In 1550, a number of religious and influential people met in Essex to discuss the position of one’s posture in prayer.  Some contended that prayer should be observed while standing, others said prayer is at its best when kneeling.  They also discussed whether or not a covering should be placed upon one’s head while entering into the prayer closet.

After much discussion and debate, the council agreed by in large that attitude, not position, was the greatest condition of prayer.  Bodily posture, though important in prayer, should never supersede the posture of the mind.  The question therefore stands to …

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, …

Have you ever read the Bible all the way through?  The secret to spiritual success for the new year will be found in the daily intake of God’s Word. Period.  Most of us have difficulty going one day without food.  Typically, after just a few short hours, we crave something else to eat.  But Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God.”  Without a consistent and continual diet of God’s Word, the spiritual man will go hungry.  Some of us could be starving at this very moment.

I …