Forbidden | by Zack Blair
As Paul was on his third missionary journey, the Bible says he had a desire to Asia, but the Holy Spirit had “forbidden” him to go. Again, he attempted to go to another region (Bithinya), but “the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.” Later on, Paul proceeds to somewhere he was allowed to go (Troas), and in the night, he receives a vision from God of a Macedonian man appearing to him saying, “Help me.” That’s... [Read More...]
Work, Home, Life | by Zack Bair
Have you noticed the mind-shift between our parents’ generation and ours when it comes to work? There are a few things my dad never has enough of… firewood, tools, and time. I’ve never known my father to not have a project, and he doesn’t suffer from hyperactivity–the truth is, he’s a very driven person. Examining our generation (as a 20-something), I’m noticing varying trends–I’ve been around... [Read More...]
Faith Moves Forward | by Sarah Weaver
To live by faith there must be movement…stagnant faith is not an option. Have you ever heard the term, “the walk of faith?” Meaning precisely what it says, “walk.” Walking is not standing and staying in the same place, it’s movement, forward and not in reverse. Look at examples of people of faith in the Bible it’s easy to see that they all had something in common…action! There was not one act of faith... [Read More...]
Who Should I Follow? | by Zack Bair
I was about to perform a wedding ceremony a while ago, and right before the groom and I walked to the front, the groom’s uncle said asked him, “Are you sure you want to do this? Marriage is a long time… It’s not like dating…” Have you ever noticed how many people attempt to come into our lives to attempt to influence us? Regardless of how blunt or subtle, I’m sure there have been thousands in my life–from... [Read More...]
It’s so Simple | by Sarah Weaver
The simplicity of the Gospel is so profound. I came to realize this in an airport when I met a little Asian lady named Mira. There was nothing unusual about our interaction as we exchanged my money for the coffee I so desperately needed. Then came the insignificant small talk that is usually never initiated by me, but hey, who knows what came over me. Well, what came over me was this pull to the well-being of this lady I didn’t even know. I... [Read More...]
Because He’s Love | by Sarah Weaver
Can you imagine loving someone who despises you? Can you fathom loving someone so deeply that you’re willing to die for them, yet knowing their love will never reciprocate? It’s easy to imagine loving someone who loves you. It’s even easy to imagine loving someone who only likes you, but our minds can hardly grasp the concept of a love that gives everything never expecting to receive. But really…that’s what love is. But God demonstrates... [Read More...]
Swallowed | by Zack Blair
As Mark Hankins quoted about this story, “What God did in Christ is big enough to swallow who you used to be.” “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) In the original Greek, the phrase “all things” means ALL THINGS! If we’re “in Christ,” then all things in our lives have become new. The beautiful thing about the Gospel is that... [Read More...]
Mercy | by Zack Blair
“This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost. But I received mercy…” (1 Timothy 1:15) I realize that so often, I forgot from where he’s brought me. I remember the emptiness. Being in a crowd of 5000, yet feeling alone. I’d never expressed the way I truly felt; rather, I tried to mask emotion with relationship after relationship. Then one day, Christ... [Read More...]
Sticky Church by Larry Osborne | by Zack Bair
Sticky Church by Larry Osborne Rating 7.5/10 Sticky Church is great book for those interested in sermon-based small groups and church growth (numerically and spiritually). In Sticky Church, Larry Osbourne proposes that growing a thriving church should spend as much or more time focusing on “closing the back door” through sermon based small groups, rather than “opening the front door” through events; etc. In Larry’s words: “When most... [Read More...]
Axiom by Bill Hybels | by Zack Bair
Rating: 9.5/10 Content: The only reason I’m rating this a 9.5/10 is because I don’t even know how much some of these principles will help my future in ministry. Bill has had over thirty years of experience in ministry, and has proven to be one of the most influential men in America. Axiom covers an array of “axioms” that Bill’s ministry has proven true-including hiring, compassion initiatives, getting the right people around the table,... [Read More...]
