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Disciple SeriesWhen Christianity first began it was known the Way (Acts 19:6; 19:32; 22:4; 24:14) until later the term 'Christian' was used to make fun of early believer's calling them 'little Christ's.' Those early followers of Christ embraced the term and now to this day those who believe in God and trust in the saving work of Jesus Christ call themselves Christians (little Christ's). However, is it true? Is it true that all Christians look like little versions of Christ? You may be saying, 'That's... More Architectural Theology Part 3As I revealed in Architectural Theology Part 2 I believe the future of church architecture will be missional. I also noted that we’re already seeing these missional trends in urban centers and I expect as everything else (music, fashion, trends...) what begins in the center will flow out to the suburbs in the next few years. However, before I can address missional architecture I have to address the word missional. I had never thought of it but for some the word missional has a bad connotation... More Architectural Theology Part 2: HistoricalHistory always shapes theology for better or worse…Last blog post I dealt with what little knowledge we have from Scripture to build a possible scope for biblical theology regarding Architecture. History also holds some lessons for us in regards to this scope. In fact many popular theologians (Calvin & Luther) had strong opinions about Architecture leading to much debate within the church; I guess some things never change! JEWISH TEMPLE 33 AD – 70 AD The first church building was Herod’s... More PRAY THROUGH THE NIGHT44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation." Luke 22:44-46 This year to help prepare our hearts for Easter First Anna is embracing some of an ancient Church tradition called Holy Thursday. This tradition dates back to 353... More Architectural Theology Part 1: BiblicalAs First Baptist Anna ventures into a new season of rebuilding our worship center. I have been asking myself a lot of questions about buildings. Some are very practical others are more theological. Some of these questions cause me to reach into Scripture, history or my philosophy of ministry to find answers. I thought it would be interesting for some of you to read about the role these three theological viewpoints support my views about Church Architecture primarily worship space. Let me begin... More Church Membership: Why, What & How?The other day I spent some time with a man in our church who has been a member of First Anna for 70 years of his 97 years of life. He joined First Anna when he was 27 years old and never left. Based on the average pastor tenure of First Anna since he has been a church member he has gone through 28 different pastors and at least 2 church splits! That’s impressive! Not many people are that committed to a church and a community. When you talk to him you can tell this man’s legacy is wrapped up in... More
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