Life is meant to be experienced in communion and relationship with others.  The power of the early church was experienced in group dynamics.  God Himself calls the church a Body, a Building, a Bride.  Each of these descriptive terms alludes to unity, harmony, and togetherness.  This is not a suggestion…this is what we are.  Therefore, to function properly the church MUST work TOGETHER to fulfill its God-given assignments.  Consider the following:

Acts 1- They assembled together

Acts 2- They believed together

Acts 4- They prayed together

Acts 20- They came together

Romans 1- We are comforted together

Romans 6- We …

I recently read a religious article that encouraged spiritual leaders, and the church at large, to stop using historical, biblical words that are not easily understood by the world.  The writer criticized the use of such words: sanctification, atonement, justification, glory, redemption, and righteousness.  The argument is: such “archaic” and “antiquated” words have little significance to the world, and should therefore, be replaced with easier, friendlier, more consumer-oriented terminology.  C’mon, it’s the 21^st century; give the masses what they want, right?

What is the church to think of such a demand?

The Teachings of Christ are Simple, not

World-class runners understand the importance of living with grueling discipline.  They train day after day, week after week stretching and pushing their bodies to the limits.  They endure harsh elements, early mornings, and late evenings in preparation for the next race.  Why do they embrace such austere restrictions and regulations?  Easy, they understand the value of time.  Their discipline is rooted in the perspective of the clock. To the passionate runner, half a second, even a tenth of a second, could very well mean the difference between first or last place.

In his book, Margin, Dr. Richard Swenson said, …

I am sure you have seen the bumper stickers.  Engraved into the word COEXIST are the symbols of various religions, beliefs, and cults around the world. The word may only be seven letters in length, but the effects of the message are far-reaching.   The idea may seem innocent at first glance and thought.  I mean, who doesn’t want to live in a peaceful society?  Why must we have divisive boundaries that separate us?  Shouldn’t we just accept the fact that there are others who are not like us? Why can’t we just all get along?

Innocent-sounding? Yes.

Innocent?  Far from

I love America, and I want her back.  I do not say that in a mean or ill-spirit; and I am not implying that she was ever the possession of a certain group of people.  But what America has become and is becoming is not the America I grew up in.

The America I grew up in believed and worshiped the True and Living God.  Since our inception we have boasted only in the God of the Bible.  From our nation’s beginning we acknowledged Him alone as Sovereign- on our money, in our documents, and in our worship.  We …