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We, as pastors, are reading through DiscipleShift again.  Here are some quotes from the introduction and first two chapters: First comes philosophy. Second comes practical adaptation. (Know the "why" before you figure out the "how.") Focus=biblical discipleship; Methodology=relational environments The mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit to the glory of God the Father. Simply put, a church exists to make disciples who make disciples. And the primary methodology is Christlike love expressed in life-on-life relationship. Yet as difficult as the journey may be, people who follow Jesus are also given important promises. We think that God's grace covered us up to the point of salvation and somehow we must now get it right to continue as Jesus' disciple. Far too many of us assume that discipleship is merely the transfer of information leading to behavior modification. But discipleship, at heart, in

If you are regular reader of the blog, on Fridays I have shared new books, favorite books, and most recently kid books.  Now, I am going to share discipleship resources that I would recommend each Friday. We, as pastors, have learned a great deal from DiscipleShift by Jim Putman and Bobby Harrington.  It has shaped a lot of our discussion about discipleship and even how we define a disciple.  We talk a lot about head, heart and hands and this concept was introduced to us in this book.  If you have struggled with the tension between evangelism and discipleship, this book is a great resource. Tomorrow I will share some quotes from the first few chapters of the book because we as pastors are going through the book again.

It’s that time of year when the spooky takes over. We, as Americans, like to be scared based on the number of haunted houses around. Or notice the number of movies or TV shows out now that seek to freak us out or get us to scream. Churches have responded to this phenomenon by offering alternatives such as Trunk or Treat, Harvest Festivals, and the popular Judgment House This post which was originally published at 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting in October 2016  is not a critique if you decide to attend a Judgment House. I attended a Judgment House while we lived in Colorado but have not attended one where I currently live in Kansas. They are scripted well, have talented actors and actresses, elaborate sets, and are backed with results. However, over the years, I have become more critical of them. Here are my thoughts: Fear should not be a motivation for salvation . Has the fear of hell forced a decision? Proponents of Judgment House will say look at all of these people who made d

This is a regular feature now that replaced "Playing on the Radio." I will be sharing songs from my "Gospel Playlist" on my phone. The gospel is good news.  It reminds us what Christ has DONE for us.  As I share, I hope it will be an encouragement to you today.  Song today is:  Jesus Loves Me by Chris Tomlin

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1)

For 2017, the phrase I am focusing on is "in Christ."  Each week, I will post 1 verse that includes the phrase "in Christ". I look forward to growing in understanding of what it means to be "in Christ." 2  So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2  complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3  Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-4)

We often forget.  We see throughout history the Israelites and the church forgetting. We need to be reminded often of who God is in Scripture, church history and in our lives and churches. The names of God are important because these names are not just what God does, it is who He is.  I hope this will encourage you as you are reminded of how good, great, and awesome our God is. El Shaddai El Shaddai means almighty or most powerful. When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, (Genesis 17:1) What it reminds me?  Nothing is impossible for God.  Abraham was told he was going to have a child in his old age.  Throughout Scripture, what seems impossible, God does because He is all powerful.  Today if you are facing a difficulty in your home, at work, at church, with your health, in relationships, remember that God is almighty and nothing it too difficult for Him.

My Aunt Kay Jean suggested I start sharing a verse of the day.  I liked her suggestion but decided instead of a verse of the day, I would share a verse of the week.  Be reminded of who God is from His Word. 150  Praise the Lord ! Praise God in his sanctuary;      praise him in his mighty heavens! 2  Praise him for his mighty deeds;      praise him according to his excellent greatness! 3  Praise him with trumpet sound;      praise him with lute and harp! 4  Praise him with tambourine and dance;      praise him with strings and pipe! 5  Praise him with sounding cymbals;      praise him with loud clashing cymbals! 6  Let everything that has breath praise the Lord ! Praise the Lord ! (Psalm 150)

If you are regular reader of the blog, on Fridays I have shared new books, favorite books, and most recently kid books.  Now, I am going to share discipleship resources that I would recommend each Friday. We used this resource this past year in our Go Deeper Hour with adults. This book prompted great discussions on a variety of topics.  Sauls has a free study guide available that goes along with the book.  Many in my class commented how it challenged them to think more deeply about difficult topics facing the church and culture.

Here are some of my favorite tweets from the last few weeks.  This is one of the blessings of social media where we can hear the gospel from people all over the world. If you like the tweet, go and follow the person on Twitter.  Jesus interpreted Scripture, not as a collection of random stories but as one big story about Him. We should do the same. @BrianDembo Because the Gospel is what the Bible & Discipleship is all about, we can never move past it. We never outgrow it. @BrianDembo the reason grace is powerful for godliness is bc there is a chemistry of the heart that is greater than the math of the mind @BryanChapell Basically, I lived my life believing that God was pleased with me based on what I did, not on who I was in Christ. @BrianDembo Loved singing this simple truth " Jesus Loves Me" w/ kids in Children's Church today. @JL_Martin  

This is a regular feature now that replaced "Playing on the Radio." I will be sharing songs from my "Gospel Playlist" on my phone. The gospel is good news.  It reminds us what Christ has DONE for us.  As I share, I hope it will be an encouragement to you today.  Song today is:  Jesus is Better  by Austin Stone Worship

“ Now you are the body of Christ and in dividually members of it."(1 Corinthians 12:27)

For 2017, the phrase I am focusing on is "in Christ."  Each week, I will post 1 verse that includes the phrase "in Christ". I look forward to growing in understanding of what it means to be "in Christ." 1  Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:   24  But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25  Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26  so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. (Philippians 1:1, 24-26)

Introduction : As I was preparing, I decided I wanted to start by sharing some optical illusions with you.   What you focus on determines what you see?   Paul helps us to see in 1 Timothy 1:12-15 what we should be focusing on.       Who I am (vs. 12, 15) ·          Thankful-why? (given strength and appointed) o    Given Strength §   Notice the focus is not on Paul’s strength, but on Christ giving strength. ·          Philippians 4:13-“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” §   Is this strength available to you?   Notice the phrase “ our Lord” [1] ·          Paul recognizes that the strength given to him is also available to every believer. o    Faithful §   Was Paul chosen by God because of what He would do?   Was Paul appointed because he was a good guy? NO. Paul being called faithful is a focus on what the Lord would do through him and that he would be reliable for the task. ·          Greek “pistos”-in addition to faith

We often forget.  We see throughout history the Israelites and the church forgetting. We need to be reminded often of who God is in Scripture, church history and in our lives and churches. The names of God are important because these names are not just what God does, it is who He is.  I hope this will encourage you as you are reminded of how good, great, and awesome our God is. Elohim   Elohim means one true God. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1) What it reminds me?  God is worthy of worship for so many reasons but His creation will cause us to praise and worship.  As I look around at humans, animals, flowers, mountains, oceans, and more, I see an amazing work of God.  He made all things.  If He has the power to create everything, then I trust His power over my life.

If you are regular reader of the blog, on Fridays I have shared new books, favorite books, and most recently kid books.  Now, I am going to share discipleship resources that I would recommend each Friday. We used this resource this past year in our Go Deeper Hour with adults.  It has a DVD to go along with the book.  Matt does a great job of telling stories and how they relate to the Christian life.  I highly recommend this for your small group or Sunday School class.  I wish we would have had more time to spend on this book as it has so many great truths.

My Aunt Kay Jean suggested I start sharing a verse of the day.  I liked her suggestion but decided instead of a verse of the day, I would share a verse of the week.  Be reminded of who God is from His Word. To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. 139  O Lord , you have searched me and known me! 2  You know when I sit down and when I rise up;      you discern my thoughts from afar. 3  You search out my path and my lying down      and are acquainted with all my ways. 4  Even before a word is on my tongue,      behold, O Lord , you know it altogether. 5  You hem me in, behind and before,      and lay your hand upon me. 6  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;      it is high; I cannot attain it. 7  Where shall I go from your Spirit?      Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8  If I ascend to heaven, you are there!      If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 9  If I take the wings of the morning      and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10  even there your hand sh