A Simple Word for Complex People

The curse of being a Jesus freak (Matthew 10:24-39)

The curse of being a Jesus freak is this: you recognize just how badly the church of today pales in comparison to the church Jesus envisioned.

Resurrecting compassion (Mark 9:35-10:15)

The church ought to strive to become an unpopular place again, filled with stinky outcasts and ragamuffins who are too tired to put on a good face because they are too busy clawing their way to Jesus. 

Still Sinners (Romans 5:1-8)

Understanding who we are as children of God gives us the ability to understand who others are also, and that's really important right now. None of us is perfect, and none of us ever will be. We need to be a mess together, instead of a mess divided.

A disruptive fire burning (Acts 2:1-21)

In Minneapolis, Chicago, and major metropolitan areas around the country, protesters are crying out to be heard. The fires that burn today are our Pentecost fires, and we can choose to sneer at those who speak, or we can open our ears to the message. NOTE: There are audio issues in the first 3:30 of the recording during the reading of the text.

 

We remain (Acts 1:6-11)

The church is created and commissioned by Christ, not Caesar. Our mission is not dependent on buildings or programs -- it is carried out through forging relationships built on forgiveness, mercy, and grace. One relationship at a time, we carry out our task, and in so doing, we change the world.

Unknown God (Acts 17:16-31)

Greeks were praying to an unknown god. Are you? What's the cost of doing that? God is knowable. God is worth knowing. God knows you completely, and wants you to know Him more.

Victim, or Victor? (Hebrews 12:1-14)

God has given you the ability and capacity to choose how you navigate difficult moments. When you choose the attitude, you influence your mindset. You can be a victim, or a victor. God created you to be a victor.

The Uncommon Commonality (Acts 2:42-47)

The church is a mess, but maybe this is a moment for reform. Can we recapture our mission, and prioritize that over our institution?

"Fools cling to facts" (Luke 24:13-35)

It's important to move from the "what" or "how" of life into the why. Jesus helps the disciples do just that, and it birthed the movement we carry on today. We need to do the same in this moment.

"So That I Will Gain Glory" (Exodus 13:17-14:4)

No matter your vision, or your preferences, or your comfort level, or your desires, God remains in charge ... and that's a good thing.