The Fight for Joy (Not Criticism) in Worship

The tradition of worship in the church far exceeds any of us. Worship is historically rooted in the Bible. Many of the New Testament authors mention how we should sing “praise” with Psalms and hymns.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God” Acts 16:25

“addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart” Ephesians 5: 19

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3: 16

Its evident that worship is not something that was created to occupy time in church on a Sunday, or as something to make money off of in the record store (God uses both of those ways to reach His people).

The Only Way to World Peace

In September one of the NBA’s best defenders, Ron Artest, legally changed his name to Metta World Peace. Why? World Peace said, “Changing my name was meant to inspire and bring youth together all around the world.” One small (albeit bizarre) step toward a commendable goal. Artest’s name change brings up a perennial issue for college students: lasting world peace. In college I spent several years so disgusted by war that I decided to become a pacifist (though I’ve changed my views since then). Yet, I think the heart of many anti-war protestors, and conscientious objectors is good. Human life is so valuable that we must do everything in our power to protect it. Therefore, world peace is a great goal. But how do we get there?

Lost at sea without a map: Life of Pi

Can you imagine being shipwrecked, lost in the middle of the Pacific, and without a Map? On top of that, let’s say your only companion winds up being a 450 pound Bengal tiger. Yikes.  Meet Pi, the main character of Yann Martel’s fantasy fiction, Life of Pi.

It’s Never Too Late to Get Involved

It’s second semester. For some of you it’s your second semester of college; and for others, you’re celebrating that it’s your last. No matter which semester it is for you, it’s never too late to get involved! This is the perfect time to check out college ministry. Why? Here are a few reasons:

Why is being involved in a college ministry important?

I recently got back from Harmons, Jamaica with about 50 Greek students from Mizzou. It was an awesome week where I got to see Christ work in students’ lives in tremendous ways. It was a week where students on our team felt open and vulnerable to ask questions about their faith that they had never asked before; a week where people drew close to God, some for the first time. With all this said, it was also a week that caused me to reflect on how important it is to get plugged in to a college ministry.