Before sin entered the world, God entrusted man with the incredible responsibility of working and cultivating the land, simply put…get to work (Gen. 2). One chapter later man was tempted to see creation as better than Creator when Satan cleverly said ‘if you take this fruit you will be able to “see” what is good.’ It was the first attack on our soul with consumerism. Since then, it has been a continual, relentless attack.

The Western church has only aided the enemy’s attack on our souls and therefore halting the mission of God with consumerism.

Jen grew up in church going to camp every year. Wednesday night during her freshman year youth camp, she gave her life to Jesus. She was extremely happy, was baptized the following Sunday, started reading her bible, and went on every mission trip possible. After she graduated she went off to Texas State and began to enjoy college and freedom. She didn’t go to church, partied often, and really just enjoyed herself. When she came home for holidays she would tag-along with her parents to church but that was pretty much it. Jen graduated 2 years ago.

Is there anything better than a week in the mountains, toes in the sand, skiing on the lake, or exploring New York City? There is great value in saving money and days off all year just for a week or few days to get away from the routines of life, pressures of jobs, and any “have to” that lines our schedules. Getting away is a good thing, a great thing, and can even be a God thing.

Our church puts a major emphasis on doctrine, why?

Paul, in his first letter to young Timothy, says “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” He is encouraging and warning him that his doctrine and life are in direct correlation.

Our church puts a major emphasis on doctrine, why?

Paul, in his first letter to young Timothy, says “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” He is encouraging and warning him that his doctrine and life are in direct correlation.

There is no greater expression of the purpose and beauty of the church than baptism. The vivid depiction it displays of the forgiveness of sin from the cross and the gift of new life in Jesus!

My prayer is that Urban Hills never gets “used” to baptisms but that the celebration increases in number and affections. May we never grow weary or comfortable with hearing stories of Jesus saving people from the sins of morality, addiction, religion, idolatry, and self-obsession; but grow in affections for people being redeemed and getting on board with the Gospel.

Three days ago we celebrated the Truth that Jesus is alive. He defeated sin, death, hell, and Satan. For some that was a long three days ago and the junk of this life has already started pressing in.

We were excited from the hype and festivities but then life started on Monday and we already feel defeated. ‘Jesus is alive’ has become a great fact to us but not a Truth worth anchoring too.

May the words of this song stir up your affections for Jesus and push you towards the Truth that our Jesus is alive and brings much joy.

Over the last few weeks Tiffany and I have gone through many emotions, pains, and questions as seemingly another road to parenting closed. As I tried to lead both of us through this I found myself trying to manage/alleviate the pain or simply stating some theological quote of “God is in control” both of which didn’t help.

Adding to the confusion, most thoughts on emotional/spiritual/social healing is unhelpful at best and more often destructive. It far too often is “christianese” nuanced self-help or moralistic philosophicalism. It’s hardly rooted in the Gospel.

Today is a somber day. On Sunday we prayed for Said Musa, the former muslim whom Jesus redeemed and transformed by the power of the Gospel. However, living in our broken world the judge ordered him to be hanged in three days.

This is not just a prayer for Said Musa but for the entire persecuted church. For anyone who desires to know Jesus and live for Him but suffers and struggles in a country or family for the sake of the Gospel.

“Most foundationally, marriage is the doing of God. And ultimately, marriage is the display of God. It displays the covenant-keeping love between Christ and his people to the world in a way that no other event or institution does. Marriage, therefore, is not mainly about being in love. It’s mainly about telling the truth with our lives. And staying married is not about staying in love. It is about keeping covenant and putting the glory of Christ’s covenant-keeping love on display.”

From This Momentary Marriage by: John Piper