Texts: Colossians 3:17; Philippians 1:9–11; Revelation 3:14–22 I. The Mystery of "Something Special" What separates great businesses from average businesses? What makes Buc-ee's better than all the other gas stations? It's not just the bathrooms (though they're immaculate). It's not just the snacks (though the selection is staggering). It's something else. It's the culture. Every … Continue reading How Can Ordinary Congregations Become Extraordinary
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God’s Work in the Water: Baptism and the Blessing of Union with Christ
Few acts in the Christian life are so widely misunderstood or undervalued as baptism. To many outside the church, it may appear little more than a quaint tradition or cultural custom. Even among believers, it is often reduced to a mere symbol, a public declaration of faith without deeper significance. Yet the apostles and the … Continue reading God’s Work in the Water: Baptism and the Blessing of Union with Christ
The Scriptures and Authority: Christ’s Example and Machen’s Warning to Modern Christianity
The question of the inspiration and authority of Scripture is a central issue in Christian thought. The doctrine of inspiration forms a bit of wedge between religious conservatives and religious liberals. In his classic work Christianity and Liberalism, J. Gresham Machen argued 'According to the Christian view, the Bible contains an account of a revelation … Continue reading The Scriptures and Authority: Christ’s Example and Machen’s Warning to Modern Christianity
I’ll Be There: The Importance of Physical Presence in Christian Worship
Being physically present for worship with your church family is of paramount importance, as it not only enriches individual spiritual growth but also fosters a sense of community and unity among believers. The act of gathering together in physical fellowship holds deep significance in the Christian faith, and this significance is rooted in both biblical … Continue reading I’ll Be There: The Importance of Physical Presence in Christian Worship
To Destroy or Save: The Power of Words
Before the beginning of time, the Son was described as the Word (Jn. 1). At the appointed time, the Word was sent to the world to be the embodied revelation of God. As the Son came into the world he was life, grace, and truth. Through the incarnation which was a divine communication–the sharing of … Continue reading To Destroy or Save: The Power of Words
Busy Bees
Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com Bees may very well be the most important animal on the planet (I do not view humans as animals. We are created in the image of God to be his reflecting ambassadors bringing about his rule on earth). Bees spread pollen. I don't like pollen, but we all depend … Continue reading Busy Bees
God’s Great Family
I am so thankful for God's church. Of all the great blessings God offers, the church is one of the greatest. There is indescribable value in the church. The church gives us comfort, comfort food, support, discipline, belonging, hope, help, family, care, purpose, training, education, identity, and purpose. We are so blessed to be part … Continue reading God’s Great Family
Make Me a Servant
"Make me a servant. Lord, make me like you." It's a great song and an even better prayer. Jesus himself said, "I came not to serve, but to serve." We should all pray to be more like Jesus by becoming servants of the church. Jesus has designed his church in such a way that, while … Continue reading Make Me a Servant
The Ministry of the Word
Professor Dumbledore said, “Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.” Words used powerfully and beautifully made J.K. Rowling a best selling author. But God's words are infinitely more important. Remember what the Bible says about God's word. In the beginning was the Word--John … Continue reading The Ministry of the Word
Grace and Christian Ministry
Grace is “God’s unmerited favor”. However, this Bible word is used to describe two things. The word “grace” is used to describe God’s unmerited favor in the salvation of the lost, and Paul used to describe the ministry of God’s saved people. Grace “is effectively displayed in particular divine activities—supremely in the redemptive death of … Continue reading Grace and Christian Ministry
Donnie's Dogmatics 