In light of the availability of multiple English Bible translations, I am often asked why Real Life Community Church uses the English Standard Version (ESV). I love the Word of God and consider it an incredible privilege to have the Scriptures in our own language! To be sure, I don’t...
Do You Have to Go to Church to Be a Christian?
According to Barna Group research, 10% of Americans now classify themselves as people who “love Jesus, but not the church.” This is beyond alarming and demonstrates the spiritual decline and secularization of our nation. Is this okay? To be sure, church attendance does not save us. We are saved by grace alone,...
Show Your Calendar Who’s Boss
“I want to, but I just don’t have the time,” is one of the most common frustrations I hear from people from all walks of life. Dreams are not becoming realities and goals are not being achieved, because countless individuals are convinced they simply can’t fit certain priorities into their schedules. Whether...
2017, A Year to Draw Near
Another Christmas has come and gone, yet the truths that we celebrate during its festivities should remain constant. One of these glorious truths, which was the focus of my Advent series, is found in one of Jesus’ titles, Immanuel, which means, “God with us.” This word, Immanuel, most likely rings familiar...
Snow Removal – OnCall Volunteers
On our Christmas Wishlist: We’ve enjoyed some fairly warm weather so far, but we can’t expect it to stay like this. We have some shovel-ready jobs that we could use some help with. The Skinny Sunday Mornings are important. They are one of two times a week that we know...
Contentment: The Fruit of True Thankfulness
“Thanks for taking us out to eat Dad. Can we rent a movie on the way home?” This type of conversation is frequent with my children. In one breath they express gratitude, yet in the next, they beg for more. I am trying to teach them that the fruit of...
Cohabitation: Is It Okay for Christians?
Recent statistics show that cohabitation before marriage is a growing trend in the United States. 48% of women, ages 15 – 44, move in with their mate before getting married. Because the Bible doesn’t specifically address this cultural subject, there are Christians who feel that living together before marriage is...
Intentional Kindness
Isn’t it easy to take the people in our lives for granted? It is not that we are unloving or that we don’t appreciate the relationships we have. No, I believe the problem is simply we are not intentional enough about considering and expressing appreciation for others. Intentional Kindness is key. Say...
The Best Part of Waking Up
If you are like me, when you see a red, Folgers coffee can, in your mind you immediately hear that catchy jingle with the words, “The best part of waking up, is Folgers in your cup.” You know you just sang it! By nature, I am not a morning person...
The Road to Reconciliation: How to Address an Offense with Another Believer
Last week in my post, “Beyond Forgiveness,” I argued that when conflict arises between Christians, that our aim should be— not just to forgive— but to be reconciled with our brothers and sisters in Christ. One of the necessary steps in reconciliation is confrontation, which seems to be avoided like...