Awakening The Sleeping Giant

Has the North American Church Gotten It Wrong?  A Story of Awakening. For centuries, the North American church has largely followed a familiar pattern. Sunday services, Sunday school, midweek programs… the routine is deeply ingrained. But what if this well-worn path isn't the one we're meant to be on? What if, in our adherence to tradition, we've missed something vital? For many, the word "church" now evokes images of stuffiness, boredom, and stale religiosity. But the New Testament church was anything but! It was a vibrant, dynamic community of believers, deeply connected and actively living out their faith. So how do we bridge the gap? How do we recapture that original spark? I want to share a story about a church in New Jersey that's actively seeking to answer those very questions – and they're already seeing incredible results. For the past three weeks, this church has embarked on a journey of rediscovery, using Awakening The Sleeping Giant: A Guide to...

The Ten Commandments: Are They Still Relevant? The question of the Ten Commandments' relevance is more nuanced than it might initially appear. For years, Christians have championed their presence in public spaces like courthouses, schools, and even churches, often citing their moral significance. But have we ever stopped to ask why ? Is it simply about right and wrong, or is there something more to it? While the Ten Commandments certainly offer moral guidance, I want to challenge the idea that our primary focus as Christians should be on publicly displaying them or even reading them as a central tenet of our faith. This isn't about dismissing their value, but about understanding their proper place in light of what Jesus has done for us. Like many, I grew up learning the Ten Commandments in church. They were presented as a cornerstone of Christian living, a set of laws to adhere to. But this raises some important questions. Does this emphasis on the law truly align with the...

A secret gnaws, a truth I must confess, A spirit burdened, heavy with distress. The Word neglected, prayer a fading call, Where God would speak, I turn away from all.   A shock, perhaps, to those who know my name, Yet truth it is, in this deserted space. Not that I shun communion with the Lord, Nor fail to live as Christ implored, Nor shrink from sharing faith when chance arise, I strive, though flawed, to walk the path of Christ.   Then why this void, this desolate neglect? A fear resides, a message I expect. I weary of obedience, voice unheard, A lonely echo, every whispered word. Not from the world, but from the hallowed halls, The Church itself ignores the urgent calls. A truth revealed, of vast and vital weight, Unheeded, lost, a devastating fate. This very thought churns within my soul, A heavy burden taking its cruel toll.   My studies, teachings, feel like wasted breath, I seek no pity, but a plea for apathy's death.  Is this the bride? The love of Christ, fo...

The Complicated Simplicity of New Testament Community I've been wrestling with something lately: the disconnect between the ideal of the New Testament church and the reality of Christian community today. It seems so simple on paper – gather, fellowship, grow together. But in practice, it's proving to be surprisingly complicated. Where has the genuine desire for true community gone? It feels like so many gatherings today come with hidden agendas, unspoken expectations. Everyone's got something they want to get out of it, or they assume others do. And honestly, does every Christian gathering need to be a structured Bible study? Where's the space for just being together, for simply enjoying each other's company? Where's the community? It's disheartening to see so many Christians talking about wanting deeper connection, about wanting to grow in their faith, but then failing to put in the effort, especially if it requires any level of sacrifice or incon...

What Makes a True Christian Community?   It's More Than Just a Name "Community church." The name itself sounds warm and inviting, suggesting a close-knit group of people connected by faith. But in a world where "community" churches seem to pop up on every corner, it begs the question: are they truly living up to their name? The dictionary defines a community church as "an interdenominational or nondenominational church for community use..." But simply being in a community doesn't automatically make a church part of it, or foster a genuine sense of belonging. The sheer number of "community" churches in some areas suggests a different reality. Can a large church, where attendees can easily slip in and out unnoticed, truly be considered a community? The Oxford Dictionary offers a more insightful definition of community: "A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common," and "A...

  The Sleeping Giant: Is It Time to Wake Up? The Sleeping Giant is more than just a catchy phrase; it's a powerful idea, and it's about  you .  It's about the potential within each of us, and within the Church as a whole, to rise up from a state of apathy and embrace a life of purpose and power. The Sleeping Giant is... the Church! But not in the way you might be thinking. It's not about buildings or rituals. Those things can actually contribute to the "sleep." When we talk about the Church, we're talking about Ecclēsia – the people called out from the world and to God. It's the community of believers, the body of Christ. And right now, too much of that body is slumbering. The truth is, many Christians agree that the Church needs to wake up, but they're unsure of how, or worse, unwilling to do what it takes. I've seen two major roadblocks hindering this awakening: religion and cost. Religion: We've inherited a certain idea of what ...