What Happens in Vegas Never Stays in Vegas

I woke up early this morning in anticipation of us kicking off the sermon series, What Happens in Vegas.   Worship set list for the day: All Things New – Travis Agnew Marvelous Light – Charlie Hall Give Us Clean Hands – Charlie Hall Make Me Holy – Travis Agnew I Stand Amazed – Chris Tomlin version Did I ever …

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Culmination of a 32 Month Anticipation of a Sermon Series

Happy Saturday. I wanted to encourage you to make sure you make it to North Side tomorrow for the new sermon series, “What Happens in Vegas.” I have been anticipating this sermon series for over 32 months.  In a brainstorming session back in the summer of 2006, the idea for this series was mentioned.  We all loved the idea, but …

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Landmark: Chapter 3 Saved (I am going to make it…)

After all of my scholarly reading and my theological writing that I have embarked upon over the last few months, I have finished the first draft of chapter 3 and I only have one theological phrase to utter: woo hoo! I am currently listening to Crowder’s “We Win!” blaring in my home office and getting jacked up!  Finishing this chapter …

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Book of the Week: The Interventionist

This week’s book of the week is The Interventionist written by Lyle E. Schaller. Top 5 Ideas: Schaller stated that “this has become the central theme of this book, the most effective way to influence both individual and institutional behavior is to ask questions” (15). Speaking concerning the necessity for a minister to be well-presented, Schaller stated that “the pulpit …

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2009 Resolutions

Ah, 2009.  I have awaited you with great anticipation.  With the dawn of a new year, I will lay out my 9 resolutions for 09: To know Jesus more intimately To prize my wife above any treasure of this earth To model Christlikeness in front of my son To recreate just for the sake of relaxation To finish writing Freshmen …

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Bad Church Sign of the Week: The Church Unchanged

This week’s church sign of the week speaks volumes culturally.  At the bottom of this sign, it reads: “The church, unchanged for over 200 years, is now cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust.” While I imagine that this church is serving more as a museum than an actual meeting place from a church (or it may serve as both), …

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Jesus Leadership 301: Team-Building

After Jesus began his preaching ministry (Mark 1:15), one of the first tasks he engaged in was building a team of disciples (Mark 1:16-17).  Calvin Miller stated, “In order to build a true team spirit, you must delegate accountability and glory as well as responsibility.”  Jesus built a great team since he did all of those three items extremely well.  …

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Prince of Peace

The last Sunday of 2008. Wow.  What a year.  It was great to be able to tickle the ivories and lead in worship this Sunday.  It seems like every week, I hear people singing out more and more!  That’s so exciting.  I truly believe God was honored with what happened today! We worshiped to the following songs: Joy to the …

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Christmas Reflections

I hope Yuletide bliss bit you severely over the last few days. As I am enjoying a restful day with the family, I have a few Christmas reflections: I am so thankful for Immanuel (Jesus came to us to live with us)! The Christmas Eve service was  a blast.  I saw a lot of guests in our crowded auditorium: come …

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Jesus Leadership 202: Risk-Taking

Jesus was not afraid to attempt the supernatural.  Risk-taking was a common element of his ministry on earth.  While Jesus often received requests to flaunt his power, he only revealed his supernatural abilities if it accompanied a significant purpose.  God’s anointing on Jesus’ life reveals to leaders the need for a constant dependency upon God.  He did not boast of …

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