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!

Snake! Watch your step!

Posted on October 10, 2022 by Steve Simms

Snaky thinking says:“If it looks tasty, try it,”And asks us the question,“Did God really say not to eat it?”But choice without conscience(God’s truth in our heart),And self-steps without obedience(Based solely on ownDesires, feelings, and knowledge)Open our free willTo the deceptive … Continue reading →

Posted in Adam and Eve, Christian poetry, overcoming temptation, poetry, religious poetry, temptation, word of God | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Answer God’s questions. Why question them?

Posted on October 9, 2022 by Steve Simms

Does God ask questions? Yes. Too often we dodge His questions instead of answering them. Before God answers your questions, He may be waiting on you to answer His. When God asked, “Adam, where are you?” He wasn’t trying to … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian spirituality, faith, questioning, questioning church, revelation, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Can a church service do more harm than good?

Posted on October 8, 2022 by Steve Simms

Paul told the Corinthian Christians, “Your meetings do more harm than good.’ (1 Corinthians 11:17.) When does a church service do more harm than good? Perhaps . . . 1) When it makes people think they are saved and right … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian church, church, church burn out, church community, church of your choice, church programming, church reform | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Can a worship gathering be “a stench to God?”

Posted on October 8, 2022 by Steve Simms

I read this last night: “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to Me.” (Amos 5:21.) It made me realize that God doesn’t like every Christian gathering. I felt prompted to post it, and to … Continue reading →

Posted in church, church services, worship, worship leader | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Religious curriculum can make you numb, but Christ will give you life!

Posted on October 8, 2022 by Steve Simms

When life weariesAnd overwhelms me,A sermon seriesFull of theoriesIsn’t enoughTo feed my soulAnd make me whole.The risen Jesus is! AwarenessOf swirling aweOpens the wayTo ExperienceThe incomprehensible God. You don’t develop a relationship with Jesus by learning information about Him, but … Continue reading →

Posted in church program, church programming, curriculum, programming worship, unprogrammed, unprogrammed church | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Being real matters! (Being fake {like a tin man} won’t make it.)

Posted on October 7, 2022 by Steve Simms

People weren’t madeTo be like a tin guy.You know why?We have hearts to feelAnd tears to cry.Be real! When we’re hollow like a tin man, we feel empty. Be real! Jesus denounced role players and called them hypocrites. His Beatitudes … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian living, emotional honesty, honesty, lifestyle Christianity, real, sincerity, The Normal Christian Life, what is real | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Joy lies beyond self-awareness

Posted on October 6, 2022 by Steve Simms

God made the first humanFrom the dust of the ground.When we feel groundInto accepting our humilityBy the grind of daily life,We’re on good groundTo experience the blessingsOf being “poor in spirit.” The light of Christ shinning in my heart is … Continue reading →

Posted in inner joy, joy, joy of the Lord, joy unspeakable | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The “Jesus-verse” is better than the metaverse!

Posted on October 5, 2022 by Steve Simms

People get excited about the virtual experiences of the metaverse. I prefer the transcending experiences of the “Jesus-verse.” Until you have interoperability with the living Jesus, life will feel incomplete. The experience of the “Jesus-verse” is immersive. It surrounds you … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian mysticism, Christian spirituality, facebook, information technology, mysticism, spirituality, technology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Be a Christ-carrier and let Christ carry you

Posted on October 5, 2022 by Steve Simms

If “Christ in you”Is true about youThat means youAre a Christ-carrierAnd you takeThe ever-living JesusWherever you go.” When we beginTo let the risen JesusContinually radiateFrom deep with usAnd to no longer accommodateThe world’s corruption,We’ll experienceA glorious disruption,An inner Holy Spirit … Continue reading →

Posted in experiencing Jesus, hearing Jesus, historical Jesus, Jesus, Jesus calling, Jesus Christ | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pascal wrote a book called “Pensées” (French for “thoughts”). Here are some of my “Pensées”

Posted on October 4, 2022 by Steve Simms

Several months ago, God spoke clearly in my heart words that I didn’t want to hear: “Try less; trust more.” I’ve always been a person of great effort and persistence, so it is difficult to lay my energy down and … Continue reading →

Posted in human thoughts, positive thinking, power of thinking, thinking, thoughts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment