Every year for the last several years, we host a winter weekend retreat with our students at West Park. In the middle of dreary winter, the weekend together is meant to Ignite our faith by employing the various means of grace available to us. Some of the key ingredients include prayer, worship, community, recreation, service, and the word. These elements are interwoven into … [Read more...] about The Beginning of Ignite
Archives for February 2014
Discerning a Call
Last night at our student service, 633, we heard from two of our missionaries, one from Ireland and one from Ecuador. Both had many great things to say, but what stuck out to me was their advice on discerning a call. Whether you're considering missions, marriage, college, or a new job, the skill of discernment proves vital. And I think their advice could apply to any of … [Read more...] about Discerning a Call
Rethinking Short-Term Missions
Short-term mission trips have been scrutinized in recent years, receiving both constructive and critical feedback. I believe these mission trips still have their place, but we would do well to rethink our approach. Ramon Lull has written a helpful article over at DesiringGod.org about changing our perspective on "short-term" missions. Essentially, he argues we should prepare … [Read more...] about Rethinking Short-Term Missions
Blind Faith
Jesus shows us the invisible God. The word was with God, and the word was God…and the word became flesh…and we have seen his glory (John 1:1, 14). Yet, many did not believe (John 1:10). The eyes of the heart are preeminent. The unseen seen remains unseen by those who will not see. Miracles mean nothing to those who insist to refuse. Resurrections reveal nothing to the … [Read more...] about Blind Faith
Writing to Skeptics
I occasionally write posts relating to faith and skepticism. I do this because I believe in Jesus, and I want you to believe as well. Atheist Penn Jillette said, "I don't respect people who don't proselytize...How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?" I agree. Proselytizing flows naturally out of true and deep … [Read more...] about Writing to Skeptics