#BehindTheScenes, Week 5 — The Worst Laid Plans

So we wind up #BehindTheScenes this Sunday with a message called "The Worst Laid Plans." Together we'll see how our arranging God builds a series of reversal, coincidences, and "just happen to's" into the narrative of Esther. And we'll see how Haman's plans for...

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There’s A Reason We Call It A LIBRARY …

Meaning, there's a reason in addition to the simple truth that the bible is, in fact, a library. But when you realize it is a library, you are better able to read and interpret it literarily. I say that in contrast to the age-old and nonsensical question: Do you...

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Small Group Bible Study Giveaway: Inviting All People

Scott Hughes, the host of Small Groups in the Wesleyan Way Podcast, recently interviewed me on the topic of the small group ministry model. After sharing information about our most active and most enduring groups at Good Shepherd and the latest G3 approach, I realized...

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Top Five Tuesday — Top Five Christian Campfire Songs

I just returned from a week long Student Mission Trip with Carolina Cross Connection.  The week was filled with home repair work during the day and then spiritual encounters around the campfire by night. This was my 10th year with CCC (seven at Mt. Carmel UMC during...

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Grace Does More Than Save

We typically think of Grace (God's Riches At Christ's Expense) as that which saves us. We don't deserve to spend eternity in heaven, but because of grace, God sees Jesus when he looks at us instead of seeing our sin, and welcomes us into his kingdom. Even the late,...

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Top Five Tuesday — Top Five Songs That STILL Sound Good

These aren't my favorite songs ever. These are simply those songs that, whenever they come on the radio, I keep them on.  Some combination of melody, rhythm, and vibe makes these sound as good as the day I first heard them.  Here they are. 5. Never Been Any Reason, by...

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