Among the many spiritual disciplines that have been discussed, service is one that is commonly overlooked but equally as important. Romans 12:1 describes the act of service as “…present[ing] your bodies as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” In this sense, service is not only a spiritual discipline itself but is also within the discipline of worship as a lifestyle.
Read MoreGod is able to use anything and everything to change the very course of your life and accomplish his eternal purpose… even a 22-minute re-run of “How I Met Your Mother.” That’s what happened to us a little over a year ago. My wife, Riley, and I can be a pretty lame couple; we love to unwind at the end of a long day by lying on the couch together and watching a little television right before we go to bed. We’ve always enjoyed the opportunity to turn our minds off and end the day by relaxing with each other. One night at the end of last summer (2013), we were doing just that to an episode of “How I Met Your Mother,” and what we saw has drastically impacted what we believe will be the rest of our lives.
Read MoreSuppose someone were to randomly give you $10,000. What would you do with it? Obviously, the gift wasn’t something you were expecting or even deserved. They simply wanted to be a blessing to you. Would you invest it? Put it into savings? Maybe make some renovations on your house or pay off some debts that you owe? Perhaps you would just deposit the money in your bank account and go about your day. Regardless of what you would choose to with the money, you would inevitably respond to the gift that was given to you. This is known as “stewardship.”
Read MoreJust last week, I took an incredibly important test. I’m currently pursuing my Ph.D in theology at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and, up until this point, I haven’t had to worry about a lot of tests. In fact, much of my work has revolved around reading and writing. So, while the program has been grueling to say the least, my test last week was the first major exam I’ve taken. It was three days long and lasted three hours each day. I answered nine questions in twenty single-spaced typed pages. By Friday, I was mentally and emotionally drained. While this test was by no means the most difficult that I had ever taken, it was by far the most stressful because of the consequences of my results; passing the test meant continuing in the program, maintaining my timeline of completion, and earning my Th.M, an advanced Masters degree that could allow me to teach on the adjunct level. Needless to say, I felt the weight.
Read MoreFasting. Out of all the spiritual disciplines mentioned in Scripture, this is the one that people seem to struggle to practice the most today. Many don’t understand what its purpose is. Still, others only hold onto the principles of fasting while neglecting its literal practice in their rhythm of life. When we understand the true significance and benefit of fasting, however, we are able to step into some of our most meaningful and intimate times of relationship with God.
Read MoreA Few weeks ago we held an important vKids training called “Church of the Future.” We’re excited to be the church of the future. At this training we discussed many training topics, including the importance of commitment.
Read MoreThe past several weeks we have been looking at the biblical idea of Sabbath and what it looks like to practice it in our lives today (You can find links to the rest of this series at the bottom of this blog). Rest does not come easily or naturally for most of us. Our jobs and responsibilities require so much of us every day that taking time to rest and reflect may sound like nothing more than a dream. Difficulty, however, does not equal impossibility. Some of the most important things in life are often the hardest to achieve and carving out consistent Sabbath rest that reflects and relies upon God while replenishing self is one of the greatest, intentional disciplines you can cultivate for a well-balanced life.
Read MoreLive the Gospel, Love the City, and now Be the Church. For the longest time, I got the order of those phrases mixed up, which isn’t that big of a deal, but the motto flows naturally in that order. In order to love the city, you must live the Gospel, and in order to be the Church, you must live the Gospel and love the City. Be the church is not only a pivotal part of Vintage’s motto, but also a pivotal part of Jesus Teaching.
Read MoreIt is clear from what has already been said what the meaning of “worship the Father in spirit and truth” is. It is to set aside the entanglements of the ancient ceremonies and just keep what is spiritual in the worship of God. The “truth” of the “worship” is in the “spirit,” and the ceremonies are a mere appendage.1
-John Calvin
When we think about resting, often what comes to mind is silence, solitude, and the cessation of physical work. As an introvert, I naturally love all three of these things, and it’s in these times I often feel most rested. The Bible certainly affirms this kind of rest. We see examples of people, particularly Jesus, who went off by himself to pray. That was probably great rest for Jesus. However, the Bible is also full of examples of a different kind of rest, a rest that cannot be done in isolation.
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