If you listen to television and radio preachers (and I don’t), you will have a pretty distorted view of Jesus and of Christianity. They have discovered the same concept that sociologist and economist Edward Castronova has written about. Rallying around a common enemy drives players and money to the game.
And since Satan himself is invisible […]

Dr. Susan Linn of Harvard University is the co-founder of Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. She says that the consumerist mentality that runs rampant in the U.S. is taking away the childhood of our children. The fact that billions of advertising dollars are spent every year targeting children is a tragedy.
Advertisers and corporate giants spend […]

“Radical Transparency” is sweeping smart companies and boardrooms across the country. The theme of this trend is: Get Naked and Rule the World.
In a world where information spreads like a virus, trying to hide something—especially something illicit—is not a smart move. According to one expert, “Online is where reputations are made now.” A single Google […]

Noise Pollution negatively affects human health and well-being. This is according to the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse. But somehow, we must learn to discern the difference between what is noise and what is not. This is likely the message of 1 Kings 19.
Elijah discovered that the Voice of God was not in the wind, the earthquake, […]

The Resurrection and the Ascension of Jesus happened almost 2,000 years ago. However, the impact of those events are still felt by those of us who follow Christ today. But what evidence of the Resurrection remains today for those who are not followers?
If we explore the central message of Jesus that He passed […]

The Bible records the Ascension of Jesus as being 40 days after the Resurrection. During that time Jesus appeared to many people and gave many proofs that he was alive again.
But on the day he ascended, the disciples just weren’t quite ready. They hadn’t “figured it all out” as of yet. So they […]

It is one of the most compelling stories in the scriptures. The events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus are the climax of civilization. Creation reached its apex on that first Easter morning.
And the fact that Jesus was alive again was witnessed first of all by a woman—of all things! This part of the […]

Palm Sunday is the day we set aside to celebrate the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem by Jesus and his disciples that begins the Passion Week. His dramatic entrance told a story. While fulfilling prophecy, he was also laying claim to the title Messiah. But it was in a fashion that must have looked a little […]

I think there is something wrong with my mirror. When I look at myself in it, I don’t look nearly as old as the people who showed up for my 30th class reunion. These people were old.
However, the person I do see, I don’t always like. Unfortunately, my reflection tells a story. And […]

What have you learned from molding clay?
In your dance with God, which one of you leads?
Do you feel like God is molding you, or chiseling you? Explain.

Are you a spendthrift, a tightwad, or something in between?
Whose words spoke to you from the video?
Why do you give your money to this community?

Have you ever bought something you didn’t need because of the marketing?
Of the intentional choices we have made regarding structure, leadership, teaching style, music, culture and relationships, what appeals to you?
In what ways did you connect with the video speaker, LaDonna Witmer