This week our hearts and prayers have been with the people of Oklahoma City, who were devastated by a massive tornado that led to much destruction and death. Like me, many of you have friends and family who live in OKC who have been impacted by the storm. Disaster relief teams are on the ground … Continue reading Purpose in the Pain
Author: Derek Spain
Flag Football
Once again this spring, I had the opportunity to coach my son's flag football team. We had a great group of boys. Of the nine boys, three had played tackle football before, two had played flag football a few seasons, and four were brand new to the sport. The boys had fun, and each player … Continue reading Flag Football
So This Is Love
I started to write a post explaining what love is like based on 1 John chapter 4. But I kept running into inadequate phrases. So if you have two minutes, read these paragraphs and consider what the Bible says about love in these verses. Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from … Continue reading So This Is Love
God’s Children
Have you ever watched Duck Dynasty? Those long-bearded, plain-spoken "Robertson rednecks" have some strong family traits. They love each other. They love duck hunting. They love Jesus. Every family has family traits. Sometimes it's the way they look, sometimes the way they walk, and sometimes the way they talk. Every family has family traits. So … Continue reading God’s Children
Walk Just as Jesus Walked
When you say it this way, it seems way too obvious: a Christ-follower will follow Christ. But too many people who call themselves Christians (aka, Christ-followers) do not walk the way Jesus walked, and they seemingly have no desire to do so. Their words, attitude, behavior, actions and decisions are not at all what Jesus … Continue reading Walk Just as Jesus Walked
The Way of Christ
The way of forgiveness. The way of hope. The way of peace. The way of love. The way of joy. The way of life, not death. The way of light, not darkness. The way of serving others. The way of forgiving those who have wronged you. The way of truth. The way of righteousness. The … Continue reading The Way of Christ
Bible Study Teachers… Ask Questions with a Purpose
If you teach the Bible and you want to teach like Jesus did, then you will engage your group in questions and answers. There are a lot of different types of questions that you can ask. Here is a good tip of the week from The Gospel Project to help you think about the types of … Continue reading Bible Study Teachers… Ask Questions with a Purpose
Jase Robertson Event… Next Steps
Recently we had a fun event at our church, where more than 7000 people gathered to hear Jase Robertson share his stories of duck calls, family adventures, and faith in Christ. He was hilariously funny at times, very serious at others, and all-the-time authentic. As Pastor Kevin Miller said, "Jase is the real deal." Jase … Continue reading Jase Robertson Event… Next Steps
Born Again
Some people think evangelical Christians invented the phrase "born again." Or maybe they think Billy Graham did. Or Baptists. And because they don't know who made up the phrase, and because some crazy people claim to be "born again," they run away from the term (and they also run away from crazy people). But you … Continue reading Born Again
Prayers Heard ‘Round the World
Have you ever stopped to think about how amazing prayer is? The God of the universe cares so much about us being part of His plans for the world that He invites us to talk to Him in prayer and listen to Him. On Wednesday as we drove through a snow storm in VA (do they … Continue reading Prayers Heard ‘Round the World