Grief

Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

Book Review: "INsourcing" by Randy Pope

Randy Pope states the focus of his book is to share lessons learned that changed the ministry of his church (Introduction, page 16). Pope spends the twelve chapters and four appendices (with notes) introducing and developing a hybrid-model of church that addresses the individual, providing context and elements for necessary equipping and maturity to express and apply the gospel globally. 

Pope communicates a person-centered approach to being and doing church with no discussion or explanation of what constitutes the foundation of the church (for example 1 Corinthians 3:10 is offered with no explanation or teaching) nor does he point to the head of the church, who is Christ. The purpose of the church is mentioned only in passing in preference for assuming a different purpose, which becomes an elusive target to be discovered the developed by experience. Once identified, business and marketing strategy integrated with theology becomes the modus operandi.


While it is clear this book is for a Christian audience, one can easily misunderstand and subsequently misapply the minimized doctrine, which leads to misdirection and misrepresentation.

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