Christian Living

Giving Up Childhood for Maturity in Christ

Chris

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.

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Christian Living

Sin Is More Than An Event

Chris

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

Chris

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

Chris

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.

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Bible, Christian Living

Week of Prayer Devotional: Excellence

Chris

This week a number of churches in our community are joining together for a Week of Prayer. The theme this year is “Excellence in Prayer.” We drew names for dates to speak, and I drew the first night. That was last night.

The reason we’re focusing on excellence is because of a devotion I gave at one of our pastoral meetings. In the devotion I briefly explain how we came to our theme, and then explain three keys to striving for excellence in prayer, or any other part of your life.

View “Excellence” on Google Docs

Book Reviews, Christian Living

What makes your reading list?

Chris

I’m a huge fan of reading. It is something my father modeled for me, and I try to model it for my kids. In fact, my dad and I have a standing “contest” each year to see who read more books. (He beat me in 2010, but I had a bit going on last year.)

I can honestly say that I have read most of the books on the shelves in my office, around 400 or more volumes. And those are just since Bible College. I even have a “To Read” pile near my desk; a pile that is growing instead of shrinking right now.

If you are not a reader, or you only read fiction instead of non-fiction, I would suggest you try to pick up a few titles. It is very important for you to listen to your local pastors and teachers, and I would never suggest that you trade in your weekly sermon for a hardcover book. But there is a lot of material that is helpful to you, your walk with God, and even your family life.

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