There is an unusual pattern found throughout the pages of scripture. We witness it in the lives of people like Moses, Gideon, Rahab, Jonah, and the twelve disciples. Interestingly, God calls the most unlikely candidates to accomplish the most amazing things over and over again. God repeatedly uses ordinary people for seemingly impossible assignments. He … Continue reading In Over Your Head
We live in serious times. In a matter of days, life as we know it has been turned upsidedown. Even so, the call of the Body of Christ is to participate in the Great Commission. So, while the work of the church may look different in the coming days, her mission remains the same: To Make … Continue reading Coronavirus & The Church
Someone recently asked me what I would focus on if I were trying to steward new life in a declining or stagnant congregation. I told them I would focus on three things intently, and I would not waver. Renewal First, I would cultivate a culture of renewal/revival: a kingdom culture of transformation. We should do … Continue reading Three Things
When Jesus died on the cross, he said, “It is finished.” The Bible teaches that Jesus then descended to the center of the earth, which is the holding place that the Hebrew text refers to as “Sheol” (Greek: “Hades”). In this place, Jewish literature teaches that there is a compartment set aside for the wicked … Continue reading Submission To Authority (Part 3)
God ordains authority. If you’re not submitting to the authority structures in your life you are opposing God’s will for your life. As long as you oppose God’s will for your life you’ll never walk in the fullness of God’s promises for your life. We are all in a fight; it’s a spiritual battle. We … Continue reading Submission To Authority (Part 2)
When my son, Jake, was a teenager he and I took Brazilian Jujitsu; he loved it (and was naturally good at it). Jujitsu is a grappling sport; meaning it’s a lot like wrestling, except instead of pinning someone, you’re trying to submit them. The workouts were intense; the first several weeks I thought I was … Continue reading Submission To Authority (Part 1)
One thing I’ve learned in ministry over the years is that pastors want to be liked. Some want to be liked so badly that they’re willing to become something they’re not. When that happens they began mimicking other leaders and projecting an image that is not at all who God’s called them to be. Even … Continue reading Religious Costumes
The “world” is a spirit or a force that opposes, attacks, and outright rejects the Spirit of Christ. Don’t be fooled by the spirit of this present age, it’s not good. In fact, Scripture teaches that the spirit of the world is antichrist: “Every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This … Continue reading Spirit Of The Age
Dialogue is important. It’s healthy to discuss issues, express convictions, and voice opinions prayerfully. However, when dialogue leads to continually questioning biblical truth it becomes problematic. The reason for this is there are certain teachings that are so central to Christian faith and practice that there’s no need to debate them. In fact, we shouldn’t … Continue reading Strange Teachings
Navigating the digital landscape can be challenging. At some point, we’ve all said something that wasn’t received the way it was intended. The digital world seems to magnify these unintentional missteps. Social media, while beneficial, undoubtedly leaves a void as it pertains to authentic relational connections. I’m convinced that it’s nearly impossible to really “get … Continue reading Navigating Digital Misunderstandings
Brian L Powell 