Sterling Griggs

I recently had a conversation with a good friend who is in the midst of leading his family into a new direction when it comes to church. They had been actively involved in another church ministry for many years, yet there were some issues within the church which led them to believe it was time to find another body of Christ in which to plug into and serve. Some may balk at this idea, feeling that one must simply stay the course and ride out the rough times where you are, but life and ministry aren't always so cut and dry. When God leads, we follow, and that is what my friend is striving to do. Recently they chose to attend a newer church plant that has been successful in reaching across ethical and socioeconomic backgrounds. If the website for this church was correct, they possessed a vision for the gospel and the community that totally jibed with my friend and his family, so they were excited to attend the next Sunday morning. Upon arrival they were impressed with the organizat...

With summer soon upon us, I can't help but get a little bit giddy with anticipation when I think about all the fun activities that the warm weather brings with it. More daylight means more time outdoors and the smell of meat on the grill will soon be an everyday occurrence. Now that my family has relocated to the coast, the sounds of boats are filling the air, salty breezes are a bit more salty, and the ocean seems to be taking on a new life. Summer brings with it family traditions and rituals that I've enjoyed since I was a kid such as trips to the beach, going to the pool, drinking sweet tea on the porch at sunset, and spending more time with friends and neighbors. Traditions can be really good things. In fact, if it were not for the traditions passed down to us from previous generations, much of our cultural heritage would be lost. There is a certain level of appreciation that can be garnered from looking to the past. How could man survive without college football tailgate...

What are you supposed to do after the greatest day in the history of the world? When I was younger, I would debate within myself which day was more important to Christianity - Christmas or Easter. Christmas was certainly more eventful and the buildup was pretty intense, especially on the economic side of things. Imagine if proceeds from all Christmas sales went to fund mission opportunities! Beyond all the trivial hoopla, I knew that Jesus coming to the earth as God in the flesh was huge, yet I could not get over the magnitude of the resurrection. And I still can't. Christ's crucifixion was a brutal event, prolonged by a public beating and flesh tearing flogging. He hung on that tree for several hours before succumbing to death. Movies and books focus on these horrific events and well they should, for this sacrifice is almost too incredible to even process. Yet when it comes to the resurrection, so little space is devoted to it. The empty tomb symbolizes the greatest victory ...