Revisiting Leadership and Accountability: A Critical Look at Mark Driscoll’s Character
by Jody Burkeen on May 2nd, 2024
Mark Driscoll, former pastor of Mars Hill Church and now a leader at The Trinity Church in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been a polarizing figure in modern evangelical Christianity. His dynamic preaching style and straightforward approach to biblical interpretation have attracted many followers. However, Driscoll's ministry has also been marred by controversy, leading to serious discussions about past... Read More
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A Critical Examination of Michael Todd's Teachings
by Jody Burkeen on May 1st, 2024
Michael Todd, known for his dynamic preaching and the rapid growth of Transformation Church, has become a prominent figure in contemporary Christianity. While his approach has attracted a vast audience and revitalized the faith of many, it has also sparked debates concerning his theological interpretations and practices. His clips on social media seem to be on point, but after further investigatio... Read More
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Rethinking Spiritual Leadership: A Closer Look at Steven Furtick's Teachings
by Jody Burkeen on April 30th, 2024
What is a false teacher?False teachers are people who try to interpret the Bible in new ways, claiming that they have a "new Revelation" or a "new way to interpret scripture". They are often arrogant, ignorant of spiritual truth, and spend their time speculating in foolish ways. False teachers are usually popular and have followers, which can lead to the blaspheming of truth. They may come across... Read More
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The Importance of Biblical Forgiveness
by Jody Burkeen on April 23rd, 2024
The Importance of Biblical Forgiveness The concept of forgiveness is found at the heart of many religions and spiritual traditions. The Bible has much to say about forgiveness, and whatever one’s beliefs, those who study the subject or need help in their personal lives will find much to be drawn from the Bible’s teachings on and examples of forgiveness. In this blog, we will introduce this topic, ... Read More
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One Campaign: A Step to Deepen Your Walk with Jesus
by Jody Burkeen on April 9th, 2024
One Campaign: A Step to Deepen Your Walk with JesusIn a world of distractions and endless to-dos, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters in our spiritual journey. The One campaign encourages believers to focus on one simple, achievable action that can significantly deepen their walk with Jesus.Why One Thing MattersIn the biblical story of Mary and Martha, Jesus highlights the value of focus... Read More
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Embracing the Spirit for a Life of Peace: Reflections on Romans 8:6
by Jody Burkeen on March 13th, 2024
To live "in the flesh" is to be guided by our basest desires and instincts. It's a life that prioritizes materialism, self-gratification, and earthly pleasures. Read More
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We All Worship Differently
by Jody Burkeen on March 6th, 2024
Self-Sufficiency vs. Holy Spirit Sufficiency in Worship At its core, worship expresses reverence and adoration for God. For many, it is a deeply personal and spiritual experience that connects them with God. In our Christian faith, the concept of worship oscillates between two dynamics – self-sufficiency and Holy Spirit sufficiency. Let’s explore these two facets of worship and how they contrast a... Read More
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The Unity in Worship: A Reflection by Pastor Jody
by Jody Burkeen on February 25th, 2024
As a Pastor, I have always found a sense of fulfillment and joy in witnessing the unity of our church congregation during worship. Worship, in its purest form, transcends mere singing or gathering; it becomes a conduit for unity, a melting pot where diverse backgrounds, cultures, and personal stories blend into a wonderful symphony of faith and devotion.What strikes me the most during our worship ... Read More
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The Heart of Worship
by Jody Burkeen on February 21st, 2024
At its core, Christian worship is about acknowledging and honoring God’s supreme value and worth. It's not confined to songs or church services; worship is a lifestyle. It's in how we live, showing gratitude and obedience to God. Worship is our heartfelt response to God's incredible love and mercy. It's a dynamic interaction between the Divine, where we pour out our adoration and us, and God impar... Read More
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Beware of Wolves in Sheep's Clothing: Spotting False Teachers
by Jody Burkeen on February 14th, 2024
As we walk our faith journey, we often find ourselves navigating through a sea of diverse teachings and doctrines. But amidst these voices, how do we discern the truth? The danger of false teachers, subtle yet profound, lurks within our midst, sometimes unnoticed. How often has a charming new preacher arrived in town, captivating many with his eloquence, only to lead them astray with unscriptural ... Read More
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Biblical Approach to Accusations Of an Elder
by Jody Burkeen on February 13th, 2024
Today, I want to reflect on a verse that holds profound significance for our church life: 1 Timothy 5:19. This scripture offers vital guidance on how we view and interact with our church leaders, emphasizing the importance of accountability and respect within our church family. As we dive into this verse, I pray we open our hearts to the wisdom it imparts about leadership in our faith community.1 ... Read More
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Finding Unity in Our Church: A Reflection on John 10:10
by Jody Burkeen on February 12th, 2024
In the heart of every church community lies a fundamental need for unity. It's the glue that binds us together, allowing us to grow and thrive in our collective faith journey. However, like any family, a church is not immune to the trials of disunity. In reflecting on the Parable of the Good Shepherd, specifically verse John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that t... Read More
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Recent
My Prayer for Ignite Church: May We Never Become Inward Focused
July 27th, 2026
When Ministry and our Walk Becomes Work Instead of Worship
July 8th, 2026
A Legacy Worth Passing On
July 4th, 2026
Why I Still Believe Pastors and Elders Should Be Men
June 13th, 2026
Keep Christ at the Center
June 8th, 2026
Archive
2026
January
My Word for 2026: ConsecratedHoliness Is Who You Are, Not What You PerformThe Most Christlike Thing We Can DoForgiveness Without a LimitWhen the Church Forgets How to Be a Safe PlaceShoe Brands, Political Parties, and the Way We Treat PeopleTruth Over FearA Word to the Church About Politics, Absolutes, and Our Unity in ChristIs the Woke Church a Doctrinal Problem?Two Lives, Two FlamesA Time for Clarity: Guarding the Church from Repeating the Past
February
March
April
May
June
2025
March
Back to the BasicsThe Danger of Walking Away from the CrossWhen the Lukewarm Get UncomfortableThe Top 10 Reasons a Church DiesA Call To Be Set ApartPursuing Holiness – Part 2: What It Looks Like in Our Lives and the ChurchBack to the Basics: The Role of Discipleship for the Mature BelieverBack to the Basics: Worship Is a Lifestyle, Not a Sunday Morning ThingBack to the Basics: Returning to a Life That Reflects ChristThe Worst Thing That Ever Happened Was the Best Thing That Ever HappenedBack to the Basics: Giving Is a Lifestyle, Not Just a DonationThe Process of Church Discipline A Pastor’s Heart on Tithing: Let’s Return to Faithful Giving
April
Back to the Basics: Evangelism Isn’t OptionalFrom Head to Heart: Reading Scripture for Transformation, Not Just InformationMan Up and Lead – God's Design for the HomeHead in the Sand: The Danger of Ignoring HolinessGossip: A Spiritual Battle We Must FightLaziness and Complacency in a Christian’s Life: A Wake-Up Call for the Family, the Church, and the KingdomWe’re Here for You—In the Valleys and on the Mountaintops
May
Would You Come to Church With Me?” – The Simple Words That Could Change a LifeGrace: The Power to Do What He’s Called You to DoOur Love for Jesus Should Look Like Hate to OthersWhy Is It Only Offensive When You Talk About Jesus?The Dangers of Deconstructing Christianity as a Christ FollowerPerfected in Christ — Not Perfect YetBattling Depression with Scripture and Prayer: A Pastor’s Heartfelt EncouragementAltar or Stage? The Difference That Changes EverythingThis Hit Me Today: Don’t Just Listen—Live ItWe Live By DyingThe Altar: A Sacred Space for Encounter and Surrender
June
Pride: The Root of All SinThe Difference Between Continual Sin and Oops SinGod Doesn’t Care About Your Happiness—He Cares About Your ObedienceBack to the Basics: 4 Non-Negotiables in the Kingdom of GodConfronted by the Living WordQuitting Has Become the American Way — But Fruit Comes Through Faithful EnduranceTwo Seas, Two Lives: What the Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee Teach Us About DiscipleshipTrue Repentance: More Than Just Saying “Sorry”Why Do I Keep Running from God When I Know I Should Run Toward Him?If There Is Dust on Your Bible, There Is Dust on Your HeartWar or Murder? A Biblical Response to the Iran Conflict—and Why We Stand with IsraelChristianity Is Like a Rock TumblerThe Doctrine of Perfection: A Dangerous HeresyChristianity: Inclusive to All, Exclusive to Follow
July
True Friends: When Loyalty Is TestedTrue Freedom: Independence in ChristThe Less Truth You Know, the Easier It Will Be to Be Led AstrayWe Don’t Need Good Advice—We Need the Good NewsOne Generation Tolerates, The Next CelebratesTithing Again: Why It Still MattersMiracles and a Wicked Generation: Why God Doesn’t Perform to Prove HimselfIf You're a True Christian, Then You've Changed the Way You LiveThe Affair at the Coldplay Concert: When God Brings the Darkness to LightIt’s Hot… But Not That Hot, A Wake-Up Call from the HeatNo, the Gospel Is Not Woke—It’s RighteousFaith Is Spelled R-I-S-KWhat Is Grace, Really? Understanding the Unmerited Favor of GodPart 2: Grace in the Garden: The First Act of Redemption Tracing Grace Back to GenesisPart 3- Grace Through the Law: The Old Testament Isn’t Grace-Free
