Imagine an ancient public toilet…over 2,000 years ago. It’s basically a permanent, outdoor port-a-potty. There was a bucket that you’d sit on, maybe a wall on each side, and a hollow or open area beneath the floor of the bucket where all the human excrement landed. The higher class person would pay to sit on …
Hey Oasis! The election is just a couple of weeks away. So far it has been a multi billion dollar event…over $11 billion dollars, actually. The news coverage is frantic, the gossip is all consuming, the speculation is unending. Some people are using their Facebook accounts to lobby for the affirmation of their specific candidate …
“It’s hard to find an authentic pastor.” I’ll never forget saying this after finally meeting my celebrity man crush. When I was fresh out of college I attended the church of this mega pastor who I had a mega obsession with. I had these preconceived ideas of how cool he was and how incredible it …
I have never been “exceptional” at anything. Not academics, sports, church, performing arts, music, writing, clowning, or whatever… I’ve learned that talent might get you noticed, but TENACITY gets you wins. Dive on the ball, practice, show up, take risks, put yourself out there. Sometimes you don’t have to be the best, you just have …
#1- You are replaceable. There are other people who can do your job as good as or better than you. Don’t think too highly of yourself. #2- They say it’s lonely at the top. Don’t be the “top,” stay humble and lowly, there’s more community there. Humble yourself. #3- You cannot fix everything. Only Jesus …
I’m ready for this presidential election to be over, ASAP! (can I get an amen?) I think I already know who I am going to vote for (still considering Mickey Mouse) and I’m sure you have already made your decision as well. But, sadly, we are gonna have to sit here ’til Christmas and watch …
Hey Oasis! Wow, the summer has flown by, and here we are starting a new school year! I have been praying regularly for all of our teachers as you navigate the changes in your world. I hope you know you are loved and supported by Oasis! I’ve also been praying for those of you with kids …
Heres a little history lesson. If we followed the branches of Christianity all the way back to its earliest roots, we’d end at a guy name Abraham. Old Abe didn’t set out with the intention of starting an entire religion, he was just a dude in a t-shirt who was chosen and blessed by God. …
So you grew up in church and have a “religious background”? So what! Does that really even matter? Yes, on the one hand, there is value in a decent upbringing, especially if you grew up surrounded by people who sincerely love God and want to know Him. But on the other hand, you were probably …
This is not a PC statementIt’s a BC statement “Because of Christ.” He paid for it. And this will not be easy for us. It will require intentionality & effort. It’s much easier to become a homogeneous unit filled with people who look alike in the same stage of life. It’s easier to build a …
Today I have the privilege of officiating a wedding & a funeral on the same day…and no, it’s not the same person I can remember a time in ministry when I thought, “I don’t want to do weddings or funerals, i don’t wanna visit hospitals, I don’t wanna…etc”I just wanted to preach. I wanted affirmation …
The system is broken because people are broken. We can come to the table and agree on a broken system, but can we come to the table and agree on a broken humanity? I’m sitting in the safe bubble of my social identity, finding refuge in people who are just like me, pointing fingers at …
Jesus wasn’t a peace keeper, he was a peace maker. How did he make peace? By LAYING DOWN his life. He didn’t carry a 1st century weapon He didn’t embrace the value of “pride” He didn’t vilify his enemies, he LOVED them He didn’t push for a new economic system, he created a new way …
I don’t see it as a “job” or a burden, I see it as a privilege. Also, I don’t get it right all the time, and sometimes I absolutely blow it.Every year (usually in the beginning of each new year) I ask the people of Oasis for PERMISSION to be their pastor. I truly consider …
Hey friends, YES, our culture and country is literally spiraling downward. It’s obvious. You can see it in your feed, you can see it all over the news, and if you cannot see it, it’s because you aren’t looking. But if any of you think that you have the right to look down your nose …
Hey everyone, I just wanted to take a moment and introduce myself. My name is Bill, and I am a slave to Jesus Christ. Yes I said slave. What I mean is, I’ve devoted my entire life to Him and I am on a specific assignment from him. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to …
Lots of different people call themselves “christian,” but they don’t always see eye to eye on social issues. Just because someone doesn’t see things the way you do, doesn’t mean you should unfriend them or alienate them in some way. You should still welcome conversation with them and find ways to be unified. Perhaps some …
I read these 3 over the last 2 years, and they were great the first time around, but I’ve decided to read them again this fall. Something in me resonates deeply with the passion of these authors and their desire to move forward in spite of difficulty or obstacles. #1 – Andy Stanley’s “Irresistible” – …
#1 – I believe the potential for Oasis Church to do good and make an impact in our community is greater than it has ever been. #HereForGood #2 – I believe that the FOUNDATION of this desire to do good and make an impact in our community has to be the GOSPEL…any other foundation is …
The book of Revelation describes Jesus as the “ruler of the Kings of the world” This means He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He rules over every aspect of society: He is Lord over theThe Whitehouse, Congress, The Supreme Court… even our local Town Hall. He is King over CNN, …