The Periodically

  Note: The following is adapted from my notes from our last Sunday Evening Service when we introduced a new series: "Gen-X Ecclesiology." The goal of the series is to look at some of the major movements in the American Evangelical church over the past 50 years. The first night, we talked about the rise of the "attractional model," or the "seeker-sensitive movement" and how part of the outgrowth of that movement was the megachurch. These notes haven't been sufficiently edited but I thought it was better to put out something "okay" than "nothing at all." As we think about the attractional model, the most prominent spokesperson of that model remains Rick Warren. Over the years, people have asked me about my opinion of Rick Warren and I've tried to be fair. I believe he's a brother in Christ but seriously mistaken in some areas. I think one example shows not only why I have concerns about his ministry but is a great example of ...

Excellence, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. It is with these qualities, according to the Apostle Peter, that we are to make every effort to supplement our faith. Furthermore, if these qualities are ours in increasing measure, they will keeps us from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-8). Another way to say this is that if we strive to supplement our faith with these qualities we will, by God's grace, be effective and fruitful in the knowledge of Christ. This is a word of encouragement for us as we live for our beloved Savior! Peter continues by warning us that the person who lacks these qualities is blind and shortsighted, forgetting that he has been cleansed from past sins (v.9). So, what must we do? Be diligent (make every effort) to confirm our calling and election because if we practice these qualities we will never fail (v.10). Another word of encouragement for us as we live ...

When we hear the term worship, we often go right to the part of the gathering when we sing. For this blogpost, I will be generally referencing worship as it relates to the musical portions of the gathering on Sundays and I will seek to share what worship is and how by God's grace, worship could be practiced when we gather. In his writings to the Ephesians, Paul says, ... " be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart ..."  WORSHIP IS MORE THAN MUSIC Worship is an action taken to show reverence, awe, and dedication to something. We're always worshiping something, whether that is God, ourselves, or any number of other things. Worship isn't just singing. It's a lifestyle formed from our habits and the inward meditations of our heart . Everyone worships what's most important to them. So, what does it mean to worship God rightly? We must recognize that God is wor...