Irresistible Holiness
One of the most befuddling (when I say befuddling, I mean I just can’t figure it out) things about Christianity for me is the juxtaposition between Jesus’ holy and our holy. When Jesus, the most holy and pure person ever, rubbed shoulders with the non-religious (“sinners”) they were amazingly attracted to him, but when most Christians come in contact with the non-religious (“sinners”) there are adverse reactions. You’ve seen the reactions toward Christians – they are haters, homophobes, judgmental, bound up – all reactions to Christians trying their level best to be…you got it, holy.
Are You Apostolic?
There has been much talk recently (at least in the Missional conversation) about the apostolic. It’s function is a critical and needed piece to reforming the church into what it is supposed to be in the world, a beautiful and radiant bride. A community of followers who actually look and act like Jesus. Unfortunately, like much of what happens in the church (particularly with the American, commercialized, hyper-entrepreneurial version) it looks like it may soon be overdone. Similar to how the term “missional” has grown to mean almost everything and almost nothing, it appears that the term “apostolic” may quickly move from the arena of being overly stigmatized to over-used (which usually translates to misused).
Brennan Manning, The Wild West and Covered Wagon Churches
Today’s post is by Julie Jones. Julie is a collegue of mine at Christian Associates. Her and her husband, Darrin have ministered in France and Morroco and are amazing people.
A Birth, a Death and a Resurrection
Easter was a very complicated and multi-layered holiday for me this year. There is a reason for this complication. This year three important events took place for me. The obvious is it is the day that the Christian church celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave. Another, a few years ago my mom died rather unexpectantly. Lastly, it is the day my beautiful daughter was born.
Kentucky Blue!
Kentucky < Kansas…
Kansas < Kentucky
Do You Love Your City?
In Psalm 102:14 it says, “For your people love every stone in her walls and cherish even the dust in her streets.”
Crossroads Amsterdam – Next Sunday
I am speaking at the Crossroads International Church of Amsterdam this next Sunday. I had the treat of visiting there and teaching a seminar on the missional church this last Sunday. It is the second church that was planted by Christian Associates (the first being Crossroads Geneva) and stands as arguably one of the most innovative and impactful churches in Europe. The worship is passionate and the new teaching pastor, James Paton is clear and insightful in his exposition of the Bible (with a wee Scottish accent as well). It truly is a tremendous sign of the Kingdom of God in Western Europe.
Pete Rollins – Answers and Questions
(A blog I wrote before coming to Europe – a bit late, but better than never)
For the Love of Art…and People in Madrid
The video below was produced by one of my colleagues in Madrid, Spain, Kelly Crull. Their project (called Decoupage) seeks to reach out and live out tangible gestures of love to the artistic community of that amazing city. Kelly shared the same story at our last event and I am so please to be able to push it out a bit. I really think you'll be amazed!
Catching Up from Holland
So sorry about being so dormant on my blog of late. It’s like I have gone underground. In a way, I have. I have been traveling and busy and blah, blah, blah. You get the idea. Anyway, I hope to start logging some of the things that have been piling up in my heart during my recent globetrotting.