God has called us to make disciples, not mere believers (Matthew 28:19). If the Church is to be the non-judgmental, unconditionally loving, corporate body of Christ it is called to be, how are people motivated and empowered increasingly to grow out of their sin and become more Christ-like? The arduous commitment it takes to grow into an intimate community has no shortcut. Only when centered on Christ can the people form a community of...

“I’ll go the distance; I’ll go the distance!” (“I’ll Go the Distance, Maranatha! Music) This is not the same as Michael Bolton’s “Go the Distance” used in the animated movie, Hercules. In fact, the messages oppose one another. The message of “Go the Distance” is about self-reliance and self-glory. The message of “I’ll Go the Distance” is about reliance on God’s love and obedience to His calling. We men need the fellowship of our brothers if we...

“Are you okay?” asked a gentleman who grabbed my arm. “Are you hurt?” asked another. “Only my pride,” I responded as another gentleman told me, “That was a good recovery!” “Jump school training, tuck and roll,” I replied. As everyone drifted off, I told myself I’m not wearing this sweatshirt for the rest of my vacation. I didn’t want anyone to recognize the old guy that fell down the steps. We were on vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado, and we...

Scripture repeatedly and emphatically commands us to live in love and to put love above and before all things. “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians. 5:2, ESV “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians. 3:14, ESV It tells us that if we love, we will fulfill everything else the Lord requires of us, but if we...