Jesus has one more bit of work to do. Not a small bit either. It is the final offering. Jesus would be offering his life through his beating, his crucifixion and his death. Astoundingly, as Jesus tells us in his prayer in John 17:1-5, his offering brings praise to God. In fact, Jesus in verseContinue reading “Giving is living – John 17:1-5, Part 2”
Monthly Archives: July 2023
Falling asleep during prayer and the surprising act that brings glory to God – John 17:1-5, Part 1
On family vacation, we were having a prayer time where one person would share a prayer request, and then another person would pray for them. It was getting late into the evening, and I was sitting next to my wife, Michelle, on a sofa. Someone shared a prayer request, and Michelle volunteered to be theContinue reading “Falling asleep during prayer and the surprising act that brings glory to God – John 17:1-5, Part 1”
What would do if you were about to be executed? – John 17:1-5, Preview
Imagine you are on vacation, sightseeing in a country where Christianity is illegal. You might think, “Joel, I wouldn’t travel there in the first place.” Maybe you wouldn’t. Maybe you just might. I did. There are plenty of places where Christianity is illegal but there are amazing sites, and Christians are allowed to travel thereContinue reading “What would do if you were about to be executed? – John 17:1-5, Preview”
How to step further into the way of Jesus – John 15:18-16:4, Part 5
All week long we have been discussing Jesus’ distressing final words to his disciples that they might face pushback, oppression, and persecution. As we continue into the beginning of chapter 16, Jesus explains why he has been telling his disciples that it is possible that some people in the world might hate them. Look atContinue reading “How to step further into the way of Jesus – John 15:18-16:4, Part 5”
Be a Good News storyteller with your words and actions – John 15:18-16:4, Part 4
A few weeks ago we talked about the Holy Spirit, and I already discussed verses 26-27. I think it would be good to read it again, now that we are reading it in context. “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from theContinue reading “Be a Good News storyteller with your words and actions – John 15:18-16:4, Part 4”
How to spot fake Christians – John 15:18-16:4, Part 3
Jesus has been talking with his disciples, and as we saw in the previous post, he gives them a warning. If the world loves them, it could be a bad thing. What Jesus meant is that his disciples might be nominal, “in name only,” saying they are his followers, but actually not living like heContinue reading “How to spot fake Christians – John 15:18-16:4, Part 3”
The time Jesus said that it is a bad thing when people love you – John 15:18-16:4, Part 2
What Jesus says in John 15, verse 19, causes me to wonder about the quality of Christianity in a place like the USA. He says, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you.” Sounds good. I want people to love me. Is Jesus saying that belonging to the world is good? The wordContinue reading “The time Jesus said that it is a bad thing when people love you – John 15:18-16:4, Part 2”
American Christians are not being persecuted. Here’s why. – John 15:18-16:4, Part 1
The world is changing. American society and culture is changing, at least in most places across the nation. Certainly some places buck trends, but as I said in the preview post here, even my Amish neighbors, famous for resisting change, are themselves embracing incremental change. Amish from 25-30 years ago would be aghast at howContinue reading “American Christians are not being persecuted. Here’s why. – John 15:18-16:4, Part 1”
How should Christians interact with the world? – John 15:18-16:4, Preview
How should Christians interact with the world? Here in Lancaster County we have some unique examples of Christians who have chosen to separate themselves from the world, at least in part. Our plain neighbors have largely been successful for centuries in creating a separate culture within the larger culture. Yes, most Lancastrians have stories aboutContinue reading “How should Christians interact with the world? – John 15:18-16:4, Preview”
Engaging Scripture 