Sarcasm. It’s a cultural icon today. From Hollywood to Washington, on TV and radio, sarcasm seems to rule the day. Unfortunately, the church has followed suit. Instead of defending apologetically, explaining logically, reasoning morally, conversing factually, or supporting theologically, we too often resort to mocking … Read More
Caring Beyond the Launch
When Apollo 11 launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 16, 1969, the many staff in Houston knew the work wasn’t over. Though there were cheers and applause as the rocket left the pad, the job of seeing the crew land on the … Read More
The Cross, the Tomb, and the Throne
There’s no doubt that the cross is the centerpiece of God’s glory. Because of the crucifixion, sin can’t condemn us! Romans 8:1 confirms that “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 5:2 shouts, “Through him we have also … Read More
Looking Back: 2017’s Top 10 Posts
With new readers signing up regularly, perhaps a look back at the top posts from 2017 will give them, as well as our existing readers, an opportunity to review once again this year’s most-clicked posts. We Were Multiplying (And I Didn’t Even Know It) A … Read More
A Christmas Gift from Coach
Our son, Brett, played basketball for our city’s high school, the Ankeny Hawks. And, like other hoop athletes in his class, he had journeyed through the freshman teams, jumped into JV opportunities, and endured the bench as an underclassman, waiting patiently for his senior year. Why? … Read More
Have a Messy, Blessed Christmas
Christmas is a messy holiday. I didn’t say merry; I said messy. Think about it—it’s about a birth. Been to any birthing rooms lately? Well, Joseph’s and Mary’s was outdoors in a holed-out animal shelter. See what I mean? Messy! But no wonder—Parenting is messy. … Read More
Clamped, Ramped, and Cramped
I’m not the sharpest mind on the block, but I can notice repeated patterns if given a fair shake. And the “shake” of budgets and schedules during this time of the year—whether seasonal, relational, or occupational—has shown me something about my own relationships and leadership … Read More
Baptism Q and A
Though Acts 2:41 lays out a very simple understanding of biblical baptism—conversion, immersion, distinction—many questions surface about this ordinance. Let me take a few moments and address the questions that came in Sunday, as well as point you to some previous Q and A blogs … Read More
All I Want for Christmas is an Electric…
The beauty of significance lies in the fact that it is often hidden in the ugliness of the seemingly unimportant. This was exactly the case on that first Christmas centuries ago. Who would have thought a little town would be the birthplace of a mighty … Read More
Thanksgiving: It’s a Matter of Perspective
Another Thanksgiving has rolled around, and so has the time to stop and consider all the “good and perfect gifts” God had so graciously given each of us. But this year let’s not glibly say a memorized “Thank you,” nor half-heartedly show our seasonal appreciation … Read More