Last week we concluded with a bit of a cliffhanger. Jesus had been talking with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in the Samaritan town of Sychar. They’re having a rousing conversation, and just then Jesus’ disciples show up. And that’s where we ended. Before we pick up the story and find out what happensContinue reading “Why Jesus shut down his ministry – John 4:27-42, Part 1”
Monthly Archives: November 2022
Jesus’ disciples were “today years old when…” – John 4:27-42, Preview
I was today years old when I learned that a screwdriver handle is designed to fit inside a wrench so you can use the wrench to put extra torque on the screwdriver. I was today years old when I learned that iPhone users can text other iPhone users the words “pew pew” and it willContinue reading “Jesus’ disciples were “today years old when…” – John 4:27-42, Preview”
Jesus’ description of true worship – John 4:1-26, Part 5
In the previous post, we learned that Jesus taught the Samaritan woman at the well that God is not interested in his people worshiping in a geographical location or building. God is looking for people who worship him in spirit and in truth. So that previous post talked about what it means to worship inContinue reading “Jesus’ description of true worship – John 4:1-26, Part 5”
Are church buildings God’s houses? – John 4:1-26, Part 4
Sometimes Christians call church buildings, “God’s house.” I hear adults from time to time say, “Kids, stop running in God’s house.” I cringe when I hear that. I cringe because it reminds me of something Jesus said when he and the Samaritan woman were having a conversation around the well. You can read about theirContinue reading “Are church buildings God’s houses? – John 4:1-26, Part 4”
Jesus’ testy conversation about water – John 4:1-26, Part 3
At my house, we have a well, so my family knows about wells running dry. We know about sediment filters getting clogged. We know about low water pressure, or no water at all. But if you are on public water, you can pretty much leave your water on all the time, and it will neverContinue reading “Jesus’ testy conversation about water – John 4:1-26, Part 3”
Why Jesus walked straight into enemy territory – John 4:1-26, Part 2
Jesus makes what must have seemed to his disciples to be an odd choice. After quitting his fledgling, but successful, baptism ministry in Judea, because he wants to keep out of the watchful eye of the enemy, namely, the Pharisees, he decides to travel right into different enemy territory. Jesus goes to Samaria. In thatContinue reading “Why Jesus walked straight into enemy territory – John 4:1-26, Part 2”
That time someone said, “You’re not ready” about my church’s worship service – John 4:1-26, Part 1
A few years ago, a community family visited Faith Church, and after that visit they told me they would not be returning because in their words, “You’re not ready.” They weren’t saying I personally wasn’t ready. They were saying that Faith Church wasn’t ready. Not ready? What were they saying? By declaring that Faith ChurchContinue reading “That time someone said, “You’re not ready” about my church’s worship service – John 4:1-26, Part 1″
The greatest worship experience of my life wasn’t in a church? – John 4:1-26, Preview
Bono, the lead singer of my favorite band, U2, recently came out with a memoir (which Michelle already ordered for me, and which I am excited to read!). In the meantime, I’ve been reading articles reviewing the book, reading interviews with Bono, and watching videos of him talking about the book on news and talksContinue reading “The greatest worship experience of my life wasn’t in a church? – John 4:1-26, Preview”
What I learned about God’s wrath – John 3:22-36, Part 5
If you’ve been a Christian for a few months, and during that time you’ve attended worship services at a church, my guess is that you’ve heard songs that mention God’s wrath. The song, “In Christ Alone,” says “the wrath of God was satisfied” when Jesus died on the cross. And “The Battle Hymn of theContinue reading “What I learned about God’s wrath – John 3:22-36, Part 5”
Jesus has surprise gift for you – John 3:22-36, Part 4
I’ll never forget when our friends surprised Michelle and me on our 40th birthdays. Our birthdays are only a month and a half apart, and we were both turning 40 that year, so I friends threw us a surprise dance party. Even as we were walking around the corner and into the front door ofContinue reading “Jesus has surprise gift for you – John 3:22-36, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 