September 27, 2019
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Just a Note to Say Thanks
The importance of saying thank you is too often overlooked. Pastors need to hear it just like everyone else.
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August 14, 2019
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Alternate Lifestyle Acceptance
Like being a person with a intellectual disability or a physical disability, having a sexual disability is a reality in our sinful world that no amount of preaching or judging will alleviate.
July 23, 2019
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The Sorting Hat
Why is it so hard to be present with people who don't think like me, live like me, and who may not even like me?
August 30, 2018
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Good News for Reckless Love Christians...and the Rest of Us!
While the adjective "reckless" is difficult for some of us to sing, there is some Truth in this song. There is also a conflicting message: are we hiding from God? Or are we seeking Him? Is our God omniscient? Is our God omnipresent? Who can sing this song truthfully?
August 21, 2018
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Impacts of Pornography and Safe Church's Response
Reflections on the documentary, "Over 18", and information on upcoming screenings and events with director Jared Brock.
June 12, 2018
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What's Gonna Work? TEAMWORK!
This month on our e-Quip Diaconal Blog, we’ll be looking at Deacons at Classis & Synod, as well as Community Engagement. At first glance, you may wonder what these two things have in common. Well, both require TEAMWORK a.k.a. Collaboration!
June 12, 2018
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The Humility Flag
When the Canadian Prime Minister arranged for the Pride Flag to be flown from the parliament buildings in Ottawa, I thought some balancing of emphases to be appropriate. Hence a Humility Flag.
June 7, 2018
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The Birds Will Sing in the Morning
A number of years ago, Peter’s son passed away and he clung to God’s mercies to be new every morning. In his deep grief, he told his family and himself that “The birds will sing in the morning.”
May 3, 2018
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Alfie Who?
Bedtime prayers with my 6 and 3-year-old sons had led to a discussion about Alfie Evans, hope, the value of life, and freedom. Afterward, I reflected on the question: What should the CRC as a denomination be speaking out about?
April 2, 2018
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Singleness and the Question of God's Goodness
We are so quick to say “I’m blessed” when thing are working out the way we want them to, but what we often fail to recognize is that we are no less blessed when things are difficult than when they are easy.
March 22, 2018
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Esther and the 2nd Amendment
Does the Bible contain the 2nd Amendment principle, "The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed?"
October 25, 2016
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The Chicago Cubs: Suffering to Be Good
Even as a cynical observer, I’ll admit the 2016 Cubs’ season has been very impressive. And one reason they’ve nearly won me over is because they’ve been showing how good they are instead of telling me.
October 19, 2016
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Election Stress Disorder and the Mind of Christ
Senator Clinton’s and Mr. Trump’s toxic behavior towards one another is highly contagious. It’s impacting us more than we realize. All of this makes me think about the essential role of Christian community.
September 26, 2016
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‘Our Journey 2020’: The Story Behind the Stories
Stories are powerful. Even simple stories have the ability to engage us on many levels, not just our heads but our hearts. What is your story? Where has God placed you, and what journey are you on?
September 21, 2016
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Share Your Story About ‘Churches Telling Our Story’
Stephanie Williams, M.D., chief of the blood and marrow transplant program at Spectrum Health in Chicago, talks about what it means to her to be part of the CRC. Do you have a story about what it means to you to be Christian Reformed?
September 19, 2016
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Five Steps to Denominational Renewal - Part 3
I've noticed that people like me and congregations like mine have chosen one of three types of relationships with their denominations. The third group (the newest kid on the block) may not be readily apparent to most.
August 29, 2016
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Five Steps to Denominational Renewal - Part 2
This may come as a surprise to some, but a denomination is not a church. The denomination needs to embrace and affirm its true identity and sole purpose: to support the ministry of local congregations.
August 23, 2016
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Five Steps to Denominational Renewal - Part 1
Most pastors will acknowledge that the relationship between their congregations and their denominations is tethered by but a thread. One wonders if there's a future for denominations, and if so, what's the way forward?
June 24, 2016
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Out of the Mouth of Babes
Instead of dire predictions of storms and divisions, let’s put our heads together and talk, form relationships, and learn how to love one another, as God in Christ has loved us.
April 1, 2016
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Hans Fiene challenges the motivations of self-righteous activism
Hans Fiene, a Lutheran pastor looks behind the scenes at the motivation for social activism by the church.
March 9, 2016
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Not for Ten Million Dollars
What is it that drives people to do something out of the goodness of their heart with no expectation of reward?
March 8, 2016
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#EasterChangesEverything
Christian Reformed Home Missions wants to hear YOUR stories of transformation! Our theme for this Easter Sunday is Easter Changes Everything.
March 2, 2016
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Some Possible Assumptions Behind "That Would Be Condemning Them to a Life of Loneliness..."
"If you advocate for that position then you are condemning those people to a life of loneliness. That would be cruel and unloving." Just how should one respond to this statement?
February 8, 2016
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The Wide Spectrum of Expression in Biblical Confrontation
As we examine the following select 20 Biblical personal interactions we observe that the Bible makes radical distinctions between how different receptors were addressed.
February 4, 2016
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Jesus Knew
There was a festival and it appears that His disciples were downtown Jerusalem. But Jesus took it upon himself to make this sick-call.