Author Archives: Steve Simms

Unknown's avatar

About Steve Simms

I like to look and think outside the box. In college I encountered Jesus Christ and I have been passionate about trying to get to know Him better ever since. My wife and I long to see the power and passion of the first Christ-followers come to life in our time. I have written a book about our experiences in non-traditional church, called, "Beyond Church: An Invitation To Experience The Lost Word Of The Bible--Ekklesia." If you need encouragement, search for: Elephants Encouraging The Room and/or check out my Amazon author page. Thank you!

I sing because I’m happy.

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Steve Simms

Before there was musicIn my soulI never felt whole.I had no real goal.I was onlyPlaying a role.It took a tollUntil I began to hearThe sound of JesusSinging in my soul.Earbuds neverBrought me such joy!

Posted in Christ in you, Christian poetry, soul music | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

For me, every day is a holiday!

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Steve Simms

The word “holiday” came from the Old English word “hāligdæg,” which means “holy day.” Today “holiday” means a special day set aside to celebrate something and to focus on having as much fun as possible. Of course, every day can’t … Continue reading →

Posted in holiday hype, rejoice, unusual holidays | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Who was Stephen in the Bible?

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Steve Simms

Who was Stephen in the Bible? The apostles (sent ones) tried to put him in the role of a “table server.” But in reality, Stephen, the first Christ-follower to be killed for his faith, was a Spirit-led man of God … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible stories, Bible study, Bible teaching, layman | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why wait for persecution? (Break out of passive religious formalism now!)

Posted on September 19, 2023 by Steve Simms

Is getting people to faithfully attend a Sunday morning Christian meeting planned and directed by one man, and to passively listen to a sermon by him each week, effectively inspiring people to be filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom? … Continue reading →

Posted in persecution, religious persecution, Western Christianity | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Beyond the recipe

Posted on September 19, 2023 by Steve Simms

When I try to follow a recipe, I get nervous because I feel like I’ve got to be 100% accurate with all the measurements. Then I get frustrated, and what comes out of the oven or off the stove is … Continue reading →

Posted in cookbook, guidebooks, instructions, recipes | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A tale of seven table servers

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Steve Simms

Jesus washed His disciples’ feet doing the job of a lowly servant. His example of frequently taking the lowest place is sometimes called “servant leadership.” However, in the book of Acts, Jesus’ first disciples were given a special title “the … Continue reading →

Posted in apostles, servant leadership, serving others | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Disappointments lead to better appointments

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Steve Simms

Disappointments are often heart-breaking. If we’re not careful they can entrap us in a lifestyle of sadness, regret, and bitterness. However, the truth is, as long as we are still living and conscious, our disappointments don’t need to have the … Continue reading →

Posted in dealing with disappointment, hope, Romans 8:28 | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

O taste and see!

Posted on September 17, 2023 by Steve Simms

My favorite book says that human beings can be “partakers of the divine nature.” (Partake means to “eat or drink something.”) It also says, “O taste and see that the Lord is good.” Once Jesus’ disciples encouraged Him to eat … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian experience, experiencing God, spiritual experience | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Religion is often spiritual shrink wrap

Posted on September 16, 2023 by Steve Simms

Too many Christians have been shrink wrapped by religion. To shrink wrap is to shut things up in bags and suck the air out. It entombs things and keeps them locked in place so they can be stored away with … Continue reading →

Posted in organized religion, religious tradition, shrink-wrapped | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Stepping beyond counting steps

Posted on September 16, 2023 by Steve Simms

I go for a walk almost every day, but I don’t count my steps. I just enjoy them because they carry me along as my heart savors beauty. From a blade of grass to a flower, to a bird overhead … Continue reading →

Posted in faith walk, spiritual walk, Walk by the Spirit | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment