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!

“Accidently” Attending Mass in Italy

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Steve Simms

The topics I most like to discuss and share with others are the amazing things that Jesus does in my life. For instance, He led my wife and me to unintentionally attend a Catholic mass. Here’s how it happened: We … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholic mass, Catholic mystics, tourism, tourist sites | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

What “services” do church services offer?

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Steve Simms

I have never figured out what services church services offer. Although for centuries attending church services has been presented as obligatory for Christians. I can’t find the idea of “church services” in the Bible. Christ-followers are told to assemble themselves … Continue reading →

Posted in church services, religion, Sunday morning | Tagged | Leave a comment

A Southern Boy Traveling Through Southern Italy With New Englanders

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Steve Simms

My wife, Ernie, and I just returned from a visit to Italy. We’re from the South (in the USA) and traveled with a group of 44 people from Massachusetts. We only knew two of them. We were amazed by the … Continue reading →

Posted in community, Creating Community, the beloved community, unity | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Social Gatherings Make Me Nervous

Posted on April 22, 2024 by Steve Simms

I feel awkward and alone in casual social gatherings. I feel like I don’t have a purpose or a role. I don’t know what to say and do. Almost everyone is interacting, and I don’t know how to approach small … Continue reading →

Posted in body of Christ, confidence, partying, self-confidence | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Better Way Than Wine To Unwind

Posted on April 21, 2024 by Steve Simms

I don’t look to wine to unwind. Wine runs out, but Christ’s new wine never runs dry. It never leaves you hanging over despair. Talking to the living Jesus is my way to unwind. He is the stairway to an … Continue reading →

Posted in inner peace, new wine, peace of mind | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

In 10 Years I See Myself Staying, Not Straying

Posted on April 13, 2024 by Steve Simms

We’re prone to strayAnd drift awayFrom Jesus Christ.Choose to stayConscious of ChristThroughout each day,Always awareOf His presenceAnd His powerAlong the way. When Christians gatherTo be Spirit-ledAnd obey what ChristSays within their heart,Everyone can seeJesus is their HeadAnd know He’s not … Continue reading →

Posted in commitment, discipleship, you shall be my witnesses | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Focus, Focus, Focus, Focus, Focus

Posted on April 11, 2024 by Steve Simms

I focus on what makes me happy. (To be unhappy, focus on yourself and your problems.) Things don’t make me happy. Jesus does. The key to happiness is Christ-focus. If the main attractionIn your daily lifeIs continual distraction,You’ll be spirituallyOut … Continue reading →

Posted in self-focus, spiritual awakening, spiritual formation, spiritual hunger, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

People Love to Follow Their Impulses

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Steve Simms

High school taught me that people love to follow their impulses, even when they’re enslaving and/or self-destructive. Since that time, I’ve graduated to a better way of living. Christ’s witnesses are led by His inner promptings, not by their own … Continue reading →

Posted in compulsion, cravings, inner peace, truth and error, what is truth | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Keeping My Conscience From Being Eclipsed

Posted on April 9, 2024 by Steve Simms

We live in a society where people’s conscience has been eclipsed. I made the decision to continually resist and confront the culture’s constant attempts to cancel and override my conscience. An eclipsed conscience is drenched in darkness. The eclipse of … Continue reading →

Posted in ethical decision making, ethics, moral character, Total Solar Eclipse | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Running to Tell People Good News

Posted on April 9, 2024 by Steve Simms

Once when I was begging God for answers, the Holy Spirit released these words in my heart: “The answer is: you have the answer.” In a flash I realized that I didn’t need more religious explanations and dry information. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian spirituality, spiritual athletes, spiritual awakening, spiritual exercises | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment