As we come to the conclusion of Paul’s ministry training buffet in Acts 20, verse 32 is a kind of prayer of commissioning in which Paul commits the Ephesian elders: “To God and to the word of his grace.” For a Christian to say to other Christians, “I commit you to God,” is fairly expected.Continue reading “Which is better: giving or receiving? – Acts 20, Part 5”
Monthly Archives: July 2020
Two important principles for leaders – Acts 20, Part 4
Leaders, I encourage you to pay special attention to this post. As you’ll see it is specifically about leaders in the church, but I think the principles apply broadly to leadership in any venue. So does that mean you can skip this post if you’re not a leader? Actually, this post is not just forContinue reading “Two important principles for leaders – Acts 20, Part 4”
What makes life worth living – Acts 20, Part 3
What makes life worth living for you? Think about that. Is it spending time with your family? Is it enjoying vacation? A hobby? Maybe you’re working for the weekend? For some people it is getting outside and being in nature, gardening, hiking, or some other sport. What makes life worth living? What makes lives worthwhileContinue reading “What makes life worth living – Acts 20, Part 3”
Three essentials for Christians – Acts 20, Part 2
My family recently spent a week at a state park. Along with our extended family, we rented cabins, and while the cabins had electricity, bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens, we had to bring pretty much everything else we needed. Pots, pans, utensils, bedding, toiletries, etc. Because our vehicles have only so much room to transport peopleContinue reading “Three essentials for Christians – Acts 20, Part 2”
The most bonkers story in the Bible? – Acts 20, Part 1
Author’s Note – I was on vacation recently, and I’m thankful to Faith Church’s Ministry Coordinator, Emerald Peters, who preached Acts 19 in my absence. I hope to publish her posts on that chapter soon. The Bible includes so many stories there are plenty of candidates for the most bonkers Bible story award. In myContinue reading “The most bonkers story in the Bible? – Acts 20, Part 1”
How your home can be a place of strengthening – Acts 18, Part 5
Do you have a place where you sleep and eat? All over the world these places might look very different, but nearly everyone has a place we call home. Of course there are those struggling with homelessness, and we are called to reach out in love to them. In this final post on Acts 18,Continue reading “How your home can be a place of strengthening – Acts 18, Part 5”
What is needed to help people grow as followers of Jesus – Acts 18, Part 4
Are you a pastor, a small group leader, a Bible study teacher, seeking to help people grow as followers of Jesus? Or maybe you are a parent, or a grandparent, and you would love to help your kids or grandkids better follow Jesus. I’ve preached countless sermons and had numerous conversations with people, many timesContinue reading “What is needed to help people grow as followers of Jesus – Acts 18, Part 4”
A vision from Jesus for those who struggle with fear – Acts 18, Part 3
Recently a friend sent me a video of an American pastor who said he received a vision from Jesus detailing awful and terrible things that will happen to the USA in the fall of 2020. I’m writing this in July 2020, and the last few months have already been deeply troubling, considering divisive politics inContinue reading “A vision from Jesus for those who struggle with fear – Acts 18, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 