Tag: christian
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I noted in my post about church essentials that God’s love and grace is the heart of a healthy church. Churches centered on God’s love presence invite members to be gracious, humble, welcoming and compassionate. Ironically, as churches get serious about following their Lord, something often goes wrong. While a church continue to talk about…
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The book Dominion traces the very mixed history of the Christian church through history. When the church emphasized caring for the marginalized, humble service, and freedom for the individual it has been a force for good. When the Church cared more about its institution than the people, removed people’s freedoms through authoritarian decrees, and worst,…
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The following is my highly opinionated list of churches that I would recommend (or than are on my list to check out at some point). I have a separate post above how to find the right church for you. Silicon Valley Churches I have had a bit of interaction with that seemed good: Vive Mountain…
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There are numerous reasons why you might be looking for a church. You could be being a journey to explore the Christian faith. You might have recently moved, or maybe you are dissatisfied with the church you previously attended. Whatever the reason you are looking for a church, I would encourage to devote yourself to the…
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The Camino de Santiago is an amazing experience for nearly everyone. For some, it’s a once in a life time experience. For others, it is repeated regularly, it’s part of their life’s rhythm. Almost all are touched by what is called the Camino spirit. This is the combination of kindness, curiosity, and openness without judgement…
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I recently talked with a student I mentored years ago about some mid-life course corrections he was considering. This prompted me to think about my mid-life transition in 2011-2012 as I grappled with losing Libby to cancer. The follow is a remembrance of what changed then, and how I think about these issues ten years…
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These days most western churches record their sermons and put them online. I expect that if a person dedicated all their waking time to listen to all the sermons preached on just one Sunday, they would died long before they listened to even half the recordings. The quality of these sermons is highly variable. Life…
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I recently came across a wonderful interview which featured Eugene Peterson and Bono talking about the Psalms. I was touched by both mens’ humility, their genuine friendship, and their love for the Psalms. There is also a nice follow-up series of mini interviews between David Taylor and Bono called Beyond the Psalms which are inline…
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In the book A Praying Life, Paul Miller asserts that we shouldn’t focus on prayer (the method) but rather God (the object). Miller has a very high view of prayer. He expect prayer to accomplish things. Not because we are somehow manipulating God, but because God cares and prayer is a key way that we…
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Truth is the only thing worth standing on. Lies, falsehoods, secrets, excuses, might seem expedient, but they are like quicksand. They will drown your life if you walk in them. Lies can only hurt people and will rot away your heart and conscience. Secrets limit your ability to share fully with others and hurt your…
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From 1989 until 2018 this page was a transcript of C.S. Lewis’ sermon Weight of Glory. Lewis’ sermon had a profound impact on my faith and life. I wanted to share it. After 30 years I received a polite “Take Down” notice from the copyright holder. I learned that while the copyright had expired in…
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Today I was deeply sadden by the news that Doug Goins had succumbed to his three year struggle with cancer. Like many people, and especially Candy, I will miss him, and look forward to seeing him in the next life. As I pedaled my way into work today I couldn’t stop crying and thinking about…
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The dominate culture in the US prizes freedom and choice above all else which has led us to have one of the most individual oriented cultures. Garret Kell’s article entitled The Second-Most Important Book for Every Christian is a great antidote to the individual focus we are exposed to. What is the second most important book? Your…
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In the last couple of weeks I have been thinking a lot about the Bible’s teaching about how we, as Christians are called to live. I have spent a good bit of time looking at Romans 5-8. At the core of this passage is our inability to be good or to do anything truly right…
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Libby and I used to talk nearly every night. Often for a couple of hours. The topics varied greatly: basic logistical issues, smoothing over relational friction, concerns weighing on our hearts, big ideas, silly dreams. Honestly the topics almost didn’t matter, it was having someone to share life with. It’s been three months since we…
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Libby and I were recently talking about a women she sees each week. Last week the women noted that Libby’s life seems different from hers, and that when Libby prays it seems like God is right there. This women has faced a lot of difficult issues in the last year and is looking for peace.…
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I enjoyed the article The Cellular Church which takes a look at Saddleback Church and the small groups that power it. Gladwell s known for the books “Tipping Point” and “Blink”.
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For the last twenty years I have spent a portion of my time each week working with college students at my church. I have generally found the college students’ faith vital with a great interest in making a difference in the world. I have watched these young men and women invest time into serving their…
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This past weekend I attended a Renovare conference hosted by MPPC. The primary presenters were Dallas Willard, John Ortberg, and Richard Foster. It was a lot of fun to watch these three men teaching and interacting together. You could tell they held each other in great respect and are great friends. Renovare is an organization…
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Everyone has a personal faith. Some people place their faith in traditional religions while others collect ideas from various sources and create a unique, personal faith. Sometimes people put their faith in social or political movements. Still others place their faith in progress or technology, that is the future. Not everyone has a well thought…