Savedthroughfaith.com

Recently, I was speaking with a friend who is a missionary to the Dominican Republic. At some point during our conversation I asked him about any particularly discouraging aspects of his ministry. His answer surprised me. He confessed that the most discouraging aspect of ministry in his region is the other missionaries. He went on to describe in detail how so many western churches send people to the island for mission work but in reality they ar...

There’s a new book out entitled Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How to Reverse It) by Robert Lupton. I haven’t read the book (I do plan on reading it as I think this is a very important topic)  so I’m not really sure where Lupton is going, but he’s already creating some controversy. Apparently he’s in favor of seeing sweeping changes when it comes to American charitable giving. Th...

For years now at Cross Point we’ve loved partnering with a super special organization in Nashville called Preston Taylor Ministries. Preston Taylor kids attend after school programs at three different sites where they receive tutoring, learn about faith in Jesus, and grow relationships with each other and the amazing leaders that pour into them week after week. Statistics are not good for these inner city kids. The chance that they’l...

    I’m really excited to tell you about a new movie premiering this October. It’s called 58 and it’s  the inspiring true story of the global Church in action. Witness bravery and determined faith in a journey from the slums of Kenya to the streets of New York. Confront the brutality of extreme poverty and meet those who live out the True Fast of Isaiah 58 and create stunning new possibilities for the future. Tr...

Christians have a responsibility to strike an admittedly difficult balance in this world. We are called to be faithful missionaries without being repulsive and obnoxious. This is a tough note to hit because the message itself is offensive, people (by in large) don’t want to hear it, and frankly– we are sinners. This is why I take notice when I see a guy being faithful, compelling, and attractive. Here in Nebraska, football is king. T...

What would life really look like if we lived our OPUS?  If you cast aside what hindered you and dedicated your life to your greatest calling?  What kind of impact would you have?  What would happen to your sense of fulfillment? I want you to meet Kevin and Christina Quist.  Two people who are pursuing their OPUS. How did you discover your OPUS? We lived a fairly normal American life.  We were both teachers, have 5 children, go to lots...

Did you know there are close to three million prisoners in the United States right now and that population is growing at a compounded rate of well over 2 percent a year? What will the future bring? Introducing God Behind Bars This ministry is the real deal and if you’ve been looking for something to support, get involved with or pray for, you definitely want to check this out. God’s prompting of the founder, Jake Bodine, and the skyrock...

I’m a stats freak.  I love them even though I, ironically, almost failed my “statistics” class in college which was required for my Sociology minor (but I digress). My new addiction, thanks to Blake Bergstrom, is Geo Hive. This site is full of interesting international statistics like the following graph… I’ve blogged a lot about our ministry in India but this one simple graph explains why I think it’s so imp...

Someone asked me recently what part missions plays at our church, Cross Point. It didn’t take me more than a moment to respond. I don’t believe missions should be a program in the church. I believe missions IS the church. This past Saturday over 700 volunteers showed up for Serving Saturday, a regular opportunity we offer as a way to get out into the community of Nashville and serve the surrounding ministries, schools, churches and or...

I rarely talk about money.  In fact, I can't remember the last time I posted on the issue.  I know that money is an important issue to many in the Church as pastors, evangelists, etc. often beg for money as they need the support to survive!  Jesus talked much about money but I believe this was an issue of idolatry, trying to get people focused on serving the one true God and not the god of money (see Matthew 6:24 NKJV). However, I ...