To Most People, It’s Mess-chatology.

It’s officially called “Eschatology” — the study of last things. But to most people, it feels more like “Messchatology.” And no wonder. With color-coded flip charts and criss-crossed timelines, literal predictions and symbolic prophecies, Spielberg-like scenarios and Lucas-like creatures, too many preachers turn our primary … Read More

A Deathly Implication

As I stated in my message on May 15, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 contains a rather important implication about death: it is a natural occurrence. Maybe not for all of us should the Lord return before we die. But barring that event, death will occur. As odd … Read More

The Next Book I’m Buying

Book reviews are rarely motivating, They’re usually just informative. Not that being informative is bad. Frankly, that’s probably what a book review should be. But Steve McAlpine’s review of Mark Sayers Disappearing Church: From Cultural Relevance to Gospel Resilience (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2016. 176 pp. $14.99) was … Read More

Q Zone: The Line Between Loving God and Loving the World

In a recent message from James 4:1-6 on fighting the war within, specifically pride and worldliness, a listener asked, “Where do we draw the line between worldliness and godliness? For example, we need to work to provide for our families, but when does that become … Read More

40 Days and 18 Ways

Tomorrow our church, First family Church, begins our 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting emphasis. I’m looking forward to seeing God work deeply within the lives of his flock here as every day we are all praying, and everyday at least one person is fasting. … Read More

Pics from Passion Week Places

Kids love pictures. It’s one of the first ways children learn. And since many parents are focusing their kids’ attention this week on the topics of Jesus’ last week, perhaps these pics will help bring even more visualization to what you teach concerning his final … Read More

Q Zone: What Would You Say…

We opened Holy Week this year with a look at the message of “first importance”–the gospel!–examining what Paul had to say about it in 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. Without a doubt the Apostle testified to it’s veracity and vitality in what many consider to be the … Read More