Have you heard the words, “There is no hope for them”? Maybe you were the one saying those words or a phrase like it. Maybe someone said it about you. Often we say these words about a person who has a pattern of making bad choices, or a stubborn streak, and they seem unteachable, unreachableContinue reading “Is it okay to give up on some people? – Acts 18, Part 2”
Monthly Archives: June 2020
Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and growing as a Christian – Acts 18, Part 1
On Wheel of Fortune, what are the five letters contestants receive for free at the beginning of the final puzzle? Did you say, “RSTLNE”? If so, you’re right! Why does Wheel of Fortune give people those letters? It’s because they are the most commonly used letters in the English language. Now let’s combine that withContinue reading “Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and growing as a Christian – Acts 18, Part 1”
Practical ideas to help you talk about God – Acts 17, Part 5
Talking about religion, God, or church can be tricky. But if it is the least bit true, it deserves to be talked about, doesn’t it? This is the last in a series of posts on Acts 17 (starting here), and each step along the way we’ve observed the creative and engaging way that Paul tellsContinue reading “Practical ideas to help you talk about God – Acts 17, Part 5”
When talking about Jesus, it might be best not to refer to the Bible? – Acts 17, Part 4
What do you think about the title of this blog post? If you are a Christian, are you wondering if it bad advice? When we talk about Jesus, why would we not refer to the Bible? When I was a teenager going on mission trips with my church youth group, and then when I wasContinue reading “When talking about Jesus, it might be best not to refer to the Bible? – Acts 17, Part 4”
3 steps to follow when talking about God (to avoid offending people) – Acts 17, Part 3
It can be difficult and scary to talk about God. And maybe for some of us, it always will be, as talking about God can feel very personal, or very easily offensive. But in this post, as we continue to follow Paul’s journey as told in Acts 17, Paul will demonstrate how to talk aboutContinue reading “3 steps to follow when talking about God (to avoid offending people) – Acts 17, Part 3”
How to listen to sermons (or any teaching from the Bible) – Acts 17, Part 2
In the summer between my sophomore and junior year of college, I was on a college ministry team that traveled around the Northeast USA spending 10 weeks ministering at summer camps. One week we served at Camp Berea in Maine. Camp Berea gets its name from the people we’re going to meet today as weContinue reading “How to listen to sermons (or any teaching from the Bible) – Acts 17, Part 2”
Why is it so hard to talk about religion? – Acts 17, Part 1
How do you feel talking about Jesus or about religion? Do you find it easy or difficult to talk with others about these topics? When it come to talking about Jesus, I had a bit of a reality check this week. As a pastor, you can imagine that I talk about Jesus a lot, butContinue reading “Why is it so hard to talk about religion? – Acts 17, Part 1”
Make the choice to rejoice – Acts 16, Part 5
Our study through Acts 16 has been filled with drama, and in the final verses, 35-40, there’s one more dramatic loose end to tie up. Though the local magistrates give Paul and Silas their freedom, Paul says, “No. We’re staying.” What? He voluntarily stays in prison? Why? Paul is making a point, letting the magistratesContinue reading “Make the choice to rejoice – Acts 16, Part 5”
How to have hope even when it seems all is lost – Acts 16, Part 4
Have you ever lost hope? You might know the feeling, either from something in real life when disaster has struck, or maybe you had one of those vivid nightmares that seem totally real, and you wake up, sweating, heart racing, so thankful it was just a dream. The loss of hope can cause us toContinue reading “How to have hope even when it seems all is lost – Acts 16, Part 4”
How to respond when your world is suddenly shattered – Acts 16, Part 3
Have you had one of those days where things are going so well, and all of a sudden, something happens and your life is turned upside-down? Maybe it is when the boss walks in, says “We’re letting you go, please turn in your key and company credit card, and collect your things.” Maybe it isContinue reading “How to respond when your world is suddenly shattered – Acts 16, Part 3”
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