ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 28, 2025 The author and speaker, Beth Moore, wrote about what it means to follow Jesus, specifically pointing out an important distinction one should make. She wrote, “Following the commands of Christ is not just about behavior. Behavior modification is not an end in itself in the New Testament. Transformation is about knowing the truth and the truth setting you free.” Most folks would probably
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 27, 2025 For strength and passion and resilience—these three I pray for this day. Holy One, I am not seeking strength for the purpose of bullying; I am not seeking passion to be an angry zealot; I am not seeking resilience simply to survive. I am praying for strength and passion and resilience that I might be faithful to the ways of Jesus in all
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 25, 2025 Tomorrow, we will conclude the worship series focusing on our Core Values, and specifically how they can help take us into 2026 and beyond. Each week, I have attempted to reference a rather traditional Christian idea (fellowship, hospitality, service, discipleship, and worship), yet add an edge to it. What I mean is that we too often become overly comfortable with an extraordinarily important
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 24, 2025 The things that sportscasters say never cease to amaze me. There are words that resonate for decades, like the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympic Games when ABC sportscaster Al Michaels said, “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” And then there is the sportscaster who said the other day, “They only gave 110%, when they needed to give 120%.” What!?! I’m sure the implication
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 23, 2025 Where will Cypress Creek Christian Church be in twenty years? I am not a soothsayer of all things, not even church things. And my faith, unlike others, does not necessarily believe that if you say something in faith, then God will make it come true. At the same time, I’m certain a church will go nowhere if it doesn’t paint a picture of
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 22, 2025 Many of you heard the announcement on Sunday, but in case you did not, let me share the exciting news. A family in the church has agreed to give an additional gift, enough that will allow CCCC to hire a full-time ordained minister to give leadership to Family Ministry, with an emphasis on Youth Ministry. This is beyond exciting! The people I currently
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 20, 2025 Prayer for the Week: O Triune God, enfleshed in the one who was both/and, we thank you for the beautiful and amazing diversity found in this world, of which every person is deemed one of your beloved. Provide us with the capacity to see your image in every individual, without exception or condition. Push us beyond simple tolerance when it comes to diversity,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 19, 2025 I want to use this Etching to offer a big and broad THANK YOU! Yesterday, we had one of the biggest memorial services we’ve hosted at Cypress Creek Christian Church since my arrival. The Centrum was full, but even more challenging was that it was a memorial service for a very young man. As much as one tries to be professional, making sure
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 18, 2025 What does it mean for Cypress Creek Christian Church to take a step in faith? What does it mean to look at who we are, the God-given gifts we have, and the context in which we find ourselves, and then ask what it means to be faithful in this moment? And of course, faithfulness is rarely sitting still and choosing to maintain. Faithfulness
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS October 17, 2025 In the opening chapter of Mark’s Gospel, right after Jesus declared how the Kin(g)dom of God had come near, he turned his attention to calling disciples. We read in vs. 17-18, “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Like any good teacher, Jesus required students. To be