Greater Things

Tim Keller supervised a doctor of ministry student studying the factors associated w/ children embracing the Christian faith of parents. 6,000 15-16 yr olds surveyed at a huge youth event in Philadelphia. Among other questions, they were asked: Are you on your way to embracing your parent's faith? Do you think 10 years from now you will be a Christian going to church? Christian School v. Home School v. Public School, family devotions, youth group, were not factors in whether kids were more likely to embrace their parent's faith. Kids who said "my parents understand the real world, and they understand my world, and I think if I had a problem they'd understand it" were much more likely to embrace their parent's faith. Thanks to Stan Gibson for sharing this interesting study! The church and the home must be a place where kids (and adults) can ask the hard questions. No question is too hard for God. Jesus is alive and practical "I have come that they may have

I decided to read "The Shack" by William P. Young, based on an intruiging article in Newsweek ( http://www.newsweek.com/id/156370 ). What a blessing! A Google search quickly reveals a variety of opinions on this book, from rave reviews to cries of heresy. While I do not agree w/ all the theology expressed in this book, much of the dialogue between God and Mack is insightful and moving. Here are a few quotes that really hit home for me ... "You don't need to have it all figured out. Just be with me." p.178 "For you to know or not, has nothing at all to do with whether I am actually here or not. I am always with you" p.195 "It is true that relationships are a whole lot messier than rules, but rules will never give you answers to the deep questions of the heart and they wil never love you." p.198 I'd put "The Shack" in the same category as "Joshua" (Joseph Girzone) and "The Martyr's Cry" (Ted Dekker). Each o

I have been reading some blogs from Bob Kauflin on his website worshipmatters.com.  I have really enjoyed them so I decided to share them and we can maybe discuss some of them. Defining Worship  several parts I think I enjoyed 3 and 4 the best Expressing Love to God  dealing with the issue of "God is my girlfriend songs" How Do We Grow in Physical Expressiveness in Worship  some of these things could(should) be said at church.  I thought part 4 was good