Called to Worship - Issue #10 by Phil Mershon But King David replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing.” 1 Chronicles 21:24 If you've been a Christian for very long, you've probably …
Archives for August 2011
Approaching the Throne of Grace
Called to Worship - Issue #9 by Phil Mershon Hebrews 4:16 – Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. I spent two years in the marching band in high school. During one half-time show, I started getting …
The Twelve Steps of Grace
Called to Worship - Issue #8 by Phil Mershon Where are you more comfortable: in a 12-step group or at church? If your church is like most churches, you might find it very uncomfortable to say, "Hi, my name is Phil and I'm a ___________-aholic "(fill in your addiction). Jesus preferred to hang out …
Why are We Bored in Worship?
Called to Worship – Issue #7 by Phil Mershon I've been leading corporate worship for over three decades. I've joined a Kenyan congregation who joyously celebrated their riches in Christ, even though by all earthly standards they ranked among the poorest of the poor. I've also led in post-Christian …
Why Don’t We Pray?
Called to Worship - Issue #6 by Phil Mershon When you pray, how do you think about God and your relationship to Him? Do you see him as a distant ruler who only gets involved with the major issues of your life? Does he seem more like a watchmaker who started your life and is only needed when …
A Living Sacrifice
Called to Worship – Issue #5 by Phil Mershon I will never forget standing outside Mother Teresa's Home for the Dying and Destitute in Calcutta, India. We were there to see how she and the Missionaries of Charity cared for the dying and abandoned. Calcutta is the epitome of sensory overload. Over …
Worshipping Under Fire
Called to Worship – Issue #4 by Phil Mershon How do you respond when people attack you? If you were giving a heartfelt lecture or sermon, what would you do if the local leaders stopped you mid-sentence and threatened to kill you? Many Christian pastors today live in danger of imprisonment or …
Lasting Peace Through Ultimate Violence
Called to Worship - Issue #3 by Phil Mershon The most violent act in history brought the deepest peace and serenity known to man. Ponder this… Jesus walked the earth as a teacher, miracle-worker and friend of sinners, proclaiming the Kingdom of God in word and deed, yet was crucified for the …
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Called to Worship – The Great Reversal
Called to Worship – Issue #2 by Phil Mershon American evangelicals are largely guilty of exercising emotional Christianity. Our faith is often based more on how we feel about God, salvation or end times than what we believe. Stated so bluntly most of us would deny the charge. But if we look at …