Have you ever experienced the sweetness of unity? There’s a certain joy and wonder when a diverse group of people come together and celebrate, work, and cry together. There is laughter, a lightness in your breast, a feeling of connection with others that borders on intimacy. I hope that you’ve experienced this, either with friends […]
Coffee as a Love Language
Coffee is my love language (a tall half decaf Americano with steamed cream to be precise). Not only is it mildly addicting and lifeblood to this mother of young children, our coffee shop culture provides a place to gather. It gives us a chance to be in our communities, a place to sit with a […]
Haiti: History & Vision
Day Two – History and Vision Today was our first full day of learning, conversing and dreaming. We started off with a history lesson from Joseph, our World Relief representative in Haiti. We got a better understanding of how two centuries of history directly affect behaviors and beliefs today. When Joseph is asked, “Is Haiti […]
Acts 11 – By the Spirit We Are Restoring
What did you learn about the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit gave orders through Jesus to the apostles (1:2). The Holy Spirit comes to the disciples through a baptism of the Holy Spirit (1:5). What did you learn about the Spirit-filled community? The purpose of the community being filled with the Holy Spirit is in […]
Golf and the Gospel
The golfing world has descended upon this little corner of the Unite States as we contest our national golf championship, the U.S. Open, at Chambers Bay Course. It is a thrilling privilege and, even if you have never picked up a golf club, it is impossible not to be aware of all that goes into […]
Acts 10 – By the Spirit We Are Diverse
What did you learn about the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit can speak through visions, even if, as in this case, the meaning is not immediately clear (10:17, 28-29). Acts 1:8 is fulfilled as now the Holy Spirit comes upon those Gentiles who represent “the end of the earth” (10:44-48). What did you learn about […]
A Shocking Postscript
Two weeks ago, I shared about the tragic loss of a family member on my wife Cyndi’s side. He was a 17-year-old senior in high school, and his morning ritual was to drive to Starbucks to get his mom a cup of coffee. Last year, one April morning at 7:30, he was on his way […]
Acts 9 – By the Spirit We Are Grace-full
What did you learn about the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit brings comfort (9:31). What did you learn about the Spirit-filled community? We are sent to share the Holy Spirit with those who sometimes we least expect (9:13, 17). They receive, with wonder, those who have done complete 180’s by the power of the Holy […]
Hello fellow Chapel Hill-billies!
I hope that many of you were able to enjoy the annual Maritime Gig today! Thanks for representing Jesus and our church family in our community! One quick reminder, one important service opportunity, and one invitation, and then I’ll let you get back to enjoying your weekend! First of all—First Step will be offered this […]
Acts 8 – By the Spirit We Are Intentional
What did you learn about the Holy Spirit? He performs signs and great miracles, but it is not the same thing as magic (8:11-13) and his power cannot be purchased (8:20). He is moving, as promised in 1:8 from Jerusalem to Samaria! We see the fulfillment of that in 8:17 when Acts specifically records the […]