The Baptism Controversy

Baptism is one of the most beautiful and yet most controversial acts a Christ-follower will ever experience. Wes and I recently made this video to help explain the significance of baptism while also answering some of the questions that folks tend to have about it. I pray that this video will encourage people to step out and publicly declare their faith in Jesus through the beautiful act of baptism.

Never Stop Learning

I'm taking a seminary course in Cincinnati this week and it's been an incredible experience so far. It's a condensed format where we meet Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 so my head is spinning right now as I try to gather my thoughts enough to write this post. I've learned so much over the last four days from very gifted teachers and my many pages of notes are way too long to try to condense into a few paragraphs here, so I'm listing the top "takeaways" that I have gained from this week's experience...

1. It's all about Jesus: No matter what I'm doing or how tough or great my situation may be, I'm reminded that it's by His strengh alone and for His glory alone that I do all things.

2. Never Stop Learning: We are always a work in progress and no matter how much we think we know, we really don't know much at all. God uses those with a teachable spirit who keep a "constant craving" (sorry about the K.D. Lang song reference) for learning and continued growth.

Well, that's all for now. I'm off to grab some lunch and learn some more. If my head doesn't exploed from all this new information, I'll look forward to being back at The Creek next week. Until then, keep learnin' and keep lovin' Jesus.

Closed Doors

Yesterday morning, Cooper (my 3-year-old), got a glimpse inside the refrigerator and decided that there was something in there that he just had to have. He grabbed the handle and pulled with all his might and I put my hand on the door and held it shut trying to reason with him that I would get him breakfast, but if I opened the door for him, all he would do is make a huge mess. My "wisdom" was wasted on him as he continued to pull and scream and squirm. He wanted the door opened right then and he didn't care about the consequences. He thought he knew better than me what he needed.

I shook my head and smiled at how immature and childish he was acting, but then God reminded me that I do the exact same door-yanking tantrum all the time. I get a glimpse of something I think I want and then I try to pry the door open pleading with God all the while while He gently holds the door shut knowing that I would just make a mess of things if He let me open it. Somedays I think that God uses my kids to teach me more than I teach them! Thank you Lord for reminding me what a loving Father you are and what a clueless child I can often be.

unChristian

I've been reading a very compelling book called "unChristian" which used thousands of interviews to determine what young people outside the church really think about Christianity. The findings are pretty sobering. For the most part, young "Outsiders" feel that Christians are overly-political, gay-bashing, hypocritical, uptight, judgmental, cold and loveless human beings. That's a very tough pill to swallow, but the saddest part is that there's much truth in this outside perspective. We as followers of Jesus have not carried out our mission to bring hope, love, justice, peace and Christ-centered selflessness into this fallen world.

As I've read this, I've been haunted by the words of Ghandi who modeled his life after Jesus in many ways, but when he was asked why he was not a Christian, he simply said, "Because of the Christians." It is my prayer that each of us would use our lives to humbly live and love as Jesus did. I never want to be an obstacle for someone to overcome before they can reach Jesus.

God, please forgive us for not clearly representing you. As your hands and feet, we have failed our mission to reach and love the lost in countless ways. Please give us another chance to make things right in this broken world and use us to start a revolution of love and peace that will point this lost generation to you. Thank you Jesus for loving us as unloveable as we are. Amen.

MIghty to Save

In this mixed-up, crazy world, I need to be reminded that our God is Mighty. This song reminds me of the reality that God is bigger than any trouble or trial this planet can throw my way. It also helps that this video ROCKS! Check it out and don't forget to give God the glory for loving us, saving us and creating rock n'roll worship music. Thanks to our amazing worship team here at The Creek for putting this together.