What is the New Covenant?
The yawns kept coming in another early morning, three-hour seminary class. But then the professor said something that made me stop mid-stretch.
Breaking the Power of Legalism
As summer drew to a close, there was a deep sense of dread within my ten-year-old soul. My school’s fourth-grade teacher was notorious. She had the tenderness of a Marine drill instructor and the heart of a…well, to us kids, she didn’t seem to have a heart.
Leadership Update
An update from the Bent Tree Elders regarding God's calling on our church and the leadership structure in light of Pete Briscoe's resignation.
The Upper Room: John 17
In the final chapter of the Upper Room Discourse, John lets us eavesdrop on a prayer from Jesus to his Father. Jesus begins with himself, but rather than a litany of requests (he is about to face rejection, brutality, and crucifixion), Jesus’ prayer is laced with praise and truth about who Jesus...
The Upper Room: John 16
Have you ever wondered why we end our prayers with “In Jesus’ name”? Is this a formula we need to use in prayer—like putting a coin in a vending machine—in order to get what we want?
It’s a Loss… Grieve it!
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The news of Pete’s resignation landed heavy on my heart. Like so many of you, I love Pete. I’d like to share a few things as we navigate this loss together.
The Upper Room: John 15
To remain will depend on Jesus. He is always the giver, and he invites all who believe to live a life of receiving all that he is – that is the life of dependence, for apart from him we can do nothing.
The Upper Room: John 14
Thomas was looking for a place. Philip was looking for proof, and Judas (not Judas Iscariot) was confused. Jesus, with great patience and compassion, responds to clarify for the disciples three concepts that hold great value for our Christian journey today: know, believe, and love.
The Upper Room: John 13
“You are clean,” Jesus pronounced. Remember Jesus knew what was coming: He knew Peter would deny him not once, not twice, but three times before sunrise. Why? Because Peter needed to know he was clean.
When Your Soul is Hungry
Do you ever have days where you just feel empty inside? It’s that unsettled feeling that makes us grumpy, irritable, moody, critical, and sometimes worse. Nothing is enough. If you are like me, you find yourself roving for something to fill you...