In today’s culture, “tolerance” often means accepting all beliefs and behaviors as equally valid. The idea of calling something “wrong” has become almost taboo. Judging others is now seen as the worst possible offense. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses this issue with surprising clarity. In Matthew 7, He gives us two powerful … Continue reading Do Not Judge
My heart is full! After gathering with the pastors and spouses from across the Kentucky District for our annual ministry retreat, I’m overflowing. The Lord made Himself known to us as we prayed, worshipped, and was ministered to through God’s Word. It really was an inspiring time of spiritual revitalization. I’ve heard back from several … Continue reading My Heart Is Full
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
One Sunday evening on the way home from church Heather and I noticed a sign at the local animal shelter advertising “Puppy Adoptions,” so, we pulled in (mistake number one). In the past we’ve owned larger dogs, but had not owned one in several years due to our ministry assignments and living arrangements. We stopped … Continue reading Hank & Cash
Political correctness in and of itself is not a bad thing. In the simplest of terms, it’s a way of treating people with respect regardless of ethnicity, gender, race, religion, socio-economic status, and other things that have the potential to divide. According to that definition, Jesus was politically correct. He treated everyone with dignity because … Continue reading Political Correctness
General Assembly is the quadrennial gathering of the global family that is the Church of the Nazarene. Every four years delegates from all over the world come together to celebrate what God has done, discern how the Holy Spirit is leading, and make decisions about how to faithfully advance the mission of Making Christlike Disciples … Continue reading General Assembly Resolutions
Becoming vulnerable is the first step toward freedom. Vulnerability exposes our weakness and enables God to break down strongholds. We cannot function in freedom until we become brave enough to confront the strongholds that hinder the advancement of the Kingdom in our lives. God is so much better than we give Him credit for. I … Continue reading Repentance & Holiness
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” ~Jeremiah 29:11 “Gotcha Day” is a term used in the adoption community. It refers to the day when adoptive parents finally get their child. It’s … Continue reading Gotcha Day
The Bible—it’s been a source of lively discussion for centuries. It’s a shame when it moves from being a source of healthy dialogue to a form of division, especially among those who claim to represent what is contained therein. I love the Bible. I trust the Bible. I believe the Bible is reliable. I believe … Continue reading I Believe—Literally
“If your church hasn’t won anyone to Jesus in the last year, it’s not a church, it’s a country club.” A friend recently made that statement. I’d go a step further: if a church isn’t endeavoring to ‘win’ people it isn’t even a good country club. Too many churches have become shrines of personal achievement … Continue reading Country Club Church
Brian L Powell 