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!

From The Ice Bucket Challenge to The Salvation Army Flag-Prayer-Walk Challenge

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Steve Simms

The Ice Bucket Challenge, sometimes called the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, is everywhere, raising amazing awareness and tons of money for ALS.  Perhaps it is time for another challenge. #icebucketchallenge Introducing The Flag-Prayer-Walk Challenge.  We challenge you to go for … Continue reading →

Posted in bucket challenge, Christian flag, ice water, icebucketchallenge, Nashville, prayer, prayer walking, prayer walking with The Salvation Army Flag, publicity, Salvation Army Nashville, trends | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

What’s on tap in your kegs?

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Steve Simms

What’s on tap in your kegs?  2 kegs are on tap in your heart and ready to roll through your life. One keg contains love, joy, & peace — the other keg: anger, misery, & envy. What’ll you have? Should … Continue reading →

Posted in flesh, fruit of the Spirit, Galatians, heart, heart care, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit flow, human heart, living water, preference, ready to roll, reaping what you sow, spirit, spiritual flow, works of the flesh | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Themes For Special Sundays

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Steve Simms

Some Creative Church-Themes For Special Sundays * Sermon Quiz Sunday (a quiz on the past 5 sermons). * Scripture Sunday (everybody shares a favorite Bible verse). * Physical Healing Sunday (people pray over each other to be healed). * Confession … Continue reading →

Posted in Berry Street, Divine healing, foot washing, Nashville church, Nashville events, organic church, Salvation Army church, Salvation Army Corps, Salvation Army Nashville, Send the fire, sermon quiz, sermons, simple church, Tennessee, testifying, testimonies | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Right Living–Holiness–Is it out of date?

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Steve Simms

“Holiness” = right living/righteousness. One of the founding principles of The Salvation Army is holiness–right living. Christ-followers are called, not just to get themselves to Heaven, to get others to Heaven, and to serve others on earth. We are also … Continue reading →

Posted in Heaven, holy, Matthew 6:33, overcoming temptation, recovery, renewing your mind, repent, repentance, Salvation Army Flag, seek ye first, sin, sinfulness, sinning, sins, wrong doing, wrongful behavior | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Self-protection or self-surrender? (Suspicion or love?)

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Steve Simms

Self-protection produces isolation, defensiveness, self-focus, and alienation from others. Self-surrender produces openness, understanding, community, and mutuality. Self-protection quenches the Holy Spirit and will keep God distant from you. Self-surrender opens the flood gates and lets God’s rivers of grace and … Continue reading →

Posted in greatness of a man's power, human relations, Salvation Army, self, self-control, self-denial, self-discipline, self-esteem, self-focus, self-image, self-improvement, self-interest, self-mastery, self-sacrifice, self-surrender, selfishness, spirit, surrender, William Booth | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The audience of One — (Who should be on the church platform?)

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Steve Simms

The audience of One!  Most churches have a platform or stage that lifts one person (or a few people) above the rest of the people and creates the atmosphere of an audience watching a performance.   However, the New Testament … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative church, audience, church architecture, church format, church furniture, church leadership, church meetings, church programs, church seating, New Testament, order of worship, organic church, participation in church, participatory church, stage | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Part-time Christianity won’t work. If Christ is not your all, you’ll fall.

Posted on August 17, 2014 by Steve Simms
Posted in discipleship, discipline, faith, faith in God, faith walk, faith-based | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Robin Williams Made Me Think About Suicide

Posted on August 16, 2014 by Steve Simms

I’ve been thinking about Robin Williams‘ suicide. Suicide is tangible evidence of the invisible evil forces at work on us all. Humans have been programmed with a survival instinct. It is not natural for us to override that programming and take our … Continue reading →

Posted in demons, depression, despair, hopelessness, human life, human nature, spiritual battle, spiritual warfare, spirituality, suicide | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Going back to the future (in the Spirit)

Posted on August 16, 2014 by Steve Simms

Yesterday I stood on the spot where I first encountered the living, resurrected Jesus Christ in the lobby of Ellington Hall at The University of Tennessee Martin. On that spot 44 years ago, God put a blazing fire in my … Continue reading →

Posted in conversion, convert, spiritual awakening, spiritual hunger, University of Tennessee Martin | 2 Comments

Whose Drone Are You?

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Steve Simms

Christ-followers are called to be God’s drones, soaring though life, obeying The Wireless Connection That Never Fails! Whose drone are you? (“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” –Paul of … Continue reading →

Posted in Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit promptings, Romans 8:14, Spirit-prompted, spirituality | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments