What does the Bible say about growth? Even a cursory look at the New Testament reveals a godly growth bias. For instance, the Apostle Peter challenges us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18, ESV). Similarly, the Apostle Paul says that “we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15b, ESV). So personal spiritual growth is clearly a goal we should pursue. But what about church...
Whenever newcomers check out a church, virtually all are asking some form of the same question: “Is there a place for me?” And for years, our short answer at Ingleside has been, “Yes!” Our answer reflects the spirit of Romans 15:7, which says: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (ESV). Of course, the specific questions newcomers may ask are often more detailed, nuanced, and personalized. Consider these possibilities: ...
Have you thought much about how significant growth and transformation occur? I have. Words often attributed to Samuel Smiles (1812-1904) state the proven process succinctly: Sow a thought, and you reap an act; Sow an act, and you reap a habit; Sow a habit, and you reap a character; Sow a character, and you reap a destiny. Sowing and reaping. It’s no accident that the primary metaphor for growth here is an agricultural one. This is often true in Scripture as well (cf....
There’s more than one way to refer to and relate to a church. Consider these three perspectives. That church. “Yes, I’ve heard about that church,” a person might say. “I’ve heard that church has great ministries for children and students. I’ve heard that church is really committed to missions. I’ve heard that church has spirit-anointed musical worship and solid biblical teaching.” But have you ever been there? Have you ever checked it out and experienced...
Fact #1: The recent spike in Covid-19 cases is receding rapidly across our state and in our region according to data from the Georgia Department of Public Health (check out the data here). Fact #2: More of us have immunity to Covid-19 now than ever before through natural immunity (having been previously infected with the disease) or through vaccine-induced immunity. The overall population level immunity in Georgia is estimated to be at 84% and in the entire country at 89% (see the graph...
To be a disciple of Jesus is to be a fully-devoted follower of Christ. Though each of our discipleship journeys will be unique, there are some common steps along every disciple’s path. At Ingleside, we describe the main movements of every genuine discipleship journey in four biblical words. ...... Come – The journey begins when we respond in repentance and faith to the call of the Lord through the gospel. Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I...
Are you a member at Ingleside yet? If not, I hope you will make plans now to be in our adult membership class on Sunday, February 6, at 4:00 p.m. (the class for children and students is at 12:15 p.m.). Here are five good reasons to take this important step. First, membership—both the word and the concept—is biblical. 1 Corinthians 12:27 says: “Now you are the body of Christ, and individually members of it” (ESV). God expects those who follow Christ to be members of his...
I’ve been thinking a good bit about snowflakes recently. Perhaps its because it’s winter, and in the deep south even the slightest mention of wintry precipitation causes the pulse to quicken and a run to occur on essentials at the grocery. So rare is a bona fide snowfall in our part of the world that some pile the kids in the car and head to the mountains of North Georgia, Tennessee, or North Carolina for an afternoon of frolicking in the white stuff when snow is forecast within a...
As we approach the beginning of the New Year, I’m praying that our Heavenly Father would pour out his abundant favor and blessing on you, your family, and our church family in 2022. Specifically, I’m praying the truths of Psalm 84:11, Philippians 1:9-11, James 1:2-4, and 3 John 2. ... Psalm 84:11 says: “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly” (ESV). Philippians 1:9-11 says:...
I’m praying the Father’s favor for you and your family on this Thanksgiving Day! It’s a great day to say out loud or to write down on paper the blessings for which we are thankful. It’s good for us and it honors God when we acknowledge that every good gift we have comes from the hand of our Heavenly Father (cf. James 1:17). As Beverly and I count our blessings, we are especially thankful for you and your partnership in the gospel (cf. Philippians 1:3-5). The fellowship we...
