Category Archives: Real Life

[Not] Owning Time: A Lesson in Turning Aside

Posted on January 26, 2018 by

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God… Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the … Continue reading →

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The Spirit’s Carol

Posted on January 7, 2018 by

A sermon manuscript for Romans 8:1-19, prepared for Life Bridge Community Church (recorded audio | sermon notes) Introduction Well, Merry Christmas, Life Bridge! … and a happy new year. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. One of our family traditions is … Continue reading →

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A Kingdom Life of Turning Aside

Posted on September 29, 2017 by

I’m sitting this morning in a busy Starbucks — one of the places I frequent in the mornings before classes. At the big table, a group of teenagers does more talking about love interests than working on homework. Two middle-aged … Continue reading →

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Limitless

Posted on January 29, 2017 by

Opening weekend of The Resurrection of Gavin Stone (Gavin Stone FB page) was last weekend. Our former church (Harvest Bible Chapel; see also Vertical Church Films) made the film to depict the Church as a place of 2nd chances, which is … Continue reading →

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God’s Goodness vs Seeking Safety

Posted on January 5, 2017 by

Should we actively avoid suffering? (Question 6 of 8 in the Goodness of God series) No matter how much we might understand, intellectually, that suffering in our lives is necessary and good, it’s our instinct to avoid it. We have discussed the ways … Continue reading →

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Consecrating Christmas

Posted on December 26, 2016 by

It’s December 26th … the day after Christmas. And I’m a bit sad. Christmas is my favorite time of year, my favorite holiday, but I have to confess that I didn’t “keep Christmas well” this year (as a converted Ebenezer … Continue reading →

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Dying to Live

Posted on November 26, 2016 by

We avoid pain because … We don’t really understand what it means to follow Jesus Jesus said the most profound and disruptive things, including: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily … Continue reading →

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