A Dash of Liturgy

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Ben Wiles

We just finished a Prayer Summit with Doug Small of Alive Ministries (check them out here). There is no way for me to write everything I took away from it in this space. We were blessed to see so many pastors and Christians from other church families join us for the event. And plans are being made for the next steps in our city. I’m in awe of Continue reading →

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Rapping the Nativity

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Ben Wiles

Who says the Anglican Church isn’t cool? Meet the Rev. Gavin Tyte, vicar of Uplyme and Axmouth churches – check out his nativity rap. (thanks to the Christian Post for sharing this).

 

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Song of Hope

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Ben Wiles

Yesterday we sang a song at church that stirs me every time. It’s called “Song of Hope” by the Robby Seay Band. The chorus says:

I will sing a song of hope
Sing along
God of heaven come down
Heaven come down
Just to know that You are near is enough
God of heaven come down, heaven come down

For me, this song is a powerful part of what God is saying to us Continue reading →

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My Spin on the Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays Debate

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Ben Wiles

Merry Christmas!

There I said it. Even though it’s officially not yet Christmas (still observing Advent) I’ll still offer that greeting to you with sincerity. Of course for some, the words “Merry Christmas” elicits cheers and affirmation, while some prefer what may be the more politically correct version of the greeting which is “Happy Holidays.” I’ve seen a lot of chatter about this issue in the social media space Continue reading →

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Waiting in Hope

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Ben Wiles

We have entered into what has quickly become one of my favorite times of the year – Advent. But I have to confess, I never really observed or even understood Advent as a young man growing up in a Pentecostal church. Don’t get me wrong, I love my heritage Continue reading →

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The Church and Politics – Additional Thoughts

Posted on November 20, 2011 by Ben Wiles

I’ve had some interesting conversations since my last post on Church and Politics (check that post out here). I thought it might be good for me to clarify a couple of things to make sure that I am not sending the wrong signal. So this post goes out to those who ask good questions, and even those who don’t read my blog (you know who you are. ;) )

First, let me say this – by no means am I implying that the church has no place on the political scene. On the contrary, I think there are very few – if any – issues that are not theological issues. The church should – MUST – speak to issues like Continue reading →

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The Church and Politics

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Ben Wiles

 When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.” (Joshua 5:13-14, ESV)

Facebook is an interesting thing. Privacy issues aside, it asks you to define yourself for the benefit of those that might be interested in being your “friend” (I’ll refrain from commenting here on what it means to be a “friend”).

One of the things Facebook asks you to tell about yourself is your political affiliation – Democrat, Republican, Liberal, Conservative, Libertarian, etc., etc. That made me pause – not because I don’t have a viewpoint on economic and social issues – but because I was being asked to identify myself as being completely aligned with a particular viewpoint. As a Christian, I don’t think I can do that. So I had to settle on a completely different option that Mark Zuckerberg didn’t allow for – “Kingdom of God.”

What I am about to say is quite possibly going to offend some people, but my disclaimer is that I will not play favorites on this matter. Continue reading →

Posted in church, General Stuff, transformation | 6 Comments

Snakes in the Camp

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Ben Wiles

I am reading right now through a Bible reading plan called “The Essential Jesus.” It is my desire to get to the source of who we are becoming as God’s people – temples of the Holy Spirit. It is necessary to understand who Jesus is, what He did, and what He is still doing.

So today, my reading was in Numbers 21:4-9. This is the episode in Israel’s history where they began to grumble and complain against God and Moses as they were headed Continue reading →

Posted in theology, transformation | 2 Comments

Out of My Head and Into My Heart

Posted on June 22, 2011 by Ben Wiles

Confession – I love to study and reflect.

For those that know me, I know that was a big shocker :) .  I am actually very interested in Pentecostal theology. It is something that started in me at General Assembly last year because of a comment made by Dr. Cheryl Bridges-Johns. I have been reading and studying and conversing and reflecting. But I have been seeking the Lord about some things lately and have come to realize something about myself. Continue reading →

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Church Diversity

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Ben Wiles

I will let this artist speak for me in this post. Unity and Diversity at the same time. What a (biblical) concept!

Diversity’s Symphony from Emanate Media, Samson Varughese on Vimeo.

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