Thomas Umstattd Jr.

Does Jesus Have Cancer? – Part 1

The problem with cancer is not that it causes harm (like a virus). The problem is that cancer cells do nothing. Cancer cells take resources from the body and give nothing back in return. They just grow and take the place of functioning cells. Soon there are so many cancer cells doing nothing that an entire organ can die causing death in the whole body. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells lack purpose....

Rob Bell Revealed

from the archive… False prophets don’t speak heresy. Not at first anyway. They build trust before leading unsuspecting people into error. Rob Bell has used his Nooma videos to become a household name and to get access to evangelical churches that would normally shield the flock from liberal humanistic theology. Last night Peter, Jonathen and I listened to God Wants to Save Christians Part...

Christmas Evangelism Boot Camp #3

It is here. CEBC #3 Registration is now open. Watch the CEBC promo on GodTube. This outreach will help you face your fears as you serve with other Christians who desire to “preach the gospel to all creation”.  If your commitment to Christ compels you to grow as a witness who serves effectively, inoffensively, and biblically then register today. For more info about the Christmas Evangelism...

Lost Silence

We bombard our brains with noise. As a young person I am now able to go through an entire day and never leave time for silence. But at what cost? It is in the quiet place that God speaks, where the conscience can be heard and secret things revealed. Silence allows us to think through difficult issues, sort out conflicting emotions and get right with God. Gaming, or media in general for that matter,...

My take on the gifts of the Spirit.

From the archive… Some are gifted at intercession, but we are all called to pray. Some are gifted at understanding the scriptures, but we are all called study the Word. Some are gifted at mercy, but we are all called to act with compassion. And some are gifted at evangelism, but we are all called to fulfill the great commission. Sharing the Gospel is just as essential as prayer and Bible study...

Spunk

Tap Tap Tap. A weak hand resounds against the shabby door as a feeble voice pleads. “Grant me justice from my enemies!” Pound Pound Pound. A strong hand thunders against the dark door in the dead of night. “Please, I must have bread for my friend, he has come from a long distance and is faint for want of food.” Ambition. It is the difference between those who are content to...

Heeding the Echoes of War

Every beat of a man’s heart pulses the desire for greatness. We long to take up our sword and join in the fray. Yet, the lives of most men don’t look like a grand battle. They look more like a game of put-put golf. We don’t realize the things we do have little impact on the world outside the miniature golf course.  The game is fun, but it lacks meaning. What has happened?  We...

The Adventures of Ultra Fasto Boy

From the archive. Here is the video we made for refuge a few months ago. If you have ever tried to fast this video is for you. Scott Cheek deserves the credit for all of the behind the scenes work as well as playing Jesus. Ultra Fasto-Boy is played by Jonathan Lees.

5 Steps to Master Any Skill

If perfectionism is not the answer what is? Skill. A man skilled in his work will stand before kings. Here are the 5 steps to master any skill. 5 Steps to Skill: 1. Study/Train Excellent people read everything they can about the task at hand. They listen to advice and ask questions. They take every opportunity to practice even if it means working without pay. They submit to the scoldings of a master....

4 Problems with Perfectionism

Why are skillful people rare? Because most of us fall pray to perfectionism. “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” -Proverbs 22:29 Every time I read this verse I think of Benjamin Franklin. In his autobiography he attests to the truth of this verse stating that he had stood before many kings and even had dinner with the king...