I was given the opportunity to review Reflecting Christmas by Matthew J. Elliott. Matthew is the founder of Love the Saints Ministries, a website committed to “Encouraging Believers Every Step of the Way.” Christmas is the most well-known, and popular holiday in the world. While cultures are separated by vast differences, no matter where you go, you’ll […]
Ministry and Church
The mistake we make (that we think we don’t)
There’s a mistake most Christians make, and ironically it’s a mistake we tend to think we don’t make. The mistake is that we tend to think everything we believe is grounded in Scripture. To be clear, I know for most of our beliefs this is the case, but we also have some beliefs that are shaped more by our […]
Pokemon Go: One of the Big Problems
Why don’t I like Pokemon Go? We live in a parsonage next to the church. My kids often bring lunch to my office. To reach me they walk through the parking lot. Assuming time permits, while eating I talk with my kids. Here is a conversation that just took place: My kids: “There are two people in […]
Five Ways to Determine Your Spiritual Gifts
Recently someone asked me how to determine their spiritual gifts. This is a great question and one that every Christian who wants to serve the Lord faithfully should ask. The question is so common people have developed surveys to help determine spiritual gifts. Here are four suggestions to help us determine the gifts the Holy Spirit’s given us… […]
“Pastor, YOU should talk to this person!”
As a pastor, there are two situations I find myself in at times. I’d like to explain why I handle them the way I do. First situation: “Pastor, YOU should talk to Brian!” James sees Brian do something he thinks is wrong, so James makes this request of me. I tell James to go directly to Brian based on: Matthew […]
Seven Reasons to Avoid Divisive People
Recently I found myself dealing with a divisive person. After going to God’s Word, I found seven reasons to avoid divisive people. 1. Avoid Divisive People, Because That’s What God Commands If this was the only reason it would be enough: Romans 16:17 I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to […]
4 Graduation Tips for Seniors
Each year one of the outreaches Woodland Christian Church puts on is the Senior Dinner. The graduates join us in the fellowship hall for a nice meal. I present a message with graduation tips, and my brother brother-in-law, D.J. Malinowski, plays some music (see below). I tell the seniors that I’m going to share with them the […]
Nine Reasons to Choose Burial Over Cremation
I’ve been asked whether Christians can practice cremation. While I still wouldn’t say cremation is a sin, I would say there are good reasons Christians should choose burial over cremation. While many practices are not explicitly forbidden by Scripture, there is often enough information to help us make the best decision. Here are nine reasons to choose […]
Can Young People Serve God?
Scripture makes it clear young people can serve God. John wrote Revelation in the mid-to-late 90’s. Considering John became Jesus’ disciple almost seventy years before that, he was probably only a teenager when called by the Lord. And he probably wasn’t the only one. Matthew 17:24-27 records Jesus and Peter paying the temple tax, which was […]
Much More Than Showing Up Sunday Mornings
Even if you’ve been trained to think church is only about showing up Sunday morning and leaving when service is over you need to know that’s not what God wants! God’s plan is the opposite of shallow, superficial involvement with our brothers and sisters in Christ. The church is a family where we’re expected to […]