This photo was taken by Greg Blosser a friend who pastors Grace Central Presbyterian Church in the Short North. The sign is in front of Maple Grove United Methodist Church a few blocks from our home and every time I drive by it makes me shake my head. I won’t elaborate on the obvious motive [...]
Facebook was abuzz with Jefferson Bethke’s video Why I Hate Religion But Love Jesus. Now, I appreciate and applaud the core of Jefferson’s message which really contrasts Jesus’ message (the gospel) with religion (works based righteousness). Heck, I’m preaching this Sunday in Mark 2-3 about true religiosity. However, in this discussion it’s important to understand what [...]
Who is this Man from Jay O'Brien on Vimeo.
I am a major proponent of the idea that church is not a building, or a vender of some religious services or goods. Rather, church is a body of people on mission with God. And although I have a deep concern for what goes on at our worship gatherings on Sunday mornings, as the Missional [...]
Jesus calls his people to be a “city on a hill.” Being a “city on a hill” doesn’t mean we separate ourselves and simply shout gospel truths to those outside the gates. Rather, Jesus is saying we should be a community that communicates and reflects God’s love found in the gospel. That’s why at Scarlet [...]
In 2008 then candidate Barack Obama ran on hope and change. He understood that everyone longed for something different. We see this desire expressed in our lives through diet programs, workout routines, job applications, home purchases, and financial investments. Each are an expression of how we want things to be different. Of course, none of [...]
Tuesday was a very painful and yet grace filled day. Gabe, Monica, their family and close friends experienced a whole range of emotions. We cried together, sat in silence, and shared favorite stories of Deacon. We also felt a measure of comfort and peace knowing that thousands of brothers and sisters in the Lord were [...]
Every Monday morning Jay and I meet at a coffee shop to pray, review the previous week and plan for what is ahead. Several months ago we decided that we would meet at the same coffee shop each week and get to know the regulars and the staff. Our hope is to utilize that time [...]
The key elements of Scarlet City Church are Gospel, Community, Mission, Life Transformation & City Renewal. We believe that these elements of our faith transcend time and culture. And when we think about mission we think both locally and globally. Even as we are preparing to start a new church in Columbus we are simultaneously [...]
Ephesians 4:11-16 “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the [...]