As we enter into a new season – the start up of school, the coming of fall, the beginning of a new chapter in life – we can all benefit by dealing with our past. The past shapes our experience in the present. But unless we make conscious choices to deal with our past, we…

Absolutes, distinctives, convictions, preferences – four aspects of our beliefs. Let me illustrate. From our own tradition, from its inception, the Christian & Missionary Alliance was interdenominational in its fellowship. Beginning in 1883, a group of dissimilar people were intent on a common purpose. Henry Wilson was a scholarly Episcopalian pastor. Kelso Carter was an…

A Facebook friend recently posted a montage with the caption: “Christians. We’re not all the same.” When we think of historic or global Christianity, we see a lot of diversity. At the same time, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord,…

We all have preferences of what food we like, what kind of car is the best, what sport is the most enjoyable. The “right” flavor, or the “best” choice, or “most” enjoyable is a matter of preference. In our Christian journey, we also develop personal opinions and practices that work best for us. For example,…

All Christian everywhere agree that God created everything. They differ, however in how God created. Some Christians believe that God created everything in six 24-hour days. Others say that God created everything in six time periods. Some Christians look at Genesis 1-2 and see scientific statements. Others examine Genesis 1-2 and see literary patterns. That…

Every church and Christian denomination has characteristics that are distinctive. They have special traits, beliefs, and practices that express their group identity. For example, a church may be known for its empowering discipleship, or effective evangelism, or dynamic prayer, or great worship, or purposeful small groups, or meaningful social justice, or mobilizing for missions. Likewise…

Christians can seem to disagree about a lot of stuff – theology, lifestyle choices, family issues, political differences, social concerns. But some things we must agree upon. I find it helpful to differentiate between absolutes, distinctives, convictions, and preferences. Think four concentric circles, with absolutes at the center. Paul provides a great starting point, of…

Charlie Riggs came to faith in Christ as a teenager. But he didn’t mature spiritually until he served in the U.S. Army and was discipled and mentored by another Christian man. The discipline and total commitment that marked his Army life merged with his personal commitment to Christ. With little formal education, Charlie Riggs developed…

Film-maker Francis Ford Coppola said, “An essential element of art is risk. If you don’t take risks, how are you going to make something really beautiful that hasn’t been seen before?” In every arena of life – business, science, medicine, sports – people take risks. They push the boundaries. Try new ways of doing things….

Because of God’s holiness, the Old Testament system for approaching God seemed to communicate: “Stand back!” The architecture of their temple said it with an outer court for the Gentiles, an inner court for the women, and an inmost court for the men. After that came the temple proper, which only the priests could enter….