Greg Stories
A collection of Greg's written stories and teachings
for learning, leadership, and personal growth.
God, You Want Me To Do What?
How does tithing hit new Christians? What if it wasn’t just about rules but about freedom? Discover how giving a tithe renews the mind, reshapes priorities, builds trust in God’s provision, and shifts our perspective from temporary gains to eternal impact. Explore the ancient, faith-stretching practice of biblical stewardship in this article/video!
Anyone Who Keeps On Sinning - 1 John 3:4-9
What shapes your understanding of sin? Have your views changed through theology or life experiences? This article and video briefly explore four perspectives on sin—Catholic, Calvinist, Holiness, and even atheism—while cutting through debates to focus on the application of 1 John 3:4-9. Discover what John means by "Anyone who continues in sin..."
Antichrist Warning
What if the Antichrist isn’t just some future villain, but influences and teachers already at work in our world today? Are we too busy looking for the wrong things? John’s message in 1 John 2 reminds us to focus on what’s right in front of us. Join us as we explore how to live with hope, stay grounded in the true gospel, and resist the subtle ways our faith is challenged in everyday life.
Guinea Pigs, Fake Money, and False Teachings
Would you know if you were eating imitation guinea pig? How about if you consumed false teachings? In 2 Peter, believers are warned about deceptive teachings that twist Scripture, appeal to sinful desires, and undermine Christ's authority. Christians must discern truth from error to stay grounded in their faith. Learn the signs and remain vigilant.
Chopsticks and Beyond
Do you know how to play Chopsticks? And beyond that—a couple of songs? Or have you truly mastered the piano? In 2 Peter 1:1-21, knowing the basics is insufficient—actual growth requires continuous effort, practice, and dedication. Don’t settle for spiritual stagnation; keep growing in your faith to experience the fullness of life in Christ. Discover the difference between dabbling and dedication.
Respect Everyone!?
They don’t deserve your respect until they earn it! Have you ever said that? Discover what respect truly means through the lens of 1 Peter. From Rodney Dangerfield’s classic humor to the deep challenges posed by early Christian teachings, this article explores how Christ-like respect challenges societal norms, and calls us to see the image of God in every person, even in the toughest situations.
Scattered! 1 Peter 1:3-7
Do you really need the message of Peter in his two letters? Or is reading them just a chance to nod along, celebrating doctrines you already hold dear? All that talk about harassment, job loss, getting booted from your social circle at work or school—does that even hit close to home? Did your life and faith last month look more like those followers of Jesus who stayed comfortable in Jerusalem, never forced to flee? Or do you find yourself more in step with the scattered ones throughout Asia Minor, those who were thirsty for Peter’s words—people who knew what it meant to be ostracized, to stand on the outside of Rome’s popular culture, clinging to the hope those letters carried?
How Do We Handle Relationship Crises?
These moments of relationship upheaval are when the church family's role becomes more crucial than ever. But how do we navigate this delicate terrain as a church? How do we avoid overwhelming people with our assistance? How do we reach out without them feeling like we are intruding in their business? How can we offer just the right amount of care and support without causing them to withdraw from the church community during their time of need?
So, how do we create a safety net that supports without smothering? Let me share what I've developed over my 25 years of pastoral ministry and the culture of care we aim to continue propagating at Newstart.
Cleaning FEET
Are you, like the disciples, shocked and confused by the call of Jesus to serve selflessly? Are you stuck in the mindset of “I don’t have enough time”? Is your schedule packed with things that build your own life but leave little room for serving? What can you clear out to make space for acts of kindness and opportunities to share Jesus? Are you holding on to an attitude of self-preservation, worried about giving too much? How can you step out in faith and trust that God will provide? What will it look like for you to embrace a life of selfless serving?
He Died Unnecessarily At 25
We knew rescue wouldn't come before daylight, still 12 hours away. Rick and I lay in our down bags, feeling the relentless, bitterly cold wind battering our tent. We knew all too well the fate awaiting the young climber—alive and conscious like us but trapped at the bottom of a crevasse.
God Works In Mysterious Ways?
"God works in mysterious ways." Jesus never said it, and it's not in the Bible. How do we use this phrase to avoid personal responsibility and as a spiritual pacifier in times of tragedy? Explore its deeper implications and discover why we hide behind these words during tough times. Unpack the true message of faith in God from Isaiah 55:8-9 and understand the fundamental role of faith in challenging times in this insightful article/video.
I Just Want You To Be Happy
In American vernacular, "happy" refers to that fleeting feeling based on current circumstances. It’s the chase after that chemical dump: Ice Cream, wins, influxes of wealth, sexual escapades, promotions, and entertainment, just to name a few. In the Bible, however, happiness is deeper, aligning with being "blessed" or experiencing lasting "joy" that isn't dependent on external factors. John 16:16-24
Generational Faith
There is an insidious notion in our secular culture that says, "If you teach your kids your beliefs and encourage them to adopt them, you are indoctrinating them and hindering their ability to discover their own truth.” We want our faith in Jesus to be lived out by our children, yet this cultural narrative is constantly warning us against influencing our children with our Christian beliefs. We find ourselves navigating these waters, wanting to share our faith without alienating those around us or being perceived as religious zealots. How can we lovingly and effectively guide our children without falling into the trap of a culture that seeks to indoctrinate them to reject God, redefine morality, and deconstruct all truth?
Generational Generosity
Discover the profound transformation from spiritual neglect to divine favor in this gripping exploration of God's unconditional love. Uncover how the raw imagery of abandonment in Ezekiel 16 contrasts dramatically with the lavish adoption narrative in Ephesians 1. This article reveals the truth behind the oft-misquoted "God helps those who help themselves." Perfect for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of God's boundless love.
God helps those who help themselves
Discover the profound transformation from spiritual neglect to divine favor in this gripping exploration of God's unconditional love. Uncover how the raw imagery of abandonment in Ezekiel 16 contrasts dramatically with the lavish adoption narrative in Ephesians 1. This article reveals the truth behind the oft-misquoted "God helps those who help themselves." Perfect for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of God's boundless love.
Create Your Reality
Dive into the fascinating journey of debunking popular sayings that Jesus never said, starting with 'Create Your Reality.' This article explores stark differences between modern self-help mantras and Jesus' authentic teachings. Discover how such phrases may mislead us from true Christian joy. Perfect for believers seeking to deepen their faith, this series promises to transform your understanding of biblical truths in today's context.
Lasting Satisfaction
This insightful video explores the profound journey from immediate gratification to lasting satisfaction. Learn from King Solomon's ancient wisdom on the emptiness of pleasure-seeking and the true fulfillment that comes from serving others and living for God. This is a compelling reflection on finding real satisfaction beyond the temporary joys of today's fast-paced world.
Beyond The Miracles: Compassion Plus The Gospel
When Jesus says, "Go in peace," he's not politely dismissing her to have a good day so He can get on with his. He's recognizing that He has restored her completely—not just physically, but in every aspect of her life. This includes her social standing, spiritual wellness, and emotional health, enabling her to rejoin her community fully with dignity and wholeness. Tracing that thread again, the miracle of Jesus in her life is not just a momentary act of compassion. It is also a restoration to wholeness.
Tears and perfume
Ever wondered how a single act of faith can redefine your life? Discover the story of the woman with the alabaster jar in Luke 7:36-50. Can you find redemption and peace in your journey? Click to explore her transformative encounter with Jesus and how it speaks to us today.