America is burning tonight. The images on TV and social media are dramatic, chaotic, and heart breaking. This will be a moment to remember.
Continue reading “America is Burning Tonight”America is Burning Tonight
Category: Culture
The Pain of Today Strengthens You For Tomorrow
As we prepare to enter our sixth week under “stay at home” orders in Chicago, the emotional and physical toll is beginning to set in for many. With it comes an increase in the temptation to point fingers and join the misinformation and political campaigning that divides rather than unites under the circumstances. It’s important we acknowledge any feelings of deep confusion, anger, fear, and sadness. These are normal responses in times of loss and trauma. Christians are not immune to such feelings, nor should we be. They humbly remind us of our shared humanity in brokenness, suffering, and fragility. These days are tragic, but also a gift. Because when we’re confronted with the stark reality of who we are before God, we begin to find true freedom and our purpose in life.
Continue reading “The Pain of Today Strengthens You For Tomorrow”Dear Church, This is Our Moment
As cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) begin to rise across the globe, governments are instituting travel restrictions, encouraging social distancing, canceling major community and social events, establishing quarantines, and in some cases imposing large-scale lockdowns. Such disruptive measures to daily life in the free world are naturally upsetting and worrisome. Anxiety is already high for many. In the days of social media, fake news, polarized politics, and ideological tribalism, it’s hard to know who or what is trustworthy. One thing is for certain, COVID-19 is here, and governments are taking unprecedented action not seen in generations.
Continue reading “Dear Church, This is Our Moment”The Promise of Christmas
With the lights dimmed and the table set for a quiet Christmas Eve dinner in-between watching our favorite holiday movies, we set our eyes on the true meaning of Christmas. Above the fun, laughter, entertainment, and gifts is a promise as old as the universe, fulfilled in the birth of a perfect, knowable, and eternal King who is for everyone, everywhere.
Continue reading “The Promise of Christmas”How Should Christians Respond To The Challenging Issues Of Our Day?
Tom (not his real name), sat up from his position on the couch opposite me, exhaled deeply, and asked the group, “So, what should we do about it?”
Continue reading “How Should Christians Respond To The Challenging Issues Of Our Day?”
Rest for the Soul
Exhaustion, fatigue, and apathy are worn today like it’s poorly in style and there’s a good chance you are wearing it too. We all are, and it’s a tell-tale sign we as a humanity are hurting and unhealthy. It’s about time for an overdue wardrobe change. Continue reading “Rest for the Soul”
Count the Cost
Writing in the 1940’s during the height of World War II from inside Germany while defending the defenseless, speaking against the tyranny of Hitler and the Nazi regime, and protecting the integrity of the Gospel under threat from the state that eventually led to his arrest and execution, Dietrich Bonhoeffer has earned a rightful position in history. He has joined the ranks of many that have gone before him, and through his writings, those who would desire to identify with Christ today are confronted with a life-changing question, “Am I sure I want to do this?” Continue reading “Count the Cost”
God is Enough
We are an anxious generation and statistics are painting a somber picture of this reality. Among college students today, anxiety has surpassed depression as the most common reason for seeking counseling services, and this is combined with the doubling of hospital admissions in the last decade among suicidal teenagers.[1] The statistics help reveal the growing epidemic and point to probable causes, but fail to provide a satisfying solution that our society is in desperate need of. The liberating truth we need to hear today is this: Freedom from our worries and anxiety is found in three little words, “God is enough”. Continue reading “God is Enough”
Praying for Willow Creek and the Church
In light of the news coming out of Willow Creek Community Church this week, it would be easy for us to throw stones, point fingers, and condemn in moments like this. Regrettably, this is what Evangelicalism has become known for — our judgement of others and raging hypocrisy to a watching world. There is a better way. Continue reading “Praying for Willow Creek and the Church”
A New Church in the Unknown World
We’re living in an off-the-map world … there’s an uncertainty I can’t shake, and am frankly not sure I ever will, or that my generation ever will. The world is just too weird now.[1]
I read these words in an article a friend of mine recently shared on Facebook and I couldn’t help but relate, especially as it pertains to our church planting journey. Continue reading “A New Church in the Unknown World”
