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
On Friday evening, December 3, 1999, my wife and I were on our way to the NC District Church of the Nazarene’s Christmas celebration. Before getting on the highway, we pulled into a gas station to fill up. The wind chill was below zero, which was unusually cool for North Carolina. Even though I wore … Continue reading Furnace Club
If you’re easily offended, you’re carnal. Offense is nothing more than your flesh trying to live. The more you give in to it, the more susceptible you become to being offended. It is like an automatic firearm; it keeps blasting once you pull the trigger. If not dealt with, offense turns into resentment. When that … Continue reading Cancel Culture
The Bible is the bestselling book of all time. Every year it sells more than 100 million copies. It has been translated into more than 700 languages. The Guinness Book of World Records estimates that the Bible has sold over five billion total copies. Many have tried to discredit it. All have failed. Followers of … Continue reading Biblical Worldview
In the Garden, God told Adam and Eve they could partake of everything except for one tree: The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. God supplied all they would ever need for life at its fullest. Yet, for love to truly be reciprocated there had to be an alternative; it was that one … Continue reading Reflecting His Image
Recently, I had a very vivid dream. Although I dream often, it is seldom that I wake up because the dream is so realistic that it startles me. However, on this particular night, I awoke feeling overwhelmed with the presence of God. I had tears in my eyes and a deep sense of joy in … Continue reading Dreaming Dreams
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
In middle school and part of high school, I was on the wrestling team. I was good at it. There was a technique rarely used called the “barbwire.” It became my finishing move. During that time I was consumed with wrestling. It was my identity. Later in high school, I took an interest in playing … Continue reading Identity Crisis
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)
Brian L Powell 