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!

Finding Purpose Beyond Rationalistic Materialism

When people abandon the idea that there is more than matter and energy behind the physics, chemistry, and biology of the universe, they lose their way. It’s hard to have good mental health when people see no meaning to their … Continue reading →

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Surrender, Humility, and Trust

Once I heard a preacher say, “I want to hide behind the Cross so that people see Jesus, not me.” John the Baptist put it this way, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” The old hymn, Rock of Ages, … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ-centered, cost of discipleship, discipleship, spiritual formation | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

My Friend Who Often Corrects Me

I have a friend who corrects me almost every day. When I’m going astray, He calls me back. When I’m being unkind, He reminds me to show love. When I’m rising up with pride, he calls me aside and reminds … Continue reading →

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Church Isn’t A Bad Thing, It’s Just Not Enough

In this picture: 1) There are no spectators. 2) Everyone feels free to speak out in the meeting. 3) Their focus is on the living Jesus. I think Leonardo got it right in his famous painting. I wish churches would … Continue reading →

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Love Means Not Demanding Approval

We need kind respectful discussions on sexuality, politics, and religion that don’t try to shame other people and shut them up for disagreeing. Everybody will never see those three things the same way. And that’s okay. Let’s respect each other … Continue reading →

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My Name Doesn’t Matter

If you never know my name (or know it and forget it) that’s no big deal. My name doesn’t matter, but there is a name that greatly matters. There is a name that is above every other name. At that … Continue reading →

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There’s Another King Than Chocolate (Or Any Other Desire)

There is another King than chocolate or any other desire. There’s a king beyond your wildest dreams, who can set you free to enjoy life with inner peace and joyous liberty. Follow Him to victory. There’s another kingThan Ceasar.It’s Jesus.There’s … Continue reading →

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I Was Never Much of a Reader Until . . .

I never had a favorite childhood book because I never liked to read. That changed when at 19 I met the living, resurrected Jesus Christ. I suddenly had a strange desire to read the Bible. I picked it up and … Continue reading →

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Proverbs, Matthew, & Romans (And a Poem About Good Judgement)

Proverbs, Matthew, and Romans are three books that talk about God’s good judgement and have had an amazing impact on me all of my adult life. Here’s a quotation from each one of them. “A person may think their own … Continue reading →

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I’ve Overcome Fear by Letting Jesus Out of 4 Bags

When I let Jesus out of the bag and into the driver’s seat of my heart, my fears began to vanish. He began to fill me with love, power, and a sound mind. His presence transformed (and continues to transform) … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian spirituality, overcoming fear, religious tradition, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment