Deep Fry

As October fades into the yuletide preseason, I continue to be stirred in a rather unique way. If you’ve been a follower of my blog for long, then you’ve probably come to realize how part of my heartcry is to grow as a “ minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me…to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations …” (Colossians 1:25-26 ESV). However, in this day and age, arguably the hardest time to pastor in church history, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to believe this desire can be wholesomely satisfied. Let’s face it: people are busy…very busy. And though many can supply a résumé to support the fact, it’s not like a piece of paper can mask how we prize personal ambitions over fellowship. Within Christian community, many claim to value balance, yet wear loaded planners like a badge on the sash of misaligned priorities, oblivious to the growing discrepancy between what is hoped for and what is realized. And th...

Last Sunday, we witnessed a video centered on the physical evidence of God's reality & nature (specifically God’s saving grace and restoration plan through the ark account). Today we're going to focus on the spiritual evidence: a changed life - the greatest miracle this side of heaven. In John 3, Nicodemus, a ruler and leader among the Jews and Pharisees, approaches Jesus and claims He must have come from God based on the signs and wonders worked through Him. In response, Jesus tells him:  “ I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.” In other words, Jesus was challenging Nicodemus to change his worldview and belief system by “ being born again .” Consider the parallels: Before you are born, you are conceived – an internal phenomenon which ultimately develops into an external presence. Before you are born agai...