The theme of my denomination this year is “A Dynamic Movement of God.” This theme comes from the denomination’s vision statement which was created in the early 2000s. While we definitely want to participate in the movement of God, let us not believe that we can manufacture a movement of God. Many Christians claim thatContinue reading “Why we cannot manufacture a movement of God (and what we should do instead) – John 15:1-10, Part 5”
Monthly Archives: June 2023
What Jesus meant when he said, “Remain in me.” – John 15:1-10, Part 4
Jesus’ disciples have been listening to him talk about how his father is like a gardener cutting and pruning his followers. Those disciples could easily be wondering…am I about to get cut off? So Jesus says in verse 3, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” Jesus is sayingContinue reading “What Jesus meant when he said, “Remain in me.” – John 15:1-10, Part 4″
How to change your life – John 15:1-10, Part 3
Change comes in all shapes and sizes. If you want to lose weight and build muscle, lifting weights regularly can help. But how do we change our emotions, our struggles? Paul writes in Romans 8:29 that we are to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus. Sanctification is the process whereby Christians, disciples of Jesus,Continue reading “How to change your life – John 15:1-10, Part 3”
What Jesus meant when he talked about cutting and pruning his followers – John 15:1-10, Part 2
What is Jesus is talking about in John 15:1-10 when he says he wants us to “be even more fruitful”? In the previous post, I suggested that Jesus is not talking about American metrics of success like “bigger is better” or “winning is everything.” Jesus doesn’t say how much fruit. He doesn’t say how bigContinue reading “What Jesus meant when he talked about cutting and pruning his followers – John 15:1-10, Part 2”
Jesus’ most important parable/analogy? – John 15:1-10, Part 1
Before each worship service, my church has a brief prayer time before each worship service. The host, worship leader, singers, and preacher gather in a small circle to pray that the Holy Spirit will work in and through us, because we desire our worship services to be meaningful, formative. When we pray, there’s a passage ofContinue reading “Jesus’ most important parable/analogy? – John 15:1-10, Part 1”
What the “Lost” history of Christianity can teach us – John 15:1-10, Preview
One of most discouraging books I ever read is The Lost History of Christianity by Philip Jenkins. I found the book discouraging because it tells the sad story of the Christian church in places where the church started and thrived. The book’s subtitle says it all, “The Thousand-Year Golden Age of the Church in theContinue reading “What the “Lost” history of Christianity can teach us – John 15:1-10, Preview”
The important work of the Holy Spirit – John 14-16, Part 5
In the previous post, we learned about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, so that we can grow a closer relationship with the Spirit. But Jesus has more to say about the important work of the Spirit. Here’s what Jesus teaches in John 16, verses 8-11, “When he comes, he will proveContinue reading “The important work of the Holy Spirit – John 14-16, Part 5”
Growing a relationship with the Holy Spirit – John 14-16, Part 4
What does it mean to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit? The Spirit is invisible and how do you have a relationship with an invisible being? Are you supposed to hear something? Feel something? In John chapter 15, verses 26-27, Jesus describes a relationship with the Spirit like this: “When the Advocate comes, whomContinue reading “Growing a relationship with the Holy Spirit – John 14-16, Part 4”
There is always hope – Jeremiah 49-52
Recently my son and daughter-in-law attempted to purchase their first house. They were married not quite two years ago, and in the meantime both got great jobs. So they were looking to move out of their one-bedroom apartment. It was a wonderful apartment to be able to save up for a down payment, but nowContinue reading “There is always hope – Jeremiah 49-52”
When Jesus leaves us, we are not alone – John 14-16, Part 3
Judas has a question. (Not the bad Judas…this is the other Judas.) He’s been listening to Jesus talk about leaving them, about sending the Holy Spirit to be with them. Jesus has just said that he will show himself to his disciples, but not to the world. Judas is confused. He asks Jesus in JohnContinue reading “When Jesus leaves us, we are not alone – John 14-16, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 