Reading the Bible through the Cross

If we study Scripture for the wrong reasons, we risk pride and self-righteousness. Reading the Bible through the lens of the cross helps us understand Scripture in context and teaches us humility and hope.

What is your motivation for reading the Bible?

Are we radical enough?

Over the last few years, I have been thrilled to watch an increasing number of American Christians explore the idea that their faith requires them to break out of the confines of their middle class lives. In response to a deep yearning and the clear message of some authors and speakers, many followers of Christ are adopting children, moving across town or across the ocean to minister to those in need, and discovering exciting new callings to live out the mission of God.

What does a real Movement look like?

Three sparks every movement needs.
 
Actual movements are tricky things, but the word has never been more popular.

People keep referring to themselves as "a movement for global change" or "a church planting movement." If we're honest, however, that's usually not the case. You shouldn't even be the one declaring yourself a movement.

Three Things Churches Love that KILL Outreach

All churches love certain things. Some love fellowship, some worship, some prayer. Those are good loves. Some are neutral loves. Some are not. Other churches love their building, their history or their strategy.

Those can be good or bad, depending on what we mean by love and how we value those things. But, some things that churches love hurt their mission and hinder their call. Here are three I've observed from my work with thousands of churches.