This is that time of year when we become painfully aware of where we are not, who we are not, and what we need to do differently. Traditionally, the new year is a season of self-absorption. It’s all about what we can do to make ourselves better people. The result is that churches, health clubs, […]

Bible stories are often told like fairy tales; they become larger than life. But the author of the Christmas story included a footnote that firmly plants the story of Jesus’ birth in an historical context. Luke wanted us to know that what “came to pass” was not a fairy tale, but rather the greatest story […]

We all want to be friended, followed, linked, and mentioned. We all want to be recognized, admired, sought after, and envied. We hunger for approval. We want applause. We want to be known. But what do you do when there is no amount of “known” that will satisfy your appetite? December 11, 2016

There is a sin that is so common to the human experience, it is the gateway to all other sins. It promises to make us bigger, better, and more important, but only makes us smaller and meaner. It strips us of our capacity to connect with others. It stands between us and our heavenly Father. […]

Have you noticed how people seem to get lit up about Christmas earlier and earlier every year? For some, the Christmas season can’t come early enough. For others, any mention of Christmas before Thanksgiving is a major annoyance. But for still others, the holidays add new layers of complexity. Over the last year, they’ve lost loved ones, seen their families fractured, watched as key relationships unraveled, faced life-threatening illnesses, or struggled with unexpected and unwanted career changes. If you’re one of those people, how can you appreciate the holiday season when life has turned upside down? The key lies in the significance of a promise embedded in The First Christmas. November 27, 2016

Our church is a stewardship. It isn't about us. It's about all of the people around us who don't know Jesus . . . yet. God has given us the opportunity to create churches unchurched people love to attend. That's why we're about to do something unprecedented. November 20, 2016

We want to feel closer to God. We want our faith to grow. But when God calls us, it usually involves some sacrifice. He asks us to let go of our plans for our lives so we can take hold of his plans. What would happen if you decided that when God asks you to do something, you'll walk through the pain and sacrifice of obedience in order to discover the promise of obedience? November 13, 2016

We're all tempted to think that obeying rules will put us in right relationship with God—if we do what he wants, he will accept us. But we find ourselves having to ask God for forgiveness over and over again. That's because our heavenly Father's rules aren't designed to put us in good standing with God. They're a reminder that we're rule-breakers and we need someone we don't deserve: a Savior. November 6, 2016

One of the things that can keep us from living beyond average is the tension between now and later. We’re tempted to live for the moment, to satisfy our desires instantly. But when we pursue instant gratification, the problems in our lives increase. Our finances blow up because we buy things before we can afford […]

No one aims to live an average life. When we were younger, we all aspired to live extraordinary lives. But somewhere along the way, we settle into an average job, average debt, average marriage, average family, and average dreams. If we were to really follow Jesus, we would not be average. Jesus calls us to give more than expected. He calls us to live for tomorrow. Jesus calls us to action because only by acting can we become anything but average. October 23, 2016