Hockey Night in Fort Wayne

Luke and I are going to the Komets game tonight.
Some quality father/son time. And the Komets games are always alot of fun.

Sunday at The Creek

Preached from Mark 5 today (healng of the demoniac), What an awesome truth --Jesus sets us free!

CPR Class

Last night we had a CPR class at the church building. A nurse from the congregation taught the class. Many of our staff members were involved (so she had her work cut out for her). I last took a CPR course in gym class in 1981, so it was time for a refresher. A lot has changed (number of compressions given, AED device, etc.). It was all very informative, and I'm glad I have this new knowledge. I just hope I never have to use it.

Sunday Sneak-Peek

This week I will be continuing in the Encountering Jesus series, preaching about the Parable of the Sower. Most people, when they read this parable, put themselves in the role of the sower. I think the Lord gives us some important principles in that regard. But I think greater emphasis needs to be given to the soil. This parable is not primarily about sowing, it’s about growing!

Most people, when they read this parable, put themselves in the role of the sower. I think the Lord gives us some important principles in that regard (explain). But I think greater emphasis needs to be given to the soil.
This parable is not primarily about sowing, it’s about growing!

Jesus speaks of four types of soil:
1. Hardened soil
2. Shallow Soil
3. Crowded Soil
4. Prepared Soil

What kind of soil am I?

Favre Retires, Again

Story here.

The Blue Parakeet

Last night I read Scot McKnight’s book, The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible. It was very good, much like Fee & Stuart’s How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Except for one thing -- McKnight devotes five chapters (five chapters!) to the role of women in the church today. He is an egalitarian. He rehearses the same tired arguments that have been refuted time and time again: (Pheobe, Priscilla’s name is mentioned before her husband’s, Junia, why would God give a gift and then restrict its use?, etc.). Other than that, the book was very thought-provoking.

Grammy Awards

Mrs. Soren and I watched most of the Grammy Awards show on Sunday night. I must be getting old, because each year I find myself uttering the phrase, "They call THAT music?"

I was also reminded that you can't spell "crap" without rap.

7 year old sings National Anthem

Wow!

Sunday Sneak-Peek

I'm looking forward to Sunday. Whenever I miss a Sunday in the pulpit (vacation, guest speaker, etc.), I am always anxious to return. I'm starting a new series called Encountering Jesus through the Gospel of Mark (leading up to Easter). This week's message is Encountering the Kingdom from Mark chapter 1. Main take-away: There's a King. And it's not you (or me). How 'bout this quote from Perry Noble? "Church isn't supposed to be our hobby. Jesus is supposed to be our passion." Amen!

Sunday at Cedar Creek

Today was a great day at The Creek. The buzz (excitement, enthusiasm, positive vibe, etc.) was palpable after the service. My friend David Willis can really preach! He's funny, engaging, motivating, and biblical. His message -- Jesus is coming again!

Update: Go Here for sermon audio. Click on the "Guest Speakers" tab.