Rod Cooper, a professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, describes intimacy as “INTO-ME-SEE!” I like that. It says much about what intimacy brings and calls for. Undoubtedly, within the context of marriage, the husband or wife who chooses to give their spouse genuine intimacy gives them much more than a marriage license. They give them themselves . . . unmasked, uncovered and unlimited. (more…) Read more
Take some time in prayer today to consider the incredible lengths that Jesus Christ has gone to in order to forge a friendship with you. Carefully consider the one verse of Scripture which the church reformer, Martin Luther, called “the heart of the Bible, the Gospel in miniature”: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life(John 3:16).” Told differently: “God”……………………………………….……………………………..….The greatest Lover “so... Read more
What role does a church community play in the work of evangelism? A great place to start in looking at this theologically is the actual words and context of Christ’s determination: “I will make you fishers of men (Matt. 4:19).” For starters, was his metaphor of ministry about poles or nets? Read my recent article in Leadership Journal called “Rod and Reel, or Net?” The Pole vs. The Net. – A Fishing Mindset What does it mean when our efforts... Read more
Take a close and careful listen to this recent interview Wolf Blitzer of CNN had with Pastor Joel Osteen. While many will be shocked over his statements about Mormonism, to me the more astounding assertion he makes is related to the subject of Christianity and the theme of suffering. Listen to the interview, check your Bible and let me know your thoughts. Read more
Robert Crosby: How would you describe the late Chuck Colson and his contribution to the church world? Samuel Rodriguez: Chuck Colson stands as an iconic figure. He enriched the Christian community by personifying the power of a redeemed narrative. His personal experience speaks of a man who fell into grace rather than falling from grace. From the birth of Prison Fellowship to the Manhattan Declaration, Dr. Colson’s optics of reconciling truth with love permeated all aspects of his life. I had the privilege of... Read more
Power. We are obsessed with it. Our lives are constantly affected by it. Our homes are vulnerable to it. And yes, our churches, businesses and schools are constantly exposed to it. Just think for a moment of how much “power” permeates our lives and thoughts today – Power lunches, power ties, power plays, power moves, power books, power-tools, power psychology, self-empowerment; these themes and more fill our offices, businesses and bookshelves in America. Power is big business. Some believe that... Read more
You can tell when a person has “closed their soul” towards you, can’t you? They pull away and avoid your presence. Their answers to your questions become brief and bland. They refuse to make eye contact. Their countenance is sunken. Their posture often bent. Counseling a couple in this state, or a mother and her daughter for that matter, is seldom easy. Melting emotional ice between people that has hardened for months, even years, can feel impossible. . .especially in... Read more
Take some time to listen to the message President Obama delivered to a gathering of faith leaders at the White House last week along with a song from Christian recording artist Sarah Groves. It is full of references to the sufferings and the overcomings of Christ. To follow up on this important theme, read the 3-part series I have written at Patheos.com. Here is a link to Part One of the series entitled, “Your Easter I.D.”. Read more
Check this TED Talk out! It is not-to-be-missed! What aspects of religion should atheists (respectfully) adopt? Alain de Botton suggests a “religion for atheists” — call it Atheism 2.0 — that incorporates religious forms and traditions to satisfy our human need for connection, ritual and transcendence. Read more
THE CURRENT - Leading the Following Way
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