your career to your understanding of God, filters affect us.

Discover the possibilities, both positive and negative, as you read “Tainted.” It is a FREE Adobe PDF file here on our site.

Christian Living

Aftermath: A new album and new perspective on the Christian life

"Aftermath", the new album from Hillsong United, is now available. I have personally watched and waited since Christmas for this album. Still, you don’t really know what to expect when you go from a Live recording (their last one was Across the Earth/Tear Down the Walls) to a Studio recording. It is always a bit different. And I was also intrigued by the album title.

Joel Houston talks about the new album and the journey that it was creating it. He also gives an explanation for the "Aftermath" title. I’ve added that video below, along with a couple of thoughts triggered by it.

Continue reading “Aftermath: A new album and new perspective on the Christian life”

Christian Living

Giving Up Childhood for Maturity in Christ

We are often called towards growth in our walk with Christ. Ministry organizations and pastors are making a push for discipleship, moving beyond attendance and “casual” Christianity towards actively following and pursuing Christ-likeness.

There are warning signs that we are not growing in our relationship with Christ; signs that say, “Hey, you’re still a baby when you should be growing towards maturity.” We must honestly examine ourselves and realize that if we have one or more of these conditions, we need to get more serious about our personal growth in Christ.

Continue reading “Giving Up Childhood for Maturity in Christ”

Christian Living

Sin Is More Than An Event

This week I preached about David and his sin with Bathsheba. If you read the story in 2 Samuel 11, you’ll find out that there is more than one act of sin in the story. There is a series of sinful acts that David adds to a difficult situation before God reveals his heart to him.

There is a very important truth here to recognize about sin’s impact on our lives. Sin is much more than event that comes for a moment and is left in the past. It is better described as a continuing path.

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Christian Living

Friday Prayer: Preserving the Instinct of Perseverance

Jesus taught that we must come to God as little children. I’m still considered a young adult by many, but I learned long ago not to indulge some childhood urges. Now, as a father of two girls, I wonder how much my encouragement towards change in behavior will benefit or harm their future walk with God.

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Christian Living

Friday Prayer: A Joke to Make You Think

Today is Friday. Inspired by our Friday Fast (11:30 am to 1:30 pm) at church, I’m going to start posting about prayer on Fridays. If the post is related to pastors and leaders, it will be posted on a different blog, but I’ll link to it from here. This week I want to share a joke with you.

Some of you are probably thinking, “Now some things you just shouldn’t joke about.” I understand your feelings. Please understand that this not a joke without a purpose. Sure, that sounds like an oxymoron, but when you read this joke, you’ll understand why I couldn’t resist.

Continue reading “Friday Prayer: A Joke to Make You Think”