The pandemic of 2020 forced all of us into innovation mode for a short time, and in some places there was great pressure either to continue online or to return to in-person worship in the building.
A View from the Pew: AI Sermons
September 26, 2023 by
It should come as no surprise then that overworked ministers tasked with preparing multiple sermons, devotions, Bible studies, and articles each week would find AI a useful tool.
Crossroads: Our Attitude
September 25, 2023 by Leave a Comment
I loved school. When I was a kid, I loved everything about school. And I loved good grades. I wanted to be the best. But here’s the thing: there was always someone better than me. No matter what I did, no matter how hard I tried, there was always that one person who was smarter.
Formations 10.01.2023: Speak of the Devil
September 24, 2023 by
First Peter ends with a series of parting instructions regarding mutual love, hospitality, humility, stewardship of spiritual gifts, and accepting the authority of church elders.
Connections 10.01.2023: The Guest List
September 24, 2023 by
Verse 31 of our passage, which is the “Verse to Remember” for today’s study, is one of those difficult sayings of Jesus that bewilder us: “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you.”
Overcoming Ethnocentrism
September 20, 2023 by Leave a Comment
A major barrier that impedes growth in multicultural, multiracial churches is known as “ethnocentrism,” the tendency to view the norms and values of one’s own culture as absolute and to use them as a standard against which to judge and measure all other cultures. Many times this tendency is cloaked under the attitude that “they don’t do it like us.”
Meditations on Mark: Permanence
September 19, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Scientists in Britain recently made a fascinating discovery. After centuries of mystery and debate, they finally located the body of King Richard III, who was killed in battle in 1485. The location of his grave was lost to history until February 2013, when DNA tests confirmed that they had indeed found the late king.
Crossroads: That’s Not Fair!
September 18, 2023 by Leave a Comment
“That’s not fair!” Growing up with a younger sister sometimes meant that I said “that’s not fair” a good bit. There were times when she got to do things much earlier than I had gotten to do them, or she got her way when I really wanted mine.
Connections 09.24.2023: What’s Your Problem?
September 17, 2023 by
In general, it is not a good idea to base complex theological understandings on snippets and sound bites.
Formations 09.24.2023: Your Life Speaks
September 17, 2023 by
A high school marketing program in Liberty Hill, Texas is working with local businesses for mutual benefit.
Flame: Joshua and the Walls of Jericho
September 13, 2023 by Leave a Comment
The walls of Jericho were closed to God’s people. No one could get in or get out. The walls were tall so no one could climb them, either!
Bringing Our Pain to God
September 12, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Think about the people you know who are in terrible pain right now. Violence, death, loss, trauma, or physical or mental illness has touched them, even destroyed them. If they should come to worship, is there an appropriate context for them to acknowledge their pain before God?