We can't live in it while we fix it ...
In 2001, Julie and I bought our house. A home we could afford that was big enough for our 4 kids also meant that it needed to be fixed up. ...
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Announcing my sabbatical
For many of you, you may not even know what a sabbatical is. Traditionally, it derived from the world of university professors who were granted a period of paid leave for study or travel. ...
We need to talk about sex
Over the last few years, we’ve weathered COVID-19, profound social and political tensions, and behind it all, there has been a steady shift in what sexuality even is — let alone what is now considered sexually appropriate....
Are we involved in anything heroic?
If you dig at the very essence of what’s regarded as heroic, you will surely see elements of courage, risk, generosity and a willingness to readily sacrifice even one’s own life in the protection or rescue of others. ...
We live in an overlap of ages
It works like this: whatever you’re thinking about or arguing about, someone reduces the options to only two. “Either it’s _______ OR it’s ________.” And admittedly, there are many instances where the discussion really can be reduced to only one of two options — like pregnancy, citizenship, or having a pulse. Either you are or are not; you do or do not....
How do you view words? And how do you use them?
Jesus said: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37) Chilling and sobering words. So accordingly, how do you view words? And how do you use them?...
Possibly one of the toughest aspects of credibility today
What does it mean to live with sexual integrity? THIS calls for real faith. And courage....
What shapes your perspective? Now? Or Forever?
In my last few emails, I have been working out ways in which we can establish credibility before a watching world, especially as trusting Jesus and His Word is increasingly viewed with suspicion if not open ridicule. I believe an important distinctive we’re called to is to live out our present while we’re hopefully anchored in eternity....
How courageous are you?
If many of our core convictions as Christians are openly questioned, if not ridiculed, how can we establish a credible lifestyle of courage?...
A credible life of kindness
I want to continue my discussion of what would capture the attention and respect of a watching world and help them want to hear what we have to say about our beliefs in Jesus. If building relationships is now one of our primary tasks as Christians, how can we back up this work by establishing a credible lifestyle of kindness?...
A Compelling Lifestyle
Recently I wrote about how I believe the paradigm for ministry is changing. As Christians are no longer a majority in our culture, we need to work as the early church did when it was a minority....
The Beautiful Exception
Who do you know that is suffering, or what have you endured?...
Keep ReadingIt Shapes Us
I often say that, as a minority, I must know two stories of history....
Keep ReadingGraduation or Commencement?
“Why is graduation called commencement?” I remember learning that graduation sounds like a finish line, while commencement is a starting line. ...
Keep ReadingWalking the ridge line
While Florida is basically flat, still you may have traveled to hike in the mountains....
Keep ReadingAn almost unknown state of mind
In this season of Christmas, I believe that an essential attitude or mindset is to be self-forgetful ...
Keep ReadingGive thanks to the LORD
“It is good to give thanks… to the LORD,” It’s noticeable in our culture that thanksgiving has gone horizontal....
Keep ReadingTrinity's strategy for outreach
I was asked recently, “Trinity is obviously growing, so what is your strategy for outreach?” And I believe the answer is three basic aspects of our culture. We want to know the Gospel. We believe we need the Gospel. And we seek to be related to people in our city who do not yet know Jesus....
Keep ReadingWhat is in your bottle?
Imagine a bottle about the size of your average water bottle in front of you, full of clear liquid. And you’re thirsty. So would you just pick it up and drink it? ...
Keep ReadingHurricane Michael Relief Effort
In the wake of Hurricane Michael, residents on the panhandle are in dire need of aid. ...
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