Monthly Archives: April 2011

Third Time’s the Charm

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Carl Simmons

James Bryan Smith. The Good and Beautiful Community: Following the Spirit, Extending Grace, Demonstrating Love. Hardcover, 240p., $22.00. IVP. I have to confess: For all the buzz and provenance surrounding them (Richard Foster and Dallas Willard, the latter more or … Continue reading →

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What Wou… DID Jesus Do?

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Theology is a tricky thing. At the genuine heart of it is the intent is to make deeper sense of who God is, and to articulate it in such a way that everyone gets it and everyone’s on the same … Continue reading →

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So, You Want to Grow a Christian…

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Since this weekly entry—really, this entire blog—is about helping other Christians grow, let’s start this week by reflecting on our own journeys so far. Think about a time where you experienced a huge “growth spurt” in your life. If you … Continue reading →

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Obedience: a rough fragment for Good Friday

Posted on April 22, 2011 by Carl Simmons

I am becoming increasingly convinced, as I get older,  that God does not demand our obedience simply because it honors Him. That is, of course, a true and healthy reason to do it. And I wouldn’t even put up an … Continue reading →

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I Get by… Other Voices, Part 1

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Carl Simmons

This first entry of Other Voices (explained here) is simple: Take a look to your lower right. Scroll down a little. See all those people? They represent friends and influences, of all kinds. We’ve got men’s ministries, women’s ministries, small-group … Continue reading →

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How Did We Get Here, and Where Are We Going?

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Every Christian has a testimony, a faith story — an account of how he or she first encountered Jesus, how that encounter changed everything, and how each new encounter with Jesus keeps changing everything. So take some time to reflect … Continue reading →

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Let’s Begin

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Just what the world needs — another blogging, tweeting, Facebooking, socially networking self-promoter. And believe me, just reading that sentence would be enough to paralyze anyone with a degree of common sense. So why am I here writing to you … Continue reading →

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