As I mentioned in this post, it was deeply discouraging to see rioters at the US Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021 holding Christian flags and banners that said “Jesus Saves.” I will admit that I don’t know for sure what each and every one of those people were attempting. It could be that someContinue reading “Genuine Christianity – Colossians 1:9-14, Part 3”
Author Archives: joelkime
A prayer for spiritual wisdom and understanding – Colossians 1:9-14, Part 2
Have you ever been so confused and so frustrated about a situation in life, that you had no idea what to do? Most of us have been there. It could be that you are getting near the end of high school, and you really don’t know what you want to do with your life. ShouldContinue reading “A prayer for spiritual wisdom and understanding – Colossians 1:9-14, Part 2”
What happened when I submitted a regular quarterly report, and my boss and my boss’s boss both responded – Colossians 1:9-14, Part 1
What does God expect of us? Does he expect a lot? A little? Is there some way we can measure it? And does he expect us to accomplish it on our own? There are so many different expressions of Christianity that it can be confusing to know what God wants. Take gathered, corporate worship onContinue reading “What happened when I submitted a regular quarterly report, and my boss and my boss’s boss both responded – Colossians 1:9-14, Part 1”
How to bring hope to struggling people around you – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 5
This week I hosted my local ministerium’s monthly meeting at Faith Church. Throughout the year, we take turns, meeting at one another’s churches, and it was my turn. So I set up small round tables in our fellowship hall, spreading them out six feet apart, placing one chair per table, trying to make sure thereContinue reading “How to bring hope to struggling people around you – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 5”
“Words that bring smiles” – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 4
Want some news to bring a smile to your face? As we continue studying Colossians 1:1-8, look at verse 4. Paul says that he has heard good things about the Christians, news he is thankful for, and as a result he wants to keep encouraging them. Word has spread through the Christian network, which reliedContinue reading ““Words that bring smiles” – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 4″
Finding grace and peace – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 3
What are so many people in the world looking for, deep down inside? They are looking for things to be right. They want their lives to feel right. They want to feel wholeness. But where do we find it? I would suggest Paul gives us a clue in the greeting he writes in his letterContinue reading “Finding grace and peace – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 3”
Calling people “holy” or “saints” – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 2
What do you think about calling a person “holy”? To many of us, calling people “holy” sounds wrong. Only God is truly holy, not people, right? If we happen to use the word “holy” about a person, we might be describing them as, “holier than thou,” and we’re not complimenting them. Paul, however, uses “holy”Continue reading “Calling people “holy” or “saints” – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 2″
Creativity can set you free – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 1
I heard from some in my congregation, after the events of this past Wednesday January 6, 2021, the breaching of the US Capitol building by Trump-supporting extremists, that they were really struggling. What is going on in our country? How do we Christians respond? We can feel trapped in our uncertainty about how to respond.Continue reading “Creativity can set you free – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 1”
A caution for Christians, in light of the breaching of the US Capitol Building, January 6, 2021
In light of the unsettling events in our nation’s capital this past week, it is important that we take a few minutes to reflect on the news theologically and biblically. We saw images and actions, especially at the US Capitol building, which were difficult and disturbing, not just as Americans, but also as Christians. I’dContinue reading “A caution for Christians, in light of the breaching of the US Capitol Building, January 6, 2021”
One Sentence That Changed My Life – Ecclesiastes 12:9-14, Part 5
During spring break of my freshman year in college, I traveled to Guyana, South America, and my eyes were opened. I met Guyanese Christians for whom it could be said their whole lives were rotten from birth, at least compared to American standards, and yet they were praising God with joyful hearts like nothing IContinue reading “One Sentence That Changed My Life – Ecclesiastes 12:9-14, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 