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!

God’s heart-to-heart “house” of “living stones”

Posted on September 24, 2022 by Steve Simms

I saw the house of the Lord being built today at a Christian conference where the Holy Spirit was allowed to take over the meeting so powerfully that the closing keynote speaker didn’t want to speak so that the Holy … Continue reading →

Posted in body of Christ, cleansing the temple, how the body of Christ functions, Jewish temple, worship | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I saw a famous preacher humbly “step off the monologue” today

Posted on September 23, 2022 by Steve Simms

Today I witnessed a famous preacher lay down the religious monologue so that the Holy Spirit wouldn’t be quenched. Jim Cymbala was to be the closing speaker at the New Room Conference 2022 today. The speaker before him gave an … Continue reading →

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The Jesus (Alpha & Omega) Alphabet

Posted on September 23, 2022 by Steve Simms

Jesus is The Alpha and The Omega. (Those are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.) Here are Jesus thoughts from A to Z: Adore Jesus. Broadcast Jesus. Celebrate Jesus. Demonstrate Jesus. Experience Jesus. Follow Jesus. Glorify Jesus. … Continue reading →

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

Religious zombieness & institutions called churches

Posted on September 22, 2022 by Steve Simms

To be inA ChristianComfort-zoneIs to beZoned-outBy religiousZombieness. Institutions called churchesSeem to lack the ability toStir up and maintainIn the heartsOf their membersA spreading fireOf ever-burning desireTo follow Jesus.They tend toMake people comfortableAnd predictableInstead of training themTo be vulnerableAnd bendableTo the … Continue reading →

Posted in fire, fire in church, fire in the heart, fire of God, fire of the Holy Spirit, God's word like fire, hearts on fire | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Amazing things happen when your heart reaches for God

Posted on September 20, 2022 by Steve Simms

As long as you feelLike you haveWhat you want,You won’t wantGod to help you. Reach beyond your pride into the secret treasure chest of humility and brokenness. To reach for God is to exceed your grasp, but it begins to … Continue reading →

Posted in burning heart, Create in me a clean heart, from the heart, heart care, heart-felt | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Worship God and be the master of your desires, not their slave.

Posted on September 20, 2022 by Steve Simms

Humans tend to be led by desires (I want this,) opinions (I think this,) and emotions (I feel this,) instead of by God’s Spirit. Let God make you the master of your desires, not their slave. To believe is to … Continue reading →

Posted in Call to Worship, contemporary worship, worship, worship leader | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Jesus’ calling on first century Christ-followers

Posted on September 19, 2022 by Steve Simms

Understanding the calling on the first century Christ-followers, who Paul wrote letters to depends on understanding the Greek word that is translated as church. That word is ekklesia. There were two ekklesias in each of the Greek cities that Paul … Continue reading →

Posted in $50 billlion in office supplies stolen every year, early Christianity, early Christians, early church, ekklesia | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Are you locked in vigor-less Christianity?

Posted on September 18, 2022 by Steve Simms

When your problemsGet biggerYou need moreOf Christ’s inner vigor. Daily surrenderTo Christ’s vigorIn your soulWill make you whole. To “stir up the gift”Of “Christ in you”Requires vigorousInner actionTo renew your passion.Complacent satisfactionWon’t do it. You don’t needTo excuseYour behaviorWhen you … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ in you, Christian spirituality, how to grow spiritually, spiritual, spiritual fire, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

What we call church (may be off base)

Posted on September 17, 2022 by Steve Simms

Love can’t be limitedTo hearing sermonsAbout God’s love.It must be livedIn the heart-felt unityOf Jesus-focused community. The human longingFor belongingIsn’t satisfiedBy the weekly gongingOf a sermon. An hour or twoSitting thruChurch servicesWon’t glueHearts togetherIn community Calling something a church doesn’t … Continue reading →

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For hope view life as a mosaic

Posted on September 16, 2022 by Steve Simms

Some people see randomnessOthers a loose collage.I see life asAn amazing mosaic. Don’t despair. Begin to see life is a collage of cascading creativity and a mosaic of marvelous mystery. In an artfully crafted mosaic, the ugly pieces and the … Continue reading →

Posted in art, creativity, innovation, releasing creativity, religious innovation, spiritual innovation | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment