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

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

/ Church, Controversy, Culture, Family, Gospel, Growth and Journey, Jesus, Life, Renovation Church, Teaching

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

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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,

/ Atlanta, Church, Ecclesiology, Leadership, Renovation Church

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,

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Modesty

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

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

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

/ Atlanta, Church, Gospel, Grant Park, Jesus, Justice, Mission, Renovation Church

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

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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

/ Gospel, Growth and Journey, Jesus, Teaching, Worldview

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

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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

/ Atlanta, Grant Park, Justice, Mercy, Mission, Renovation Church

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

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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,

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

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

Incarnation

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 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,

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

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

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

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

/ Atlanta, Church, Gospel, Jesus, Justice, Mission

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

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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

/ Discipleship, Gospel, Jesus, Mission, Teaching

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

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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

/ Discipleship, Gospel, Growth and Journey, Jesus, Teaching

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

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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

/ Discipleship, Gospel, Growth and Journey, Jesus, Mission, Teaching

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

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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

/ Discipleship, Gospel, Growth and Journey, Jesus, Prayer

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

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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

/ Discipleship, Gospel, Growth and Journey, Jesus, Prayer

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

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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

/ Discipleship, Gospel, Growth and Journey, Jesus, Mission

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

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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

/ Culture, Gospel, Jesus, Mission, News

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

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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

/ Discipleship, Gospel, Growth and Journey, Jesus, Prayer

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

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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

/ Atlanta, Church, Culture, Ecclesiology, Gospel, Jesus, Mission, Renovation Church

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

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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

/ Atlanta, Culture, Grant Park, Mercy

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

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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

/ Gospel, Jesus, Story

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

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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

/ Atlanta, Church, Gospel, Jesus, Mission, Renovation Church

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

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Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy

/ Leadership, Random

Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy

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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

/ Gospel, Growth and Journey, Jesus, Worldview

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

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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

/ Discipleship, Gospel, Growth and Journey, Reformed Charismatic

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

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Speak With Conviction?

/ Culture, Hilarious, inspiration, Leadership

Speak With Conviction?

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Are You a Man or a Male? A Message to All Men, Especially Black Men

Lift Every Voice and Sing-A Celebration of African-American History

/ African-American History Month, Culture, inspiration

Lift Every Voice and Sing-A Celebration of African-American History

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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

/ Discipleship, Gospel, Growth and Journey, Jesus, Renovation Church

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

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“I Will Wait for You” by JANETTE…IKZ

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,

/ Discipleship, Gospel, Growth and Journey, Jesus

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,

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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

/ Discipleship, Gospel, Growth and Journey, Jesus

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

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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

/ Controversy, Culture, Discipleship, Gospel, Growth and Journey, Jesus, Teaching

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

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Bless’Ed – Run Away (ft Kristy Marie) Official Music Video

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

/ Discipleship, Gospel, Growth and Journey, Jesus, Teaching

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

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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.

/ Atlanta, Church Planting, Culture, Ministry

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.

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All I Have is Christ-Animated Video

/ Gospel, inspiration, Jesus, Mission, Worldview

All I Have is Christ-Animated Video

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