Too many people have been scarred by hypocrisy in the church. Why are there so many hypocrites in the church? There are a myriad of reasons, but here’s the biggest reason from my perspective: The reason there are so many hypocrites in the church is because there are so many unsaved people in the church. Look at what Jesus says: 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of... Read more
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. —Isaiah 43:18-19 Jennifer grew up in nearby Sturgis—in a middle class, safe, whole family unit, complete with a dad, mom, and younger sister. So how was it that in 2012, as a young 30-something, she was facing her third divorce? She... Read more
Here is the fourth installment of our Step Into the Light series where we tackle the whole issue of Hell. https://vimeo.com/126256712 Read more
If you listened to seminaries, you might think the answer was the biblical faithfulness of the preaching. If you listened to the ones who complain the most in the church, you might think the answer was the style of music or the overall decadence of society. Several weeks ago I asked a question on Facebook: If you ever left church for a significant portion of time, what was it that drove you away? Here were the answers I got: [My husband]... Read more
Have you ever told yourself “life’s not fair”? You’re right! Watch this short clip where I talk about why life’s not fair, in the context of why some people go to hell and some don’t. https://vimeo.com/126494853 Read more
Changing a diaper faster than a NASCAR pit crew. Good life skill to learn. Distinguishing between a real cry and fake cry within the first two seconds. Another good life skill I’ve learned compliments of my four kids. On a more serious note, here are four impactful lessons I’ve learned by having four kids: 1. Life isn’t about you. That’s perhaps the first and biggest lesson any parent has to learn. To be a great parent, you can’t be the center... Read more
Sunday I was able to blow a church guest’s mind. I love doing that! I don’t do it as often as I’d like. I’ve had a few memorable swings and misses. But when I connect and blow someone’s mind, it validates the time and energy I put into the whole endeavor. What’s the profoundly simple way to blow a church guest’s mind? Call them by name the second time you see them. People expect to be ignored when they go to... Read more
This morning there’s a few hundred Mt Vernon volunteers dragging their way to work or school today. We’re tired, but it’s a good tired. No, it’s a great tired! We just finished our 4th Annual Joy Prom, where our high school students throw a prom for the special needs community. Of all the wonderful things about Joy Prom, here are my 10 favorite: 1. The Red Carpet – This is the aspect that most people see. Our special guests and... Read more
This sermon (watch here) is the third in our series Step Into the Light and attempts to tackle the problem of evil in the world. https://vimeo.com/125681452 Read more
This short clip tells the inspiring story behind one of the most beloved hymns of all time and how God used suffering to bring comfort to millions. https://vimeo.com/125681315 Read more
New Wineskins
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