Author Archives: Steve Simms

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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!

Presence instead of principles

When I try to live by principles, I never live up to them. My principles are always higher than my ability to consistently and persistently follow and obey them. I’m like the ancient Jesus. I believe in the Ten Commandments … Continue reading →

Posted in 10 commandments, Ten Commandments | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

I put off thinking negatively about things

Being quick to be negative is not a nice thing. There’s so much that troubles me about the world today–unkindness, hostility, anger, hatred, bullying, cruelty, violence, wars, and rumors of wars (especially concerning politics). I could easily let my mind … Continue reading →

Posted in politics, positive attitude, positive thinking, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

The arrival point of full maturity?

Maturity is like a pole attached to a donkey’s head with a carrot dangling in front of the donkey’s eyes. No matter how hard you pursue it, you’re unable to reach it. Your body may tell you that you’re a … Continue reading →

Posted in 'Tis The Gift To Be Simple, adult language, immaturity, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Are you a Christ-carrier?

The book of Acts is addressed to Theophilus which means “friend of God.” True Christians are such friends of God that they carry Christ in them. They are Christ-carriers. In Acts, Christians demonstrate the power of being a Christ-carrier who … Continue reading →

Posted in book of Acts, Christ in you, witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Passing on a million bucks . . .

I have my ideas of what I would do if someone gave me a million dollars to give away, but I think my ideas are pretty self-focused. Left to my own feelings and desires I would probably give the money … Continue reading →

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An “unsuccessful” attempt isn’t a failure

You are guaranteed not to fail! Here’s why: Every attempt succeeds at something. It successfully produces some kind of result, even if it’s not the result you want. An attempt that doesn’t produce your desired results isn’t a failed attempt … Continue reading →

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The hardest goal with the greatest joy

It’s hard for humans to surrender — to intentionally give full control of our life to someone. Here’s how Jesus Christ states that challenging goal. “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and … Continue reading →

Posted in cost of discipleship, discipleship, spiritual goals | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Artists who are “crazy in the Christ direction”

My favorite artists are passionate Christ-followers who care more about pouring out their heart to the risen Jesus than they do about making radio appealing religious music. I love the early “Jesus Music” of the 1970s before it was taken … Continue reading →

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Courageous listening (by a guy named Ananias)

Be a courageous listener like Ananias. When your conscience, Christ in you, or the Bible tell you something that you don’t want to hear, hear it. “Love your enemies.” “Bless those who curse you.” “Repent.” “Consider others better than yourself.” … Continue reading →

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Listening for hope is a joy!

The sounds that strike our human ear drums are often stressful. Negative words frequently bring us bad, threatening, and depressing news. It’s hard to listen for the sounds of hope in a world that overflows with negativity. My favorite hobby … Continue reading →

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