Are you a bridge builder? Fully devoted followers of Christ eagerly embrace their role of building bridges to people who need to know the Lord and need to be connected to his body, the Church. Bridges of love and friendship – across which we share the life changing gospel of Jesus Christ – are built in many ways. Relationships. The most natural place to build a bridge for the gospel is in the relational network that we already have: with relatives, with people at work, with...
Identity and mission have always been critical issues for leaders and organizations. A clear sense of who you are and what you are supposed to do is essential. In Matthew 16, the identity and mission of Jesus come into sharp focus. He asked his followers, “Who do you say that I am?” The answer was articulated by Peter and affirmed by Jesus: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16, ESV). Then comes the statement of mission. Jesus declared: “I will...
We recently learned together as we read “a chapter a day” through 1 Corinthians that God expects every follower of Christ to “strive to excel in building up the church” (1 Corinthians 14:12, ESV). Another way of stating this truth is that God expects us to be “all in” in terms of our commitment to our local church. Here are some very practical steps you can take to be “all in” and to help our church achieve its full redemptive potential. Pray – ask God to grant...
As the calendar has flipped into September and school-schedule rhythms are getting firmly in place, I want to make sure that some key dates and events at Ingleside are on your radar. Of course, our weekly worship services, classes, and groups – especially on Sundays and Wednesdays – continue to be at the heart of our disciple-making mission. In addition, however, please put these opportunities on your calendar now: Wednesday, October 19 Fall Family Festival November 4-6...
One of our forefathers in the faith from whom I still learn with some regularity is Charles Haddon Spurgeon. He was a pastor in London, England, from 1854 until his death in 1892. Spurgeon was also a prolific writer, and one of his most read works contains morning and evening devotionals. This morning’s meditation focused on Psalm 73:24, which says: “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory” (ESV). About this verse, Spurgeon writes: “Be...
