Search Results for: church

The second phase in Jesus’ disciple-making process was to call people to a commitment and connect them with other believers. After his rejection in Nazareth, Jesus relocated his ministry base of operation to Capernaum, a thriving city on the north shore of Galilee. During this time, John the Baptist was arrested by Herod Antipas. The…

The church’s mission is clear – make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). The church’s target is equally clear- make fully trained disciples (Luke 6:40). The question now is whether or not the church’s focus is clear. The mission tells us what we do: make disciples. The target tells us how to do it, from…

If someone dropped you off in the middle of the woods, you would want to have a compass. That compass would be the key to helping you find your way to your destination. It would be a source of authority for you. It would be far more reliable than what you think or feel. Without…

John Dickson defines humility as “the noble choice to forgo your status, deploy your resources, or use your influence for the good of others before yourself.”1 This definition might feel a bit anti-Western thinking. You know, we are told we “deserve” the best, get all we can before others do, look out for number one…

I like a good legal drama. Whether it’s a classic like A Few Good Men or a TV series like Suits, there’s something about a professional standing in to represent someone else. Have you ever had to represent someone or something before? Whether you were a salesperson projecting the values of a company, sitting on…

What would you say? Is being discipled a need or a luxury? Think carefully before you respond. Your answer will determine what you expect from yourself and others you disciple. Let’s explore both options: Option One: A person needs to be discipled by another to reach maturity and fruitfulness. This isn’t to say that it can’t happen without…

Sold out. What comes to mind when you read those words? Have you ever been so excited about a concert and could not wait for the tickets to go on sale? You wake up early the day they go on sale filled with excitement only to find out they are sold out. Maybe you are…

The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. – Proverbs 20:5 Throughout the Hill Country area of Texas, close to where I live, many homes are on well water. The average depth of wells in this area is 600 feet and can be as deep…

If you asked them, most Christians would say they want to live their lives on mission. But when it comes to what they actually do with their time, living on mission doesn’t seem to be a priority. The truth is that we all have things we want to do, but never do. Too often, there’s…

Have you ever heard yourself say that 4-letter WORD?  Maybe you said it with disgust, frustration, or disappointment. I find however that we often say it with a sense of pride. Someone asks, “How are you?, and we quickly reply: “busy”. I’ve noticed that in recent years, the pat reply of “fine” has been replaced….

While Jesus made a way for you to be right with God, you still must respond to what He has done. How should you respond? Jesus made it very clear in His first recorded sermon. (Mark 1.15 NIV) says, “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe…

Let’s go back up to the mountain in Galilee. Jesus is casting His global vision to His disciples. He said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy…