As the body of Christ, we affirm the Bible as bedrock to our faith and the plum line for our interaction with this world. As we’ve said before, young adults are looking for truth. However, many of them don’t know where to find it or what it looks like. We must never lose sight of what we can offer this generation—the truth that is found in the Word of God. Biblical depth becomes a non-negotiable in ministry. Consider the boy band craze that swept the nation in the late 80s and into the 90s. Overnight it seemed, boy … [Read more...]
Updating the iPod
I was recently on a long flight listening to my iPod and came to grips that my music library seemed to be getting a bit stale. My music tastes are diverse and extensive, but let’s focus just on worship music for this post. Here’s what I need from you. Give me what you are listening to. We, at Threads, would love to hear of any new albums, songs, or artists that we need to know about. I’m not so much talking about contemporary Christian music as a whole, but rather stuff that might be played in worship gatherings as a vertical … [Read more...]
Reducing the Cost of Discipleship
The words of Jesus in Luke 14:27 are a difficult pill to swallow as Jesus is addressing a large crowd about the cost of being his disciple. When I read this passage of scripture I am amazed and convicted at how I have reduced the cost of discipleship. Following long and hard after Jesus is not easy. Jesus demands we give everything up and align our lives with Him. Yet, I have been so guilty of reducing discipleship to a program or six-week study, when in all actuality the type of followship Jesus is looking for is much more … [Read more...]
The Path to Freedom in Christ
I chewed. Plain and simple. Using smokeless tobacco was a popular pastime in my rural hometown, even though I had been well warned of its dangers. As I worked on the farm during the summer, tobacco was a diversion from my task in the fields—and I embraced it. It wasn’t long before I couldn’t quit. My unattractive vice followed me to college. I remember feeling shameful in leading others spiritually when I had such an obvious addiction facing me daily. In my eyes, I was a hypocrite, sharing the gospel with passion … [Read more...]
Are You Practicing?
If you make it out to a Little League baseball field this time of year, you’ll inevitably hear 11- and 12-year-olds talking about their heroes. Watch them long enough as they swing their bats and throw baseballs around, and you’ll hear comments like these: “I want to pitch like Tim Lincecum.” “I want to hit like Albert Pujols.” “I want to be a great outfielder like Curtis Granderson. I want to rob home runs off the wall just like he does.” They mimic their heroes’ batting … [Read more...]
Does Your Church Have a Place for Val?
As a part of my church duties, I work the caf … [Read more...]
Hungry, Hungry Humans
Food—I’m a big fan of it. It gives me energy; it makes me feel satisfied; it helped me grow when I was little. But my favorite thing about food is the taste, the experience of eating something delicious. Food is both essential and enjoyable. Jesus knew we would be able to relate to a basic need such as food, so He talked a lot about it—spiritual food, that is. So what does it mean? The very concept of spiritual food indicates that there, too, is spiritual hunger. People are born incomplete, and we put a whole lot of … [Read more...]
The Highest Goal in Relationships
Paul had a somewhat tenuous relationship with the Galatians. He loved them, but when they abandoned the gospel for a hybrid of Christianity, he had to come down on them. Hard. And through the first three chapters, Paul is angry, irritated, and direct. But in chapter 4, his tone starts to ease up a bit. That’s when you get this verse: My children, again I am in the pains of childbirth for you until Christ is formed in you. Galatians 4:19 In that statement, we find what should be the end to all our relationships. Our … [Read more...]
Redemption at the Cineplex
While some movies are clearly meant to be nothing more than escapist entertainment enjoyed with a big bucket of popcorn, there’s an ever-increasing number of films that have far more substantial (and spiritually charged) take-away value. A quick glance through the Gospels reveals that Jesus was a pretty big fan of a good story. While He could’ve easily resorted to blasé, timid preaching to get the message across (He’s the Son of God, after all. Who was going to argue with His methods?), He instinctively resonated … [Read more...]
5 Tools to Help Bring Depth to Your Bible Study
One of the four markers we talk about in young adult ministry is “depth.” Depth of Bible study is more than just knowing the whos and whats, of the Bible; it’s also being able to talk about and wrestle with the whys. The goal of depth is not just intellectual stimulation; true depth is measured by the level of encounter one has with the information. Given that, someone can facilitate a group of depth whether or not they have a seminary education because the question is more about how deeply you encounter the Bible … [Read more...]
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