I’m often asked by people in my church, “Jonathan, you’ve convinced me that I really do want to become a more well-rounded film viewer. I am ready to commit to watching subtitled movies and to expand my horizons beyond Hollywood. What should I watch in world cinema?” (Actually, I’ve never been asked that, mostly I just get asked what my favorite film is and if I can recommend anything they might like, without having to read subtitles) Read more
Introduction: Baptism is what we do to make a public proclamation of faith in Jesus Christ. It’s an outward declaration of an internal change. It’s one of those things we get excited about and can’t help but share. In the Gospels it’s interesting to note that Peter was a bit shaky. Sometimes he was as bold as a lion and other times he was as timid as a mouse with social anxiety. He was as unreliable as a dilapidated, old... Read more
“In every pew is a broken heart. Speak often on suffering and you will never lack for a congregation.” – Joseph Parker THE 23RD PSALM There are some risks inherent with preaching or writing about Psalm 23. What I mean by that is it is such a well-known, popular psalm that it’s easy to tune out what is being discussed because it is referred to and addressed so often it can lose its power packed punch. As we take a... Read more
Sometimes I think people make too much out of prayer. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about its importance or its purpose, I just mean I think they try so hard to define it they end up complicating it. They pay too much attention on prescribing a formula to prayer that they miss the fact it is a conversation. It’s not about whether you pray when you wake up, before each meal, before every segment of a worship service,... Read more
INTRODUCTION: “Wow, this piece of fruit is delicious!” he said, as he took a third bite of the crisp piece of fruit. “I know” she said “and to think we weren’t even supposed to eat anything from that tree. We would’ve never known how good it was.” “Hold up a minute,” his chewing stopped and he looked straight at her. “Where did you get this piece of fruit?” “I got it from that large tree out in the middle of... Read more
D.L Moody started the great Northfield Bible Center in Northfield, Massachusetts. After he passed away in 1899, G. Campbell Morgan became the manager of the organization. In 1904 Morgan’s three year old son became seriously ill and wasn’t expected to live. All of the family was with him at his bedside gathered in prayer, and all of those present at the summer bible conference were gathered together in prayer in hopes of God bringing the boy to a point of... Read more
The age of the internet has brought on an incredible surge of theologians being given a platform to speak, write, and debate upon. Lest I be completely self unaware, I recognize the writing I am about to propose applies equally to myself (hence why I feel comfortable writing it). Using a broad definition of “theologian” to simply mean anyone who is partaking in thinking about the concept of God – we find ourselves squared with the notion that anyone who... Read more
Power, greed, authority. Sounds like the main reasons the two "official" candidates are running for office this year doesn't it? Well, unfortunately it's nothing new. Even the humble, sacrificial disciples of Jesus fell into this lustful trap. Let's take a look at one such incident where James and John displayed the weakness of humanity. Read more
I'd like to take a moment and discuss one of my ministry areas that are near and dear to my heart. I have a few areas in particular I feel led to address in my ministry and tithing is one of them. Not as an advocate for tithing, which may surprise some, but as one to spread the message that tithing is being practiced when it should not be. For the most part I think pastors are being genuine in their teaching to adhere to the tithe, genuine but genuinely wrong. The majority are trying teach giving and how it blesses us, but still, tithing is not the New Testament pattern. In many cases, though, it is used as a manipulative tool to increase their own back accounts or at least to keep their paychecks rolling in. Read more
LEAWOOD KS, - A local Christian man named Jonathan Willis is so determined not to miss any of the Olympic action that he has convinced his family, friends and church that he can watch the women’s beach volleyball competition without inappropriate thoughts. Read more
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