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It’s hard for me to believe this is still going on.     I’m writing this during a break while attending a conference in Chicago on human trafficking and forced labor/sex slavery in Cook County. I knew it was happening in other parts of the world, and I’d heard that it is here in the states, but I’m shocked as to the degree of the problem right here in our backyard. It’s quite an eye-opening experience to hear an African American speak passionately about the problem of slavery

Last Saturday, Linda and I, along with Erica and Brock, made the short trip to Starved Rock on the Illinois River. Besides a lot of Indian legends and French explorer/trader stories, the place is known for its habitat of Bald Eagles. They nest in the high trees atop rocky cliffs along the river. There is something inspirational about seeing eagles in the wild. Seeing them on top of their nests is an extra thrill.     But while I’ve seen eagles’ nests in the wild from below, I

Lots of disturbing things on the news this week. It’s hard to read the paper, follow online headlines, or watch the evening news. At least this week it was.     There is the whole middle east thing going on, now in several countries. More and more, groups that hate Christianity and want to exterminate Jews are gaining power in their respective countries. There was the suicide bomber in Bulgaria who blew up a bus full of Jewish teenagers. Many of us have been praying for the t

Mark Twain said, “All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure."     What? When does knowledge get in the way of success?     Well, obviously, Twain as a satirist, wasn’t speaking of real and/or complete knowledge on any given subject. He was talking about having confidence and not knowing the things that might keep you from launching out into an endeavor, as well as thinking that you know so much that you are unable to learn what you will need

In our Life Apps series at this summer, we are taking questions via texting and answering them with a panel. Because we could not get to all of the questions this last week, I am blogging to respond to some of the submitted questions that were not addressed in the service. Last week's message was, "Good Sex, Bad Sex," and it helped with a Biblical understanding on the subject. You can watch the sermon and panel here . Below is one more question we weren't able

In our Life Apps series at this summer, we are taking questions via texting and answering them with a panel. Because we could not get to all of the questions this last week, I am blogging to respond to some of the submitted questions that were not addressed in the service. Last week's message was, "Good Sex, Bad Sex" and it helped gain a Biblical understanding on the subject. You can watch the sermon and panel here .     The term comes from Hebrews 13:4 – (ESV).

Five years ago today I was installed as the Lead Pastor at Des Plaines Bible Church, now, The Bridge. The installation service began with it’s typical worship sequence with Doug Daube leading. Then, our elder chairman, Scott Olson, asked me a series of four questions in front of the congregation of which I answered, “I do with the help of God,” or “I will with the help of God.” I meant it.     Following my commitments, the congregation was in turn asked similar questions and

In our Life Apps series at The Bridge this summer, we are taking questions via texting and answering them with a panel. Because we could not get to all of the questions this last week, I am blogging all week to respond to some of the submitted questions that were not addressed in the service     Temptation to overspend on the internet is similar to temptations to overspend in other ways. When we give in to any temptation repeatedly, the activity becomes a habit and in

I think its really important that couples come to a place of agreement on their giving. Often, this kind of disagreement comes when one is a committed Christian and involved in the church, and the spouse is not. We wouldn’t expect a non-Christian or someone who does not regularly attend our church to give towards its ministries. Your spouse might be thinking that this is your thing but not theirs, but its taking money from the family budget.      My suggestion would be to pra

It’s not really accurate to say that our Federal and state taxes are similar to the Old Testament tithe. Most of our taxes, while we may not agree how all of the money is spent or with the efficiency of its use, goes towards benefits and services that we receive ourselves. For example, we drive on the roads that are built and maintained by our tax dollars. We enjoy security afforded by police and fire, as well as the nation’s military. Only 13% of our federal tax dollars are

I couldn’t even tell you how many times I’ve been asked something like, “Before we go after more people, shouldn’t we take better care of who we have?”     I think it’s an honest question, but in my humble opinion, it is fed by the devil himself. I really mean that. At the least, it betrays a complete misunderstanding of what it means to be in the Body of Christ.  Everything in the Bible about the church tells us that the church was put here to spread the Gospel to lost peopl

“Pastor, I miss the old days when we knew everyone at church. I’m glad for the people getting saved, but we’re getting too big. Last week I met some people at a school function and found out they go to our church. I didn’t even know them!”     That was part of just one conversation I’ve had over the years with concerned church members over the changing atmosphere of the church as it grows. I’ve had many over the years in two different churches.     I usually respond with an i