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Making The Call – Part 2 (Video)

One of the greatest truths I’ve been able to learn over the years is that it is impossible to “loose” when you seek to share your faith with someone out of love. Recently I came across one of the most powerful videos I’ve seen with regards to witnessing.  This video is a great encouragement to every believer to not be afraid to share truth in love with everyone—even famous celebrity atheists! I would like to encourage you to take a few minutes and listen to the comments of the famous comedian/illusionist and outspoken atheist Penn Gillette concerning an encounter he had with a Christian after one of his shows.

Making The Call – Part 1

I recently shared some of my thoughts on calling others to faith in Christ at First Alliance Church in Lexington. As always my message (which you can listen to by clicking here) was primarily directed toward me.  What a tremendous relief it truly is to realize that our job is simply to proclaim the Good News and not to “save” people!  What an encouragement it is to truly realize that we can’t “loose” when we share our faith out of love!  Even if we are rejected for being a witness, we are blessed! 1 Peter 4:14 “If you are rejected for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the spirit and glory of God rests upon you.” Luke 6:22,23 “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they reject your name as evil, because… Read More »Making The Call – Part 1

Remembering Pearl Jam

By Karla Duerson:  How can I sleep with so much life springing up?  A new simple church was birthed tonight with excitement all around and the adventure of the fight with our enemy—all the drama of light pushing back the darkness.  Then there was a movie with the promise of more to come with a friend who has keen eyes and big thoughts about the big screen and all that it can do and be.  The cherry?  A Pearl Jam documentary commemorating their 20 years together.  The almost two hour journey mapping out the life of the band was exhilarating for me. They were my favorite during a time when I needed music.  When I listened to their songs, I was transported, given a catharsis—a vent for all the tumult and angst of a teenager’s… Read More »Remembering Pearl Jam

Accepted By Christ

By Karla Duerson: A theme emerges as of late and I am compelled to write a note of it to you all—my church family.  Here are the threads: –At a party with a conversation about acceptance and being liked… –A gathering around the Advent wreath reading these words by Ann Voscamp sparked by Ruth and Naomi’s relationship, “When God is our God, we take His people as our people, and we take a vow of forever love and loyalty…” –English Grammar instruction with Guy discussing “The Quarrel” in which body parts cease their work after fighting over whose function was more important I have experienced personal conviction at each of these moments.  At the party, I remembered how much I love and need Christ’s acceptance of me.  By candlelight, I tasted the sweetness of relationship… Read More »Accepted By Christ

The Best Way To Start A Simple Church…

…Is to start a simple church! I’m not sure where I read that, but I believe it to be true. With a new season upon us why not trust God to take you on a discipleship journey and start a simple church? I have met with several folks who have expressed interest and a few that are going to make the leap this year. Why not join them? You never know what God will do unless you step out of the boat. Certainly don’t get out of the boat unless you hear Jesus calling you, but if you do hear him, then step out and allow God to take you to the land that he will show you! If that is you, then allow me share a few thoughts with you on getting started remembering… Read More »The Best Way To Start A Simple Church…

Moralism vs. Christ

Just moments ago, I had a great conversation with a gentleman from our simple church.  We discussed a topic that I brought up last Sunday during our gathering.  I mentioned the word “moralism” and I talked about it in a negative light (HERE is the link to the short devotion by Oswald Chambers that kicked off the conversation).  In one sense, being moral is certainly a good thing.  However, I seemed to suggest that moralism was not a good thing.  I think that reading the devotion above will help to clarify, but allow me to add a few other thoughts as well. First off, God continues to teach me the importance of obedience.  You probably know this as we have spent considerable time talking (in person and here on this blog) about how the Great… Read More »Moralism vs. Christ

Join others from simple churches in the region as we come together to celebrate the birth of Christ!  We will enjoy a potluck brunch at 10AM in the gym at First Alliance Church (2201 Old Higbee Mill Road) followed by a time of celebration.  We will enjoy baby dedications (led by parents), singing Christmas songs, prayer and encouragement during this time.  We hope you can join us!  More information by clicking the image below!

What Is A Disciple And How Do We Make Them? (Part 2)

Recently,  I took the opportunity when speaking at First Alliance Church and the Simple Church Fall Celebration to answer two crucial questions that any follower of Jesus would do well to answer. The questions, which I addressed previously here, are:  1)What is a Disciple? 2)How do we make disciples? You can listen to the message entitled The Dirty D Word: D#$%@!&*%@! in your browser here: In the message I define a disciple as someone who loves Jesus, hears Jesus, and follows Jesus.  I then explain how making disciples primarily about connecting others to Jesus and His family such that they can love Jesus, hear Jesus, and follow Jesus.  I share how Jesus, when he gave the Great Commission, did not ask his disciples to do something that He had not modeled for them.  Thus connecting… Read More »What Is A Disciple And How Do We Make Them? (Part 2)

Centered Set Thinking (Video)

How do you deal with other people who do not share your convictions about spiritual matters?  The following video is probably one of the most helpful teaching tools I’ve come across for addressing this issue.  In simple church, it is imperative that we do not become a “bounded” circle.  If we do so, we will become ingrown and die.  What would it look like in your life/simple church if you were to adopt “centered set thinking?”

Simple Church Training – Dec. 9th

Friday December 9th will be the only Simple Church Training of this month and I thought it would be good for us to discuss “simple church membership.”  As we continue to see new people visit the simple churches in the network and as we move toward becoming a self-sustaining network, questions about church membership are sure to arise.  Some of you will even be leaving membership of First Alliance to join this new work.  Please consider the following questions… What does it mean to be in member of a traditional church? simple church? Where do we see church membership in the New Testament? How will we know who are members of our simple church? How does our understanding of the Kingdom of God influence church membership? Let’s come Friday night ready to share thoughts and… Read More »Simple Church Training – Dec. 9th