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!

A church on the corner doesn’t pray. People do!

True Christianity is moreThan religious information.It’s glorious proclamation,Powerful demonstration,Life transformation,And joyous celebration.(For more delight, google: The Joy Of Early Christianity.) God wants to buildWith living stonesAnd construct more thanChurch or chapel domes. Christians are calledTo gatherTo worship and interact withThe … Continue reading →

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What can decode me and my identity?

As long asOur thoughtsAre a messAnd our inner lifeIs full of stressWe know far lessAbout our identityThan we think we do. When you thinkOther peopleAre very different than you,It’s just not true.We all haveThe same identity–Human. Our prideTends to hideThe … Continue reading →

Posted in self-discovery, self-esteem, self-focus, self-fulfillment, self-help, self-image, self-improvement, self-respect | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stay charged with the ever-living Jesus

I want to beA fruit standOf God’s SpiritGiving free samplesOf His produceTo all who pass by. Before you express your feelings, align them with reality. “Is this feeling based on truth or is it just my emotional reaction?” The closer … Continue reading →

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The Jesus Book

I was a church attending cultural Chirstian. One day it was revealed to me that what I thought was belief in Christ was nothing more than my passive acknowledgement of church doctrine. Then I realized that I was a Christian … Continue reading →

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I looked in the Book!

One day something happenedDeep inside of meThat made me seeEverything differently.I didn’t understandWhat was going onSo I picked up a BibleAnd it was like a phone.As I readThe words it saidWent beyond my headAnd spoke thrillinglyTo my heartPlanting seedsOf hopeAnd … Continue reading →

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Jesus steps have walked on water. They can keep me afloat!

Don’t mumbleOr grumbleWhen yourSelf-steps stumble.Trade them inFor Jesus-steps. Christianity is about replacing self-steps with Jesus-steps — exchanging me-power for Jesus-power. (Jesus-steps are steps that are led and empowered by the living Jesus.) Self-steps based on our own desires, feelings, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Jesus, Jesus Christ, Just give me Jesus, Looking unto Jesus, Lord Jesus, meeting Jesus, obeying Jesus | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Snake! Watch your step!

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?

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 →

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Can a church service do more harm than good?

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?”

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