Jesus was able to take death seriously while also not being afraid of it. In a time where we seem to be surrounded by death, let’s start to focus on hope and how Jesus gives us hope. Join Rick as he continues a series exploring the foundational truths connected to Jesus and his mission in our lives.…
As followers of Jesus, we’re familiar with the Easter story and its life-altering significance. But is there a mystery embedded we often fail to recognize? After his being crucified, why was it necessary for Jesus to stay in the tomb for three days?…
Sacrifice. It’s a word that can easily bring about negative connotations, especially when viewed with an Old Testament frame of mind. What would it look like to shift our perspective to focus on and embrace the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made on the cross?…
The operating system for a computer determines how it works and what it’s capable of doing. If the operating system for humans is called “story,” how do we respond to the “bugs” that try to destroy us? What can we learn from Jesus when it comes to telling our stories and “debugging” our systems?…
If you’ve grown up in the church, you might have heard the phrase “die to yourself.” While this concept is something we’re expected to embrace as Christians, do we really know what it really means? Or even how to do it?…
“Why do bad things happen to good people?” It’s a common and extremely difficult-to-answer question, especially in cases of untimely or unexpected death. When this question is asked, what would it take to shift our perspectives from focusing on the loss to instead looking for the fruit God produces from tragedy?…
In a world built upon seasons, it can be hard to understand how the death of something can bring the necessary transformation that leads to new life. As we move into the Easter season, what does it take to embrace this unique cycle in our own lives, while also trusting in Jesus to guide the entire process?…
It was front-page news on a recent issue of USA Today. The headline read “Obituary Takes a Turn,” and that was enough to lure me into the article. The story was about 80-year-old Kathleen Dehmlow, whose obituary started with the standard stuff—date of birth, husband’s name, children, and so on.…
Everyone can be creative…regardless of how loud they declare, “I’m just not creative.” You can be! Creativity is part of God’s design within us and when we express our God-given creativity it can make our soul come alive. Creativity in youth ministry happens anytime you think about a new way to serve your students.…
“Lord, do for me what I cannot do for myself” – A prayer from a laid off youth pastor Have you ever prayed this? I mean really, sincerely prayed this? If so, you likely know the sting of pain which follows but also the unexpected joy, peace and freedom eventually received.…
 Foundations: “Up From the Grave”){kind=link}
 Death to Life—Three Days in the Dark){kind=link}
 Death to Life—No Sacrifice){kind=link}
 Death to Life—The Bug in Your Operating System){kind=link}
 Death to Life—No More Death to Self){kind=link}
 Death to Life—Falling Towers){kind=link}
 Death to Life—The Seed Mentality){kind=link}