We come to dream with you, Spirit of Hope. We confess that some of our dreams have been selfish ambitions, and that we have often been driven by personal gain and little interest in others or your will.
9 Tips for Interpreting Scripture
January 25, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Many of us grew up hearing preachers proclaim, “The Bible says it. I believe it. That settles it.” By now, I hope we realize that the task of biblical interpretation is a tad more complicated.
Missional Prayer
June 29, 2022 by
Missional churches require missional praying. We do not inform God in our praying, nor do we instruct God in our intercession. But we do join God when out of love we pray for the mission of God in the world.
The Worship Hour: The Second Sunday of Lent
February 24, 2021 by
Giver of all good gifts, we thank you again for the bounty you have allowed us in this privileged land, and for the privilege of distributing your gifts to others—that they also may be blessed!
Formations 11.10.2019: Resurrection Hope
November 3, 2019 by
Many Americans observe Halloween by focusing on costumes, decorations, and candy for the kids. Some of us don’t know the origins of the day or the one that follows on November 1, All Saints’ Day.
Connections 11.25.2018: Because Christ Reigns
November 18, 2018 by
As you probably know, we had an election back on November 6. As of this writing, they’re still counting votes here in Georgia and in several other states. As the process stretches on, one can detect a touch of holiday rancor in the air.
Formations 03.01.2015: Prepare for the Worst
February 22, 2015 by
It may be tempting to get lost in the maze of end-times teachings that often accompany a text like this. For you and your class, it may be just as easy to dismiss the entire thing as irrelevant speculations with no clear application to the world in which Christians live.
Uniform 02.01.2015: To Fast or Not to Fast
January 25, 2015 by
I confess: I’ve never gone without a meal. In fact, I’ve never gone without a snack when I felt like I needed one. Fasting from food is something I’ve never seriously considered.
Crossroads: Daniel – Angels in Disguise
November 3, 2014 by
Sixth grade was a tough year for me. My church was dividing and my mom and stepfather were getting a divorce. And then school became rough.
Why I am a Baptist: A Way of Living in the World (Part 3) – Daniel Vestal
September 24, 2014 by
Finally, being Baptist is a way of confronting culture, interacting with society, and relating to people, that is, a way of living in the world. For Baptists, an individual Christian and a congregation of Christians are to be in the world but not be of the world.
Why I am a Baptist: A Way of Doing Church (Part 2) – Daniel Vestal
August 20, 2014 by
Being a Baptist is also a way of doing church, that is, a way of functioning in a community of faith and living in relationship with other Christians. For Baptists, a congregation is a people gathered voluntarily and willingly.
Why I Am a Baptist: A Way of Being Christian (Part 1) – Daniel Vestal
July 30, 2014 by
Several years ago I took a mission trip outside the United States. In a casual conversation a young man asked me what I believed about God. Part of my response was, “I am Christian.” As the conversation progressed, it became clear that the word “Christian” has all kinds of implications.