Category Archives: Uncategorized

Living into Leadership

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Carl Simmons

Spiritual eldership is something lived and recognized, not something attained. That said, growing into eldership requires guidance. Bob Thune’s book helps potential elders—and potential leaders at any level, for that matter—to get some of that guidance and training, and in … Continue reading →

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All This Gettin’ Born….

Posted on April 14, 2016 by Carl Simmons

As I continue to ruminate on Bill Mallonee’s latest, it’s hard not to see it as a concept album of sorts, that concept being: Life is long. And hard. Now, before you say, “Well duh, it’s a Bill Mallonee album,” … Continue reading →

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Pick It Up—Put It On—Walk It Out: a small-group session

Posted on April 13, 2016 by Carl Simmons

For this session, you’ll need…. 1 old, beaten-up jacket and one new jacket, for every four to six people. The older and smellier your old jacket is, the better—but not so bad that people would get dirty just putting it … Continue reading →

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Repent and Believe… Simple, Right?

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Carl Simmons

There’s a number of things I really like about this book; there’s other things about it that are rather distracting/annoying (and which may or may not be the author’s fault). As such, it’s kind of the epitome of “three-and-a-half stars.” Whether … Continue reading →

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Walk It Out

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Carl Simmons

All of our lives, when lived rightly, are a journey into trust. A few days ago, I mentioned one prayer I’ve been repeatedly lifting up to God. In fact, there’s another particular prayer I’ve been praying for quite a while, … Continue reading →

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Put on Eternity

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Carl Simmons

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth… seeing … Continue reading →

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Put on Your New Self

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Carl Simmons

Whatever we truly do for God, it is Christ in us. Whatever holiness we have is not ours to take credit for, but Christ’s to be glorified with. Even then, it is not what Christ does, but who Christ is—and … Continue reading →

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Pick Up Your New Life

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Carl Simmons

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me … Continue reading →

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Pick Up Your Cross

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Carl Simmons

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake … Continue reading →

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Lay Down Your New Life — a small-group session

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Carl Simmons

For this session, you’ll need…. A small (or at least cheap), wrapped “re-gift” from/for everyone in your group. Note: If you have time, turn your opening experience into a full-blown “white elephant party.” Or do it as prescribed below. The … Continue reading →

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