Matthew | November 30, 2009
This whole Christmas thing in the churches of Christ is a odd tradition to understand. There are a ton of arguments surrounding this event’s place in the churches expression. There are the for Christmas arguments and the against Christmas arguments. I have experienced this odd blending of tradition and opinion numerous times in my past [...]
Matthew | November 25, 2009
Steve House is an excellent writer as well as an excellent climber. This book documents his many journeys up faces that have never been climbed before. This man has gone through heartache and pain to accomplish his goals. What is most surprising is that he is still alive. Also, he has sacrificed everything to be [...]
Matthew | November 24, 2009
The church has gone through many transitions throughout history. Some of the changes have been a positive difference for Christianity while other changes have lead the church away from the intentions of Jesus Christ for His people. One of the major changes in the church has been the shift from a theocentric focus for the [...]
Matthew | November 23, 2009
The style of leadership in congregations can be highly diverse. There can be completing visions, complementary visions, or no vision at all for leadership. Sometimes congregations can fall into unhealthy patterns in making decisions. There seems to be three patterns for leadership in churches. Autocratic: this is the rule of the one. This style of [...]
Matthew | November 19, 2009
As I continue to understand this parenting thing, I am still reading some books on this topic. Hopefully, in the future I will preach on some of the ideas that I have gained. This book deals with the “Strong Willed Child.” Really, what child is not strong willed. Also, why read a book on the [...]
Matthew | November 18, 2009
John 20:21 “Jesus therefore said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” What is the nature of this sending? The sending continues for the Christian. The Father sent the Son, the Son sent the Spirit, and the Spirit empowered the church. Since Christians are a [...]
Matthew | November 17, 2009
There is a huge demand for spiritual formation within the church. People are wanting to practice some of the spiritual disciplines of ancient times. People are hungry for transformation into a deeper walk with God. But as this need for spiritual refinement continues, I start to wonder about the root of this desire. Are people [...]
Matthew | November 16, 2009
A couple of weeks ago, we had a Deacon’s Seminar at the congregation. At this seminar, a lot of positive stuff happened. There was planning for the future as well as suggestions for improvement. It seemed that the mission of Christ was at the forefront of this time together. The deacons were motivated to move [...]
Matthew | November 14, 2009
Does the Book of Acts provide everything one needs to reach the world for Christ? The quick answer would be yes. It tells of Jesus Christ and His works, it tells of the plan of salvation, and it tells some methods in reaching out to the world. Here is the pattern, follow it. But was [...]
Matthew | November 12, 2009
Mostly, I always enjoy Reggie McNeal’s material. His book “The Present-Future” was excellent. His material on spiritual leadership and formation is superb as well. This book did not disappoint. McNeal takes some of the scholarly concepts of the missional church and explains them to a wider audience. Not all of the material one will use, [...]
