What does it mean to be like Christ, or to become more like Him? Study God's word and you will find that Jesus did not pursue his own will or pleasures. He was devoted to doing the work of God the father in spite of the consequences from the men of his day. And so to become more like Jesus Christ, we must do the same. We must seek to understand and do God's will in this life, in spite of what it might cost us. This is easy to say, but harder to do. Yet, when we became Christians, that was the … [Read more...]
2 Minutes to Christian Maturity
Do You Seek Gods Will?
May 10, 2013 By 1 Comment
Do you suffer like Jesus did? I don't mean have you been crucified, but how have you respond to suffering in your life? 1 Peter 4:12-16 says we should expect and rejoice in suffering, "12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with … [Read more...]
Humility and Lone-Ranger Christians
February 27, 2013 By 10 Comments
I’m reading Romans and am continually blown away by it. What an amazing book. I’ve read Romans before, but something is clearer this time. Its teachings are profound and challenging, and so relevant to all believers. Romans 12:3-8 is important as we consider how Christians should engage in fellowship with one another and serve one another. Let’s hear from Romans 12:3-8,“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather … [Read more...]
Do Christians ABUSE Prayer?
January 27, 2013 By 11 Comments
I have a problem with and a growing concern about how I see Christians pray. I've seen myself and others fall into some bad praying habits....that I label as "Prayer Abuse".So, what types of prayers are an abuse of the God pleasing practice of praying to Him? The Answer: Prayers intended for and directed AT those around you, instead of prayers TO God. I'm talking about prayers intended to teach someone a lesson instead of prayers TO God. Let me paint a picture of what I'm talking about. As I … [Read more...]
What Does It Mean To Seek God’s Glory?
September 27, 2012 By 3 Comments
One of the primary purposes of this ministry is to seek God’s glory. When God called me to start Changing the Face of Christianity, it wasn’t to lift me up. Rather, it was to bring Him glory. … [Read more...]
Forgiveness is Like a Muscle
August 30, 2012 By 2 Comments
Human muscles are amazing things aren’t they? I remember before I started boot camp at my fitness club I could only do about 15 pushups and I was done for the day. But every day, I did more and more pushups. Within a month, I was doing 3 sets of 40 pushups in one hour. Amazing! … [Read more...]
Good Morning God
July 19, 2012 By 2 Comments
Christianity is about a relationship with God. And so, just like in any relationship...it's appropriate to say "Hi". Here is an easy way to renew your connection with God every morning. … [Read more...]
The Gospel
July 17, 2012 By 1 Comment
This last Sunday, I was contemplating my faith, what I believe, and I couldn't help just going back to the basics of the Gospel. And isn't the Gospel where our faith should start and end anyway? And so, I quickly jotted down the Gospel in my own words below. If you ever feel lost or confused, revisit the basic Gospel of Jesus Christ. … [Read more...]
The Greatest Commandment – LOVE
July 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Read Mark 12:28-34. Our tendency in Christianity is to get bogged down into the nitty gritty details of our theology. We get into arguments or debates over non-essentials. And yes, we sometimes have important discussions about the essentials of our faith. Instead of ignoring those issues, we discuss them here in a safe, friendly, loving way. However, let's not lose focus on what matters the most to Jesus Christ. When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus spoke plainly (Mark … [Read more...]
Christians – Will You Be Invited to the Lord’s Wedding Banquet?
May 23, 2012 By 1 Comment
We're All Invited Read Matthew 22:1-14. It's the parable of the Wedding Banquet. It's a story about how God sent people to teach us and encourage us to follow His ways. Those that didn't follow his ways were uninvited from the wedding banquet (aka. Salvation). And since those who were originally invited (Jewish people) didn't follow his ways, the wedding was opened up to others (aka. Gentiles. e.g. you and me). … [Read more...]
Hanging Out with God
March 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Ever feel disconnected from God? People often express this feeling, but don't seem to know how to get reconnected. I want to offer a possible solution by considering worldly relationships. For example, how do you have a relationship with the friends and family in your life? You talk, hang out, get together for meals, movies, activities, etc. Yet, do you ever feel "disconnected" from friends and family? Sure! Does that mean they don't exist? No. It usually means I'm distracted with other … [Read more...]
No Worries
February 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Phillipeans 4:6 says "Worry about nothing, trust in the Lord with everything." That's what we say. But what do we do? Do you trust in the Lord with everything? Worry is a control issue. We want control over uncertain or uncomfortable situations. But God says to trust in Him. This isn't to say that life will be without pain and problems. But Christian maturity means trusting God that His plans for us are greater than our present difficulties. So, when you start to worry, instead-start to … [Read more...]
Private Prayer
February 9, 2012 By 4 Comments
Our Glory or His? God isn't a big fan of humans doing things for our own glory. In fact, look at any behavior where the goal is to draw attention away from God and to ourselves. You can bet that God is frowning upon it. Focusing on God's glory (more Him, and less us) is a sign of Christian maturity. The Jewish Pharisees were known for praying in public as a show of their self-righteousness. They were seeking their own glory and Jesus Christ saw right through it. But let us not think we … [Read more...]
2 Minutes to Christian Maturity. “Write Your Prayer to God”
February 5, 2012 By 3 Comments
Written Prayers Have you ever read the Psalms? They are written prayers to God. Some are songs and others are just the outpourings of the heart. I just listened to an audiobook version of "Here I Stand", which was Martin Luther's self defense of his writings which sparked the Protestant Reformation in 1521. (google it. It's a great read) Although he had many supporters among common Christians, he was facing an onslaught of criticism and pressure from the Catholic leadership to recant his … [Read more...]
Don’t Finish Reading the Bible
January 24, 2012 By 4 Comments
Christian often struggle to read the Bible. Maybe you don’t have time. Maybe you don’t know where to begin. Maybe you’ve tried before and felt it was too confusing or monotonous. Or, maybe you just couldn’t keep up the pace with some Bible study or reading plan. Regardless of the reason for not reading the Bible, we have a solution. It’s part attitude and part discipline. Don’t Finish...Just Start Let’s approach the Bible with the right attitude. The Bible isn’t something … [Read more...]
