May 3, 2010
Sacred vs Secular
When talking about Christianity and Creative Arts, this question usually arises within those who consider themselves to be followers of Jesus: “Does my art have to be “Christian Art” in order to be glorifying to God and in order to advance His Kingdom?” This is what we know as the Sacred/Secular Divide. It is where and when we ask ourselves,” What is sacred?” and “What is... read more
Apr 3, 2010
Random Ponderings of Easter Weekend
Shame, guilt, unforgiveness, anger, anxiety, stress, decisions, relationships, and grief can be so heavy- so burdensome. But this weekend we celebrate the fact that God took all of the weight of our burdens and nailed them to a Roman cross two-thousand years ago. When Jesus died on that cross He declared that it was finished. His Word says that there is no longer any sacrifice for sins. He already paid... read more
Mar 20, 2010
Teaching/Preaching Advice, Part 4: Never Assume
The Fourth Thing: Don’t Assume Your Audience Knows What You’re Talking About Too often teachers will refer to a Bible story or passage, not explain it, then pass by to the next thing- leaving their audience bewildered as they continue. If you build a foundation for the rest of your message on something that no one understands or knows about (either a Bible strory or cultural reference), they... read more
Feb 2, 2010
Yoke
Some Christians forget that the Bible is…well…the Bible. Christians specifically tend to do this with the writings of the Apostle Paul- dismissing his contribution to the Bible as mere opinion or recomendation. But that’s not what we as Christians believe at all-unless it’s convenient to our life’s circumstances. As Christians we believe that the Bible is holy, true, and... read more
Dec 4, 2009
The Salvation of Fear
I had some VERY enlightening conversations yesterday with a number of people from all walks of life. I talked to someone who just came out of a cult. I talked with someone who was a witch and practiced Satanism. I talked with someone who didn’t believe in the claims of the Bible yet called himself a Christian. I talked with an elderly artist who has lived an extremely interesting life with prominent... read more
In Kindergarten I was officially voted 'Most Inquisitive'.
I have been asking questions ever since as I believe that they are the catalyst to discovering the world all around us.
The answers to these questions have led me into an everlasting committed relationship with Jesus Christ, into a marriage with the love of my life, and into being the father of the two most beautiful children on earth.
It is my personal mission to glorify God with my life, advance His Kingdom through my ministry, and to love my family with everything I have.
I am the Pastor at Fellowship Church in Salem, Oregon and these are my thoughts on life.