Without the incarnation, Christianity isn’t even a very good story, and most sadly, it means nothing. “Be nice to one another” is not a message that can give my life meaning, assure me of love beyond brokenness, and break open… — Michael Spencer Copy Share Image
“Behind the Jesus Is Here sign, Jesus is used as a symbol to approve what we already are, to bless what we are already… — Michael Spencer Copy Share Image
“Jesus seems completely aware that in coming to him, we will leave other things behind, and that aspect of being involved with Jesus never… — Michael Spencer Copy Share Image
“The things you are certain of at age twenty-five lose a lot of luster by age forty, and even more by age fifty. As you follow God and hear from him and watch him work—and also watch him choose not to speak and act—the greater the chances that your early conception of him will be hidden in shadow. Over time,… — Michael Spencer Copy Share
“Jesus never asked me to give to an organization the kind of exclusive devotion he demands from his disciples. Over and over, Jesus calls… — Michael Spencer Copy Share Image
“Behind the Jesus Is Here sign are too many narcissistic competitors in what has rightly been called “the worship wars,” a consumerist competition to… — Michael Spencer Copy Share Image
Without the incarnation, Christianity isn’t even a very good story, and most sadly, it means nothing. “Be nice to one another” is not a… — Michael Spencer Copy Share Image
“The standard practice of preachers linking God’s work so closely to church programs and priorities had a devastating effect on Christians who gave up on the church. For them, leaving the church meant leaving Jesus behind in the church. God was so closely linked to the building that it seemed he was the property of the congregation. The church acted… — Michael Spencer Copy Share
“Behind the Jesus Is Here sign is a health, wealth, and prosperity “gospel” that removes God from the status of sovereign Lord and turns him into a convenient vending machine. Insert a prayer in the slot, pull the lever, and get a great life now. This type of thinking is big among Christians, but it shows very little respect for… — Michael Spencer Copy Share
“...the incarnation is the complete refutation of every human system and institution that claims to control, possess, and distribute God. Whatever any church or religious leader may claim in regard to their particular access to God or control over your experience of God, the incarnation is the last word: God loves the world. God came into the world in the… — Michael Spencer Copy Share
“Jesus-shaped spirituality hears Jesus say "believe and repent," but the call that resonates most closely in the heart of a disciple is "follow me." The command to follow requires that we take a daily journey in the company of other students. It demands that we be lifelong learners and that we commit to constant growth in spiritual maturity. Discipleship is… — Michael Spencer Copy Share
“The largest church in the United States is pastored by a motivational speaker who tells his audiences how to improve their lives with a positive attitude and relentless efforts to be nice. His best-selling book tells readers how to have their best life now, with “the best” presented in unashamedly consumer-friendly, all-American terms. From getting a new house to finding… — Michael Spencer Copy Share
“... the powerful changes that happen in the life of a disciple never come from the disciple working hard at doing anything. They come… — Michael Spencer Copy Share Image
