I have never been so impacted by a worship gathering as I was this past Sunday at New Hope’s main gathering…This was beyond the psycho-emotional goose-bumpy (not a real word) feeling driven experience that we tend to classify as great. It was a very real encounter with a very real God…and it messed me up. I love God so much, and I love it when the weight of who He is is so great that it leaves me face down, wondering which way is up. This is the power of the God that I follow…live for. I only wish that we didn’t walk away from these types of encounters, high on the Jesus juice for a while, but then falling right back in to the rut of just doing life. I don’t want to just do life, I want to conquer it, master it under the hands of God. I left Sunday morning feeling just that way…can’t turn back now….
Worship
Beautiful Feet – Scripture Reading and Prayer for today
Scripture Reading and Prayer for today Romans 5:5 – 15 5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on
Beautiful Feet – Scripture Reading and Prayer for today
Scripture Reading and Prayer for today Romans 5:5 – 15 5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on
Leading at 30,000 Feet
Several days ago I was sitting on a plane waiting to take off. We were heading home, back to Atlanta, and I was ecstatic. I’d gotten the exit row, the one right by the entrance door, so there was lots
Leading at 30,000 Feet
Several days ago I was sitting on a plane waiting to take off. We were heading home, back to Atlanta, and I was ecstatic. I’d gotten the exit row, the one right by the entrance door, so there was lots
Real Marriage Starts Sunday
I don’t know a statement more true than the one on the picture above. After 6 years with my wife, 5 of them married, I’d actually say it’s an understatement, but it is definitely true. When something is stagnant it
Real Marriage Starts Sunday
I don’t know a statement more true than the one on the picture above. After 6 years with my wife, 5 of them married, I’d actually say it’s an understatement, but it is definitely true. When something is stagnant it
Funny Friday – “Lookin for a City”
If you haven’t laughed yet today…you’re welcome!
Funny Friday – “Lookin for a City”
If you haven’t laughed yet today…you’re welcome!
Movements vs. Organizations Part 2
Christianity started as a movement of men and women who were so compelled by the words of Jesus that their lives were overtaken by them. They DWELLED on LIVED, SPOKE, and DIRECTED every nuance of their existence by those words,
Movements vs. Organizations Part 2
Christianity started as a movement of men and women who were so compelled by the words of Jesus that their lives were overtaken by them. They DWELLED on LIVED, SPOKE, and DIRECTED every nuance of their existence by those words,
On How to Kill Sin Before it Kill’s You Part 2
But, with that said, I do want to offer you the only answer to killing sin that has served me in these last several years, and that answer is a question. Do you, moment by moment, in the midst of
On How to Kill Sin Before it Kill’s You Part 2
But, with that said, I do want to offer you the only answer to killing sin that has served me in these last several years, and that answer is a question. Do you, moment by moment, in the midst of
On How to Kill Sin Before it Kill’s You Part 1
I was asked after the sermon a few weeks ago from Colossians 3:5-10, “How Do I Kill My Sin?” The inquirer said, “You gave me the ‘what’ and the ‘why,’ but how pastor, do I begin to put it to
On How to Kill Sin Before it Kill’s You Part 1
I was asked after the sermon a few weeks ago from Colossians 3:5-10, “How Do I Kill My Sin?” The inquirer said, “You gave me the ‘what’ and the ‘why,’ but how pastor, do I begin to put it to
True Courage is Sacrifice Part 2
Courage Is Not Always Measured by the Ability to Win; It Is More Often Measured by the Ability to Sacrifice The gospel writer John says, “They took Jesus and flogged him (19:1)…And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns
True Courage is Sacrifice Part 2
Courage Is Not Always Measured by the Ability to Win; It Is More Often Measured by the Ability to Sacrifice The gospel writer John says, “They took Jesus and flogged him (19:1)…And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns
True Courage is Sacrifice Part 1
Courage Is Not Always Measured by the Ability to Win; It Is More Often Measured by the Ability to Sacrifice I was recently invited to participate in an event as the guest speaker, and I said these words to a
True Courage is Sacrifice Part 1
Courage Is Not Always Measured by the Ability to Win; It Is More Often Measured by the Ability to Sacrifice I was recently invited to participate in an event as the guest speaker, and I said these words to a
Dr. King, His Dream, Grant Park, and our Vision
Dr. King grew up less than a mile from my home, and Grant Park, the neighborhood where we are planting Renovation. He has had a profound influence on my life, as well as this area, and there is little I
Dr. King, His Dream, Grant Park, and our Vision
Dr. King grew up less than a mile from my home, and Grant Park, the neighborhood where we are planting Renovation. He has had a profound influence on my life, as well as this area, and there is little I
The Aims of Idolatry and the Postmodern World
“When men and women engage in idolatry it is an attempt to either; localise God, or in our minds contain the creator, “we can put God in here”; or to domesticate Him, making the Sustainer of life somehow dependent upon
The Aims of Idolatry and the Postmodern World
“When men and women engage in idolatry it is an attempt to either; localise God, or in our minds contain the creator, “we can put God in here”; or to domesticate Him, making the Sustainer of life somehow dependent upon
Some Lesson’s Learned from Ministry on the Margins
1. These are people. God’s image bearers, and as such they should be treated with love, kindness, dignity, and respect. Even if they are disrespectful to you or themselves, show them the gospel in the way you respond. 2. But
Some Lesson’s Learned from Ministry on the Margins
1. These are people. God’s image bearers, and as such they should be treated with love, kindness, dignity, and respect. Even if they are disrespectful to you or themselves, show them the gospel in the way you respond. 2. But
Culture Clash: Where Gentrification and ‘Hood Meet Pt. 1
I went to Seattle recently to visit my boy’s at Mars Hill and get my retrain on, and me and Mike Anderson had an interesting conversation. We were talking about crime, impoverished neighborhoods, and the gospel. He then told me
Culture Clash: Where Gentrification and ‘Hood Meet Pt. 1
I went to Seattle recently to visit my boy’s at Mars Hill and get my retrain on, and me and Mike Anderson had an interesting conversation. We were talking about crime, impoverished neighborhoods, and the gospel. He then told me
Culture Clash: Where Gentrification and ‘Hood Meet Pt. 2
Take for example the shopping center 1.2 miles from my home where we do all of our grocery shopping. There is a Target, Barnes and Noble, Kroger, Carribou Coffee, Best Buy, Lowes, Rue Sans(Sushi), Wachovia (Bank), and a Smoothie King,
Culture Clash: Where Gentrification and ‘Hood Meet Pt. 2
Take for example the shopping center 1.2 miles from my home where we do all of our grocery shopping. There is a Target, Barnes and Noble, Kroger, Carribou Coffee, Best Buy, Lowes, Rue Sans(Sushi), Wachovia (Bank), and a Smoothie King,
Christopher Hitchens: An Atheist who Get’s the Gospel
Jesus said to Peter, and His other disciples, “Who do men say that I AM?” After a few answers that were incorrect, it would be Peter who would say, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!” Centuries
Christopher Hitchens: An Atheist who Get’s the Gospel
Jesus said to Peter, and His other disciples, “Who do men say that I AM?” After a few answers that were incorrect, it would be Peter who would say, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!” Centuries
Post-Christian America, and All the Potential it Holds
Yesterday I posted an article written by the Christian news wire that told of the shocking yet honorable death’s of two young men sharing the gospel in Florida. Though it was shocking to the author, and though he cried out
Post-Christian America, and All the Potential it Holds
Yesterday I posted an article written by the Christian news wire that told of the shocking yet honorable death’s of two young men sharing the gospel in Florida. Though it was shocking to the author, and though he cried out
When Cheating On Your Spouse is a Good Thing
This morning I was listening to one of my favorite radio shows, The Bert Show, based here in Atlanta. They did an interesting segment, that I am still reeling over just a little. The question posed was, “Have you ever
When Cheating On Your Spouse is a Good Thing
This morning I was listening to one of my favorite radio shows, The Bert Show, based here in Atlanta. They did an interesting segment, that I am still reeling over just a little. The question posed was, “Have you ever
We Can Stop Young Black Men From Being Jail Bound-It Happened in Chicago
Charter school in tough neighborhood gets all its seniors into college Urban Prep Academy senior Keith Greer, along with his classmates, celebrates the news they will receive a free prom in Chicago because 100 percent of the graduating class was
We Can Stop Young Black Men From Being Jail Bound-It Happened in Chicago
Charter school in tough neighborhood gets all its seniors into college Urban Prep Academy senior Keith Greer, along with his classmates, celebrates the news they will receive a free prom in Chicago because 100 percent of the graduating class was
Some Clarifications on Renovation Church Part 1
With Renovation coming into full membership with the Acts 29 network recently, I felt I needed to write a clarifying blog post about a few things that may answer some questions you have about the church, our time line, partnerships,
Some Clarifications on Renovation Church Part 1
With Renovation coming into full membership with the Acts 29 network recently, I felt I needed to write a clarifying blog post about a few things that may answer some questions you have about the church, our time line, partnerships,
Some Clarifications on Renovation Church Part 2
Our residency is coming to a close on June 1, and we were officially accepted as full members in the Acts 29 network about 2 weeks ago, you can read more about what we are trying to accomplish here. The
Some Clarifications on Renovation Church Part 2
Our residency is coming to a close on June 1, and we were officially accepted as full members in the Acts 29 network about 2 weeks ago, you can read more about what we are trying to accomplish here. The
Neutral Jesus
On the 22nd of this month I tweeted, there is no neutrality with God. You either actively pursue Him or actively oppose Him.Though this statement would seem to be divisive, it’s true…but when truth is determined in degree’s and not absolutes,
Neutral Jesus
On the 22nd of this month I tweeted, there is no neutrality with God. You either actively pursue Him or actively oppose Him.Though this statement would seem to be divisive, it’s true…but when truth is determined in degree’s and not absolutes,
Renovation Church-Join the Movement
This is an info./follow up letter that was sent out by the leadership of Renovation following our vision cast. If you are interested in being added to the mailing list send “add me” to info@RenovationChurch.net. Thank you for showing interest
Renovation Church-Join the Movement
This is an info./follow up letter that was sent out by the leadership of Renovation following our vision cast. If you are interested in being added to the mailing list send “add me” to info@RenovationChurch.net. Thank you for showing interest
7,200 Georgia Men Buying Sex with Children
This is Taken from directly from the street grace website: “A recent undercover study found that 7,200 Georgia men knowingly sought to buy sex with a child in just a one-month period. This alarming statistic along with many others will
7,200 Georgia Men Buying Sex with Children
This is Taken from directly from the street grace website: “A recent undercover study found that 7,200 Georgia men knowingly sought to buy sex with a child in just a one-month period. This alarming statistic along with many others will
Renovation Vimeo Link to Preaching
I have had a few people ask where they can find sermons I’ve preached. When you are a journey-man/church planter like me it can be hard to come by. Renovation has a Vimeo channel where two sermons(one from A29 conference),
Renovation Vimeo Link to Preaching
I have had a few people ask where they can find sermons I’ve preached. When you are a journey-man/church planter like me it can be hard to come by. Renovation has a Vimeo channel where two sermons(one from A29 conference),
The Missional Church-Simple
The Missional Church-Simple
Movements vs. Organizations
A few month’s ago this was posted on Atlanta’s 11 Alive news site: ATLANTA (AP) — Civil rights icon Andrew Young says he has little use for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the organization he once worked in alongside the
Movements vs. Organizations
A few month’s ago this was posted on Atlanta’s 11 Alive news site: ATLANTA (AP) — Civil rights icon Andrew Young says he has little use for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the organization he once worked in alongside the
Fewer Young Adults Attend Church
A majority of young adults, age 18 to 29, don’t pray, don’t worship and don’t read the Bible according to LifeWay Christian Resources: 65% identify themselves as Christian, while 14% say they are atheist or agnostic, 14% list no religious
Fewer Young Adults Attend Church
A majority of young adults, age 18 to 29, don’t pray, don’t worship and don’t read the Bible according to LifeWay Christian Resources: 65% identify themselves as Christian, while 14% say they are atheist or agnostic, 14% list no religious
Not For Sale-Sex Trafficking in Atlanta
Would you sell your daughter for sex? I am assuming if you are reading this blog, probably not…but, there are many in the city of Atlanta who would and do.Craigslist, Backpage, and others like them are site’s routinely used to
Not For Sale-Sex Trafficking in Atlanta
Would you sell your daughter for sex? I am assuming if you are reading this blog, probably not…but, there are many in the city of Atlanta who would and do.Craigslist, Backpage, and others like them are site’s routinely used to
From the Crowd to the Cross-The Radical Call to Discipleship
Interestingly when the Roman Empire crucified a criminal or captive, the victim was often forced to carry his cross part of the way to the crucifixion site. Carrying his cross through the heart of the city was supposed to be
From the Crowd to the Cross-The Radical Call to Discipleship
Interestingly when the Roman Empire crucified a criminal or captive, the victim was often forced to carry his cross part of the way to the crucifixion site. Carrying his cross through the heart of the city was supposed to be
From the Crowd to the Cross-The Radical Call to Discipleship Part 2
Matthew Henry says it this way, “How foolish is the builder who leaves a building unfinished because his funds run out before he anticipated. How foolish, too, is the army commander who does not reckon upon the strength of his
From the Crowd to the Cross-The Radical Call to Discipleship Part 2
Matthew Henry says it this way, “How foolish is the builder who leaves a building unfinished because his funds run out before he anticipated. How foolish, too, is the army commander who does not reckon upon the strength of his
From the Crowd to the Cross-The Radical Call to Discipleship Part 3
But what do the scriptures tell us about disciples? Six things I think are obvious Disciples come to: Count the cost Love Jesus more than anything Bear their Cross Follow Him Renounce all they have Relinquish Everything Showing up on
From the Crowd to the Cross-The Radical Call to Discipleship Part 3
But what do the scriptures tell us about disciples? Six things I think are obvious Disciples come to: Count the cost Love Jesus more than anything Bear their Cross Follow Him Renounce all they have Relinquish Everything Showing up on
A Praying Life
Lately I have been convicted of a reality that I am still unsure of my willingness to address…my life is not one of rich, intentional, and thoughtful prayer…at least not as much or as often as it should be. With
A Praying Life
Lately I have been convicted of a reality that I am still unsure of my willingness to address…my life is not one of rich, intentional, and thoughtful prayer…at least not as much or as often as it should be. With
Jesus-The Foundation of Prayer
Norwich offers these things in simplicity: Jesus is the foundation of all our praying We must want to not want anything that He does not want May we have a true desire in prayer and a longing of our will
Jesus-The Foundation of Prayer
Norwich offers these things in simplicity: Jesus is the foundation of all our praying We must want to not want anything that He does not want May we have a true desire in prayer and a longing of our will
Disconnected Faith
Have you felt a little disconnected lately? Like prayer is more difficult. Relationships in your church require more work and discipline, with very little joy? Faith in general feels like a burden and not a joyful privilege? You may feel
Disconnected Faith
Have you felt a little disconnected lately? Like prayer is more difficult. Relationships in your church require more work and discipline, with very little joy? Faith in general feels like a burden and not a joyful privilege? You may feel
Trip Lee-The Invasion
116 does it again…good gospel message represented through creativity and the art of Hip Hop. Trip’s new single and music video is in the running to be featured on 106 and Park. Watch the video, and then go vote These
Trip Lee-The Invasion
116 does it again…good gospel message represented through creativity and the art of Hip Hop. Trip’s new single and music video is in the running to be featured on 106 and Park. Watch the video, and then go vote These
Quieting the Noise So We Can Hear
We live in a fast paced world full with distractions, and every reason not to do as Jesus so often did…”And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate
Quieting the Noise So We Can Hear
We live in a fast paced world full with distractions, and every reason not to do as Jesus so often did…”And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate
WHO BELONGS AT RENOVATION CHURCH?
This is the latest post at the Renovation Church Blog by our exec. dude based on what I taught/we discussed last night as a launch team. Please Read by Matt Burlew on September 20, 2010 Last night at our launch team
WHO BELONGS AT RENOVATION CHURCH?
This is the latest post at the Renovation Church Blog by our exec. dude based on what I taught/we discussed last night as a launch team. Please Read by Matt Burlew on September 20, 2010 Last night at our launch team
Mwen Se Atis-Bringing Beauty from Haiti
This summer Audrey Jones spent several weeks in Haiti, working toward the rebuilding and revitalization of the country….but more importantly, its people. In the camp where Audrey worked there were some 55,000 people, 13,000 of those being children. These families
Mwen Se Atis-Bringing Beauty from Haiti
This summer Audrey Jones spent several weeks in Haiti, working toward the rebuilding and revitalization of the country….but more importantly, its people. In the camp where Audrey worked there were some 55,000 people, 13,000 of those being children. These families
Check in to Rehab
Lecrae’s long-awaited fourth album, REHAB, is now in stores! The album features Tedashii, Trip Lee, Sho Baraka, Sonny Sandoval, Anthony Evans and many more. You can check in by picking up a copy of Rehab now on iTunes or at
Check in to Rehab
Lecrae’s long-awaited fourth album, REHAB, is now in stores! The album features Tedashii, Trip Lee, Sho Baraka, Sonny Sandoval, Anthony Evans and many more. You can check in by picking up a copy of Rehab now on iTunes or at
Renovation Church-Preview Service’s Oct. 31; Nov. 21; Dec. 12
What if there Were a Church That… ….was willing to admit they don’t have all the answers ….believed you can know God ….had the same questions about faith and life that you have ….existed to serve and love our city
Renovation Church-Preview Service’s Oct. 31; Nov. 21; Dec. 12
What if there Were a Church That… ….was willing to admit they don’t have all the answers ….believed you can know God ….had the same questions about faith and life that you have ….existed to serve and love our city
In Light of What’s to Come
I spent the first half of the day on Christmas Eve in the scriptures reading through Paul’s letters. And although they are full with theology, history, doctrine and instruction, there is something common to them that struck me more deeply
In Light of What’s to Come
I spent the first half of the day on Christmas Eve in the scriptures reading through Paul’s letters. And although they are full with theology, history, doctrine and instruction, there is something common to them that struck me more deeply
Being Filled With God’s Spirit
When God first called me to Himself and subsequently filled me with His Spirit it was all very experiential, passionate, and life-giving; but I lacked knowledge. Being wired the way I am I began to seek knowledge and came to
Being Filled With God’s Spirit
When God first called me to Himself and subsequently filled me with His Spirit it was all very experiential, passionate, and life-giving; but I lacked knowledge. Being wired the way I am I began to seek knowledge and came to
True Spirituality
Last weekend at Renovation I preached a message called “spirituality” from Psalm 119, in which we concluded that true spirituality is a delight in God, his will, and His word. But, we determined, this is difficult. The religious among us will get the
True Spirituality
Last weekend at Renovation I preached a message called “spirituality” from Psalm 119, in which we concluded that true spirituality is a delight in God, his will, and His word. But, we determined, this is difficult. The religious among us will get the
An “Other-Worldly” Love-God’s Adoption of Us [Part 1]
In 1 John chapter 3 verse 1, the apostle John writes, “see what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.“ This phrase, what kind of love,
An “Other-Worldly” Love-God’s Adoption of Us [Part 1]
In 1 John chapter 3 verse 1, the apostle John writes, “see what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.“ This phrase, what kind of love,
An “Other-Worldly” Love-God’s Adoption of Us [Part 2]
This is the lynch pin, because He chose us before the foundation of the world, and in love, He predestined us for adoption. So we are predestined, chosen, and adopted. Before time itself existed, before the Evil one turned in pride
An “Other-Worldly” Love-God’s Adoption of Us [Part 2]
This is the lynch pin, because He chose us before the foundation of the world, and in love, He predestined us for adoption. So we are predestined, chosen, and adopted. Before time itself existed, before the Evil one turned in pride
Wiggle Room: How Some “Christians” Are Reconciling the Hard Saying’s in the Bible
In the gospel of John, chapter 6, Jesus says “44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. 45 it is written in the
Wiggle Room: How Some “Christians” Are Reconciling the Hard Saying’s in the Bible
In the gospel of John, chapter 6, Jesus says “44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. 45 it is written in the
Victory
God has created us, all of us, to worship Him, love Him, glorify Him, have Him as our deepest affection and live for His glory. We are meant to glorify God in every conceivable way because it’s what we were
Victory
God has created us, all of us, to worship Him, love Him, glorify Him, have Him as our deepest affection and live for His glory. We are meant to glorify God in every conceivable way because it’s what we were
What is Gentrification?
Gentrification presents a unique dynamic to urban ministry, but what is it exactly. In this short clip Bob Lupton, founder of FCS urban ministries, explains.
What is Gentrification?
Gentrification presents a unique dynamic to urban ministry, but what is it exactly. In this short clip Bob Lupton, founder of FCS urban ministries, explains.
