Author: Jonathan Dodson
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People often have questions about the claims of historic Christianity. Over the last decade some of these questions have shifted from key doctrines of the faith (inerrancy of the Bible, the resurrection) to social and cultural concerns (race, gender, sexuality). People want to know if Christianity is good not if it is true. Whatever the…
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A surprisingly high number of people attend religious services in our secular age. What are they looking for? Some want to meet people; others to go to heaven, or do some good. Each of these reasons is driven by longing for meaning—meaning in relationships (church), spirituality (Christ), service (mission). But there is a near and far side…
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You can hear the thunder rumble in the pages of Galatians as St. Paul calls out churches being lured away from the gospel of Jesus. Some of the temptations they face can seem quite foreign to us; others are eerily familiar. While we can’t imagine being bullied into circumcision, we can relate to corrosive power…
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After spending most of the Spring growing in our relationship with the Spirit, it’s time to turn our attention back to Jesus. The parables of Jesus are far from quaint stories; they are stories that disclose another world, revealing the order, beauty, and goodness of the kingdom of God. This kingdom both challenges and inspires our present…
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Why does Jesus give us his Spirit? At the end of each Gospel, Jesus gives the Church instructions for their Spirit-filled mission. Matthew, Mark, Luke & John each provide a different angle on the mission of his people. We aren’t saved simply to gather; we‘re saved to “Go!”
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When I’m really anticipating a movie release, I get online and do some research on the director, actors, and plot. I try to avoid spoilers, but get enough basic knowledge so I can appreciate the film more when I see it. In a similar way, people who read the sermon text in advance often get…
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The Church is in desperate need of a reviving work of the Spirit. Without the Spirit we will not be fervent in prayer, holy in action, or bold in mission. Apart from engagement with the Spirit, we drift to information, chase experience, or ride the waves of emotion. Instead, the Spirit wants to center us in…
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In 2018, our church asked God for more. More of Christ, more of his mission, and a more robust church. We were challenged, through the faith of Joshua, to attempt things that require prayer. Many of us responded by filling out a card, writing down what we would attempt in 2018 that required prayer. What…
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During the 2018 Mens Retreat we considered what it looks like to grow into a godlier version of ourselves. Consider how you can take the next step with each of these five marks of maturity. 1. Lead Yourself A mature man is someone who first leads himself. He takes responsibility for his own faith and directs…
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Think of some of your favorite music, a party or workout playlist. What’s the playlist for? To get ready to celebrate, to prepare to party. In fact, listening to the playlist in advance, as we move around the room to our favorite beats, is a way to start the party early. Advent is a season, not just…
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POSITION PURPOSE: To come alongside City Life with a common passion and vision to: renew cities socially, spiritually, and culturally with the gospel of Jesus. In addition to possessing similar vision/values, philosophy of ministry and theology, this position will focus on missional community, ministry execution, and leadership development. We are open to various other giftings such…
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This Sunday we begin a new, monthly rhythm called Family Worship. Sunday after Sunday we gather as a church and segregate: adults over here, kids over there. As a result, we can lose appreciation and vision for our whole church family. We think its important that the whole church worship together. Here’s why. We want…
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