As we prepare to jump into a study of Ecclesiastes, I thought it important to lead into it with what I have called the tale of two gospels. One version is very familiar to most of us and for many it has created all kinds of tension in their understanding of YahWeh/Father. They may really like Jesus, but many don't know how the image of God in the Old Testament or the image of God who sits as holy judge waiting to pass the death sentence on all unrepentant sinners. In this version, it is only when appeased by the death of the Son, that God, in his justice, is able to withhold judgement on humans without sacrificing his character.Is that the only "gospel"? Is it an accurate picture of who God is and has been? Listen to a Tale of Two Gospels and lets talk about it."The Gospel in Chairs", was originally composed by an Orthodox priest, Father Anthony Carbo (from Colorado Springs), a 9-minute version was then also posted online by Steve Robinson. I came across this presentation in a book by a friend of mine, Brad Jersak. His book, "A More Christlike God: A More Beautiful Gospel" (CWR Press. Kindle Edition 2015-04-22), has been a great read.

This week, we took some time to affirm the incredible guys that are in our communty. So many great examples of what it means to be a man, a father and a son. Thank you all for being who you are!!!

This past Sunday we had an awesome discussion about marriage with Rob & Val Lee.Rob & Val shared some of their story, talked about their work with individuals and couples and shared their thoughts on building a healthy relationship. Give it a listen! You'll be glad you did!!!

Ever have one of those mornings where things seem to conspire against you in the worst ways? Did yours include driving off with the gas pump still in the side of your car? If so, you might know what Shane means when he talks about Common Humanity.

This week, we took some time to discuss Paul's thoughts in Ephesians 5, regarding the mystery of marriage. There has been plenty of time spent on the "roles" of men and women in marriage, so we did not spend much time there. Frankly, as I said Sunday, I have never seen a healthy marriage that was focused on who is in charge. Healthy relationships tend to focus on how to serve one another, rather than who should serve who.So, our focus was on the mysterious beauty and challenge of what marriage is about. But, we didn't stop there. In light of the current debate before the US Supreme Court, we also took on the issue of "What is marriage?" I am sure that there will be lots of disagreement, but at least we will be thinking about the issue!

If you do any research around the "mother-heart of God", you may read something strange like, "the mother-heart of father God." Why is it so difficult for most evangelicals to acknowledge that God is the author of masculinity and femininity? Of motherhood and fatherhood? "In YHWH Own Image, created YHWH them", ie., male and female.Both men and women, together, demostrate aspects of God. So, today, I shared my thoughts and thankfulness for the women, mothers and especially, my wife, for demonstrating so beautifully the mother-heart of God.Happy Mother's Day!!

Being "missional" does not mean that we only focus locally. It also means that we care about and are involved globally. Our wonderful community has worked hard at building trust in our geographic area, and we want to do the saem thing overseas.This discussion was captured in 2 parts.

Rather than just plowing ahead and covering more and more subjects, we take time this week to try and answer any questions that have come up from our discussions on prayer, women in leadership, grace, pareneting and belonging. Turned out to be a great morning!!

For most of my life, resurrection day has been an opportunity to encourage Christ-followers that the good news in the message of the NT is that in the end, we, like Jesus will be resurrected from the dead and will inherit eternal life. Second, it has been a day to speak to those that are not Christ-followers and let them know why we believe the resurrection to be a fact and why we think it makes a difference. This has been done in so many different ways, it’s hard to count.What if I were to tell you that there is something in the account of the resurrection that speaks to everyone, whether they are a Christ-follower or not?