PrayFast, Week 1 — The “Living Prayer” Sermon Rewind

Yesterday's opening sermon in the PrayFast was quite a departure from the norm . . . but that's going to be the case for each message in the series. Here's some of what was different: We concluded the sermon by doing -- together! -- a "dress rehearsal" for a daily...

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What I’d Like To See In 2016

On this final day of 2015, here's some of what I'd like to see in 2016:   Don Henley to bring a tour of solo material to the Charlotte area. Ann Patchett to release a new novel. Roger Federer to win one more Grand Slam tournament. The Golden State Warriors to...

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Top Five Tuesday — Top Five Books I Read In 2015

So I like to read a lot. I read to fall asleep.  I read on days off. I read out in the sun.  I read on vacation. I read while traveling.  I read while I'm driving. OK, that last one was a lie.  Except for text messages. Anyway, as 2015 winds down, here are the books...

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What Difference Did The “Pause Pledge” Make?

On the last Sunday of November, 2015, we asked the people of the church to make this pledge:   So here are my questions as the month of December winds down: 1.  Did you make a "Pause Pledge"? 2.  To what extent did you keep your "Pause Pledge"? 3.  What...

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A Christmas Eve Sermon — “The Manger Throne”

Christmas Eve sermons are a challenge. For one . . . what can you say that people haven't heard before? For two . . . should you even say anything that people haven't heard before? For three . . . how best approach the evening?  Gently? Boldly? Evangelistically? ...

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Thrones, Week 3 — “The Embryo Throne”

This is not a political statement:   Instead, this is what Jesus looked like when his mother Mary and her cousin Elizabeth had a remarkable conversation we find in Luke 1:39-45. I can't wait to dig into that passage with you on Sunday.  We'll excavate and then...

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Where The Four Gospels Begin . . . And How They End

As we dive headlong into the Christmas season and its nativity stories, I have found myself in a couple of different settings explaining how each Gospel begins. Because I believe that how each begins also shapes how each one ends.  Let me show you what I mean. Matthew...

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