Sunday’s Comments on the 2016 Election

Below is a transcript of my comments across our four worship gatherings this morning at New Hope Church regarding the election: Good morning my brothers and sisters in Christ. For those of you who are guests, my name is Matthew, and I am one of the pastors here at New Hope Church. I would like READ MORE

Moving Beyond Election Day

A number of folk from places far and wide are asking me about the election results. There are a handful of things that readily come to my mind that I would like to pass along. These are very important, I think, particularly as we disciples move forward from here. First, regardless of which “side” we READ MORE

The Power of Level 5 Leadership

Sitting here watching the constant barrage of news reports about this political season draws my attention to a moment that reflects the utter antithesis of too many of today’s politicians. The moment in question: a conversation centuries ago between Jesus and his disciples; a conversation about the nature of true leadership. Here it is: And Jesus READ MORE

Three Means to Hardened Heart

While visiting with a friend this morning the conversation turned to the too-common reality of a heart grown hard. My friend and I are people desperate to have hearts soft toward God, tender to his purposes and pleasures and presence. As we were reflecting on this hunger for pliability and proximity to the Father, what READ MORE

Action, Attitude and Agreement

Micah 6:8 offers a powerful glimpse at how one transformed by the redemptive power of God ought to live. In God’s economy mere transactional living is not sufficient. Transactional living is when believers rest selfishly on the idea that they have put their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation; they have their “Get Out of Hell READ MORE

Benghazi and Power

Benghazi, the IRS, the Associated Press, and so much more! This flood of scandalous news draws my attention backward to a post I put forward in 2010. That post was specific to the mid-term elections, but there are some points of biblical wisdom that are timely right now. Perhaps you will agree: Sitting here watching READ MORE