It's been said that one of the most troubling conditions in our culture is an epidemic of ingratitude - meaning that we tend to see and fixate on everything that is wrong or lacking in our lives while minimizing or ignoring the good. And it's an easy trap to fall into for most. There really is evil in this world. We really do face injustice. Bad things have and will happen to us and those we love. But that is not the whole story.

It's also been said that many Christians focus on the events of Genesis chapter three (when sin & death entered into creation) at the expense of chapters one & two (when the beauty of all creation, culminating in the formation of humanity, is manifested and extolled by our Creator). Now, we absolutely must deal with the reality, the effects, and the resolution of sin. But we also must remember that God has infused the universe with beauty and glory (generally) and that He's marvelously imprinted humanity with His own image (specifically). This means that, despite the brokenness around us, we can and should revel in all that goodness in our created order and in one another, showing our gratitude for life and all that God has done to restore that goodness through Jesus, both now (in part) and one day in eternity (in full).

#Celebration #CelebrationSunday #Gratitude #Thanksgiving

One of the most fundamental teachings in Scripture is found in the very first chapter of the Bible, where God emphatically declares, "God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him - male and female, he created them." (Genesis 1.27) Humanity, in all its glorious diversity and uniqueness, derives that glory from this paramount reality: we are all, each of us, made in God's image. It is from this image-bearing intrinsic to every member of the human race that we carry such worth, value, dignity, and honor. And it is why Jesus links the fulfillment of the greatest commandment (to love God with everything we have) to the absolute necessity for us to love others as ourselves. As we honor the image of God in others, we honor the One whose image we bear.

Unfortunately, shortly after we learn of our creation in God's image, we learn of sin entering the world and lamentable degradation of that image. Humanity quickly gives into pride and selfishness, dishonoring the glory of God woven into the very nature of humanity itself. And one of the most insidious forms this dishonor & destruction takes is that of racism. Throughout all of recorded human history, we find examples of people degrading and victimizing others on the basis of race, ethnicity, and skin color.

Jesus came to set right what humanity broke so long ago, including racism and all its trappings. Tragically, those who claim to follow Him have not always done so in this regard, even up till this very day. If Christianity is to be true to her Lord, those who fill her ranks must be brave and humble enough to admit our shortcomings and actively advocate for the beauty of the Kingdom of our King. If we claim to be in Christ, we must think and act like Jesus who has given us new life.

#Racism #ImageOfGod #WeDontTalkAboutThat

“What's your least favorite topic to preach about?” It's a question most pastors are asked frequently, and (despite vast differences in theology, training, personality, and more) most answer with a single word: money … and for good reason! It's a highly personal topic, and the church-at-large has a less-than-stellar reputation for both how it's handled money and how it's talked about it. Scandal, greed, hypocrisy - all of these have been descriptors of the historical church in recent memory when it comes to this topic.

But that's exactly why we need to talk about it. The Bible makes it abundantly clear that what we do with our money & resources is one of the clearest indicators of what we truly worship. In fact, Scripture talks about money more than it does heaven & hell combined! If we're going to be the kind of people that truly follow after Jesus, we need to manage the resources He's entrusted to us in a way which demonstrates that commitment and which helps build God's kingdom here on earth.

#Faith #Money #WeDon’tTalkAboutThat

It’s hard to imagine a topic that has dominated our cultural, religious, legislative, and judicial conversations more than issues surrounding human sexuality. Even within the confines of our churches, it can be a complex and often divisive issue. As believers, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, including those who identify differently than ourselves. While the Bible clearly defines marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman, it also calls us to extend grace and compassion to all people. It's important to remember that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

As much as every person is made in the image of God and worthy of our love, sin also affects all people, Christian or otherwise. Lust, infidelity, and objectification of any sort are harmful, destructive, and outside of God's plan for healthy & holy sexuality. Rather than focusing solely on the sexuality of others, we should examine our own hearts and seek God's forgiveness for our own shortcomings, reveling in Jesus’ amazing grace towards us. We are called to be people of truth, yes … but also those of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

#Faith #Sexuality #WeDon’tTalkAboutThat

One of the most contentious and divisive topics in our culture, especially in the United States, is politics. And it becomes exponentially more acrimonious every four years with the return of our presidential elections. At all times, politics seem to bring out the absolute worst, the most base and ugly traits, that humanity has to offer. This is not how God intends His creation to operate!

For those of us who claim to follow Jesus, we must be different than this. This is not to say that we should divorce our faith from our politics - quite the contrary! Rather, every aspect of our engagement in the political realm must be informed and governed by our faith … including how we go about this engagement. First and foremost, we must show our allegiance to the Lamb rather than to the donkey or the elephant (or any other icon). In our world today, this can be incredibly difficult, but it is essential for Jesus-followers and necessary for the thriving of humanity.

#Faith #Politics #WhatIsYourFaithIn #WeDon’tTalkAboutThat

One of the most often cited reasons for questioning the existence (or at least the goodness) of God is the exposure of suffering in the world. It's often posited as some variation of: “If God exists, why is there so much suffering in the world? It must mean He's either not powerful enough to stop it or not good enough to care about it.” The faith of many has been shipwrecked on the rocks of this argument.

And too often, the response of Christians has been rather dismissive, offering little more than trite answers or appeals to simply just “trust God more” in lieu of wrestling with the tragic reality that pain, injustice, and evil do permeate our world. Fortunately, God is not silent on this issue, even if His followers have been, at times. The Bible offers insight into the problem and hope through its answer, if we're willing to authentically engage the conversation.

#Faith #Suffering #Hope #WeDon’tTalkAboutThat

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14.6) This is a bold claim, a claim that draws a line in the sand in a world that often rejects and blurs them - but it's rooted in the very nature of God and His plan for salvation. It's not a message of arrogance or superiority, but rather a declaration of love.

How can we hold firmly to this truth while still being winsome, considerate, and kind to those who disagree? The answer lies in the power of the gospel and the grace of God, in the very nature of who Jesus was, is, and evermore will be. We must approach conversations with humility, listening attentively and seeking to understand. Our goal isn't to win arguments, but to win hearts. By sharing our faith with gentleness and respect, and by living a life that reflects the love of Christ, we can point others to the only true path to salvation, to the help, hope, and healing that can only truly be found in Jesus.

#Faith #Pluralism #Holiness #Respect #Truth #Love #WeDon’tTalkAboutThat

In the heart of Jesus' teachings, we find a profound and compelling call to love our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable among us. He challenges us to consider how our actions or in-actions reveal the true state of our hearts, especially when those actions will not benefit us at all. There are eternal consequences to how we respond to the needs of the the most vulnerable around us.

As Christians, we are called to be a people who embody the love of Christ in our words and deeds - these two areas cannot be divorced! We need to honestly explore the implications of how this intersects our lives today. What does it means to love the those in need and at risk in practical and tangible ways? How we respond to this call will shape our identity as followers of Jesus and massively affect our impact in and on this world.

#Faith #TheVulnerable #TheLeastOfThese #ImageOfGod #WeDon’tTalkAboutThat

Even in an age and a culture that claims to talk about anything and everything, some things are still woefully suppressed and shamed when discussed. Unfortunately, what is hidden often grows, and, when evil is hidden, it consumes and destroys like uncontrolled cancer. So we need to ask: Have you ever been unjustly controlled, manipulated, or even physically hurt? Maybe by a family member, a friend, or someone in a position of authority? These experiences are real, painful, and leave lasting scars. 

But here's the thing: you are not alone. The Bible speaks directly to the issue of abuse, from the Old Testament stories of injustice to the New Testament teachings on love and compassion. Tragically, those who may have escaped the destructive ruin of abuse themselves can perpetuate abuse that has occurred by minimizing, excusing, or dismissing what others have endured. Thankfully, there are biblical truths that address all forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and spiritual abuse. How does God view abuse, and how is humanity supposed to respond? 

#Faith #Abuse #ImageOfGod #WeDon’tTalkAboutThat

In a world that often seems to devalue human life, it's crucial to remember that every individual is created in the image of God. This means we need to honor and respect the profound dignity and worth of each human life - even of those with whom we profoundly disagree. We need to do this on the basis of many biblical principles that affirm each of our unique value and importance to God. And, if something or someone is important to God, it should be important to us, too.

Every human life is a precious gift from God. In a culture that often prioritizes convenience, pleasure, and personal gain above all else, we need to be reminded of the sacredness of life at every stage. The Bible teaches us to value and protect life, regardless of a person's circumstances or abilities, to see the inherent worth of every individual. And because of this, we need to celebrate that worth and value and dignity in a way that reflects God's love and compassion.

#Faith #HumanDignity #ImageOfGod #ImagoDei #WeDon’tTalkAboutThat

Our world can often feel overwhelming … and finding solace and strength to keep moving forward can be challenging. Major studies across the world have identified an epidemic of mental health concerns, with the CDC indicating suicide as the third highest cause of death in young people in their most recent report. Unfortunately, the church has been prone to dismiss some of the struggles of the mind and the heart, offering instead silence (at best) or derision (at worst). 

Instead, we need to explore the intersection of faith and mental health, offering a compassionate and relatable perspective. By breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, we can create a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, find support, and ultimately encounter the greatest hope possible - the good news of Jesus. Faith can be a source of comfort and guidance during life's most difficult moments, and it is not intrinsically at odds with psychology, therapy, medication, or other “secular” supports.

#Faith #MentalHealth #aLightInTheDark #DarknessIsReal #WeDon’tTalkAboutThat

Over countless centuries, humanity has wrestled with the issue of how faith intersects with doubt, often resulting in extreme responses. For some, we simply reject faith as a viable option for thinking and rational people, scoffing at and belittling those of religious persuasion. For others, we demonize doubts and questions that are raised in the arena of faith, ostracizing and even excommunicating those who dare to question even the most minor tenets of belief. In recent years, an experience called deconstruction has swept the evangelical world, seeing even prominent and revered members publicly dismantling and ultimately renouncing their previously deeply-held convictions. 

But there is another viable and faithful third-way. If the veracity of our faith is based merely in the strength of our convictions and how passionately we hold them, that faith is susceptible to being quickly eroded by the vicissitudes of life. But if the object of our faith is of true worth and rightly aligns with reality, that faith can withstand and endure scrutiny. And it is of utmost importance for all of us to discern between that which is essential dogma and that which is of lesser importance in our belief systems. 

#Faith #Doubt #WeDon’tTalkAboutThat

Pastor & author Mark Batterson once wrote in a book on prayer, “Celebrate what you want to see more of. That’s one way to fan into flame the gift of God.” And it can be said another way: what you celebrate is what you replicate. So what are we celebrating?

A Jesus-centered life is a journey of faith, a process that begins, sustains, and ends with Jesus. And for all the other ways we talk about it, the gospel is that process. It's the foundation, for sure, but it also empowers us to live out our purpose & joy and points to the fulfillment of the entire adventure - forever with our loving and beloved Savior. And if this is true, what can we be more right to celebrate than this very, very good news.

#TheGoodInTheGrief #GoodNews #Gospel #CelebratingTheGoodNews

One of the most frequently asserted accusations against those who claim to follow Jesus is but a single word: hypocrisy. And while hearing this stings for Christians, a further wound remains … it is often true. Even though following Jesus doesn't mean that someone will be perfect, too often we fail to allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into what the gospel calls us to be. 

If we want to be those who embrace and declare the good news, we need to take a hard look at whether or not we're living in light of it, from what we do to what we say and (often even more importantly) how we do and say what we do and say. If the eternal destinies of those around us actually matter to us, we'll have to be willing to admit where we're falling short of the gospel - and the sometimes painful job of changing and repairing the damages we've done.

#TheGoodInTheGrief #GoodNews #Gospel #WhatGetsInTheWayOfTheGospel

Did you know that the fear of public speaking is the most common legitimate and diagnosable phobia - ahead of heights, spiders, or even death? The National Institute of Mental Health reports that public speaking anxiety (or glossophobia) affects about 40% of the US population. Underlying this phobia is a fear of judgment or negative evaluation by others. 

TL/DR, we're generally scared that people will judge, mock, or otherwise reject us based on what we say and how we say it. 

Unfortunately for Jesus-followers, we often lean into this trepidation in a major way when it comes to speaking about our faith. We come up with excuses (with some that even sound highly spiritual!) for why we don't, can't, or won't use our words to share the Gospel of Jesus. But the reality is that Jesus - in all His love, grace, mercy, and compassion - doesn't let those excuses stand. So what does it look like to both showandtell others about this Good News? 

#TheGoodInTheGrief #GoodNews #Gospel #SharingTheGoodNews

The word gospel, at its simplest and most basic, means “good news.” The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news that sinful people can be made right with God by repenting of their sin and trusting in Jesus as Savior and Lord to pay for the debt their sins have incurred. It is the foundational doctrine of the Christian faith. 

But it doesn't end there - quite to the contrary, it truly only starts there. The gospel is not some secret knowledge, magic password, or spiritual key that unlocks heaven, only to be hung on a hook once you're “in” and then forgotten. Rather, the gospel is the primary lens through which Jesus-followers view reality and the motivating factor by which they live their lives. This good news must be lived and reproduced every day in the life of a Jesus-follower! 

#TheGoodInTheGrief #GoodNews #Gospel #GoodWorks #Reconciliation

It's an age-old question: “I've got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” This is so often asked because, living in this broken world, even good news frequently neighbors with bad. It's evidence that our broken world is indeed broken. In religious circles, we call this reality sin. And sin itself is an umbrella term for a host of ideas, such as missing the mark, accidental harm, willful misdeeds, unconscious malfeasance, outright evil, and more.

But this seminal question is also evidence that, despite this sin & brokenness, there is still good. In fact, the good predates the bad, is greater than the bad, and will ultimately emerge fully, completely victorious over the bad. And the news of this good is not just good news, it's the greatest news ever. At the center of this news is that man Jesus, fully human yet fully Divine, who earned and crafted that victorious triumph over the bad and who beckons all to join in the grace, mercy, peace, hope, and love that it ensures.

#TheGoodInTheGrief #GoodNews #Gospel

“Because I said so.” If you were ever a child (which you were), you’ve heard this said. If you have ever been a parent, you’ve said it … or a teacher, coach, manager, or a host of other positions of authority. And it’s a declaration of just that - authority. It’s a way of communicating that someone should do something because someone else holds power, jurisdiction, or control over that first someone. And just as often as it’s been said, it has been received (even if it has been obeyed) with a sense of rebellion, some internal or external manifestation of “Who are you to tell me to do that!”

But the reality remains that authority is necessary for the flourishing of humanity, so long as it is held legitimately and exercised appropriately - yet we all seem to have an instinctual response against it. So how should we respond to those in authority? How do we know if someone who is claiming authority is right to do so? How do we respond differently if that authority is not valid or not executed justly? The answer is found in a constant theme of the Bible: truth and love.

#OneHitWonder #Jude #FalseTeaching #FalseTeachers #Truth