Compassion and competition are two words that we don’t typically use in the same sentence. Compassion is the kingdom way; competition is the American way. As Americans, we celebrate winning at all costs. For us bigger is better. This is not God’s way. He calls us to sacrifice, service, and surrender. God rejoices in the … Continue reading Tale of Two Tales
The 365 days of 2015 have almost passed. In those 365 days we’ve had over 350 mass shootings in this country. There is no doubt we live in a culture obsessed with violence. The callous spirit that plagues our society breaks the heart of God and should disturb any follower of Christ. “God Isn’t Fixing … Continue reading God Is Fixing This
Here we go again. Election year! It’s time for all the good Christians to start arguing over presidential candidates and shrouding Jesus in the American Flag. So many people genuinely believe that somehow their nominee is going to miraculously save the world (that’s already been done; that party was represented by a Lamb, not an … Continue reading Jesus for President
Social justice is a phrase that’s received a lot of attention in the church in recent years. The phrase itself calls us to a deeper awareness of the need for a “just society.” It hearkens the words of our Savior, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” As … Continue reading Social Justice Begins Here
When I was young I loved seeing rainbows after a good afternoon thunderstorm. Not only was it a beautiful display of God’s handiwork, it also reminded me of many Sunday School lessons about God’s promise not to destroy the earth with a flood. Rainbows are covenantal; they carry divine significance. “I have set my rainbow … Continue reading Rainbows and Rebel Flags
I love a good fight… always have. I learned a long time ago that a good fight is where you give everything you have and a bad fight is anything less. I remember my first schoolyard scuffle as I defended my little brother from a neighborhood bully. I walked away with a bloody nose, but … Continue reading The Good Fight
Once upon a time (a really long time ago), Christians in America celebrated the holidays leading up to Christmas with fellowship meals and gift giving in a spirit of love and generosity. The word “holiday” was initially derived from the phrase “holy day.” A holy day indicates a day that is ‘set apart’ or ‘sacred.’ … Continue reading Black Friday: Altar of Consumerism
This picture really bothers me, but we’ll get back to that in a minute. Attention Deficit Disorder drives my wife crazy. Not because she’s ADD, but because I am. Someone recently described ADD as hearing five television sets going off in your head all at once. Think about this: every American views over thirty thousand different … Continue reading Consumer or Communer
A great man once said to me, “Pastor, the church is the biggest business in the world because it’s God’s business and it’s not like any other business.” If you could have done life with this man for even one day, you would have understood a man with a kingdom-mind and a servant-heart. The idea … Continue reading Under-Leader
The concept of ‘Christian Community’ is crucial for any church striving for health and effectiveness. There is an extreme sense of individualism that pervades our society. Jesus did not call us into individualism; he called us to embrace community. In the context of community, according to the bible, we discover our individual gifts and realize … Continue reading Intentional Christian Community
Brian L Powell 