Monthly Archives: January 2015

For the Bride: Pivotal Passages–3

Posted on January 30, 2015 by Steve Harper

Today, I share those passages which have led me to advocate the process of holy conversation… –passages that refer to assemblies –Jesus’ conversations with his disciples –Acts 1:12–2:1 –Acts 2:42 ff –Acts 10:1–11:18; Acts 15 –Paul’s epistles as examples of … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: Hydration and Nutrition

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Steve Harper

I have never run a marathon, but I have a good friend and members of his family who have.  I have noticed two things in particular that teach me some things about spiritual formation. First, as they run, they take … Continue reading →

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Journey: The Orienting Center

Posted on January 26, 2015 by Steve Harper

Read: “Jesus the Teacher” We call it staying on message; that is, being so focused that all of our life tends toward a singular reality.  McLaren is spot on in showing how, no matter the time or form, Jesus’ one … Continue reading →

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For the Bride: Pivotal Passages–2

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Steve Harper

Today, I share some passages which have led me to advocate the practice of non-judgment… Ps 62:3-4 Ps 75:7. (and the host of related OT passages) Mt 7:1 Mk 9:42 Acts 10:28 Romans 2:1-5 Romans 14:10 1 Cor 4:5 2 … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: Are You Contemplative?

Posted on January 21, 2015 by Steve Harper

I find we often exhort folks to be a certain way or do a particular thing, but leave them with little or no idea about what we mean.  One of these is the invitation to “be contemplative.”  Of course, the … Continue reading →

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Journey: Liberating Stories

Posted on January 19, 2015 by Steve Harper

Read: “Significant and Wonderful” One of the things I like about Brian McLaren is his ability to take us beyond the paralysis of analysis.  I do believe in the miracle stories, because they do not seem too hard for the … Continue reading →

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For the Bride: Pivotal Passages–1

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Steve Harper

No matter where you stand on the agreement/disagreement spectrum relative to my book, it is essential for you to know that I have come to my position based on the revelation of Scripture. I have established my emphasis regarding love, … Continue reading →

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In-Sight: Return to Simplicity

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Steve Harper

When my grandmother became old, her appetite changed.  She stopped eating widely from the food pyramid and enjoyed having a PBJ sandwich.  In fact, she preferred it. My father and his sister responded as you would expect her children to … Continue reading →

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Journey: It’s All About Identity

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Steve Harper

Read: “Join the Adventure!” Most of my years in ordained ministry have been spent in a church committed to moving people from membership to discipleship.  God has blessed this effort enough for us to know we have been on the … Continue reading →

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For the Bride: Three Pillars

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Steve Harper

As we carry this theme into the new year, it has been nearly nine months since I wrote ‘For the Sake of the Bride: Restoring the Church to Her Intended Beauty.’  As I watch the conversations among Christians remain contentious, … Continue reading →

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Ministry Musings: It’s Official!

Posted on January 7, 2015 by Steve Harper

…at least that’s what Publishers’ Weekly said a few months ago, as they announced the creation of a new genre of literature: New Adult.  Essentially, it is an identifiable collection of writing that deals with key themes related to early … Continue reading →

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Journey: The Big Change

Posted on January 5, 2015 by Steve Harper

Read: “Jesus Coming of Age” Jesus and John the Baptist joined together in challenging people to “rethink everything” (repent).  Jesus asked his parents to do it when they found him in the Temple, and John did it when he baptized … Continue reading →

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For the Bride: On Break

Posted on January 2, 2015 by Steve Harper

This post resumes next Friday, January 9th.

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