What do you think is the most important topic of Christianity? Perhaps it would help to consider Christian symbols. The cross and the Bible are probably to two most prevalent. They are both very important, but are the most important? I think there is a topic that is more important. If we dig deeper intoContinue reading “The most important topic of Christianity that rarely gets talked about – Acts 24-26, Part 3”
Author Archives: joelkime
Paul…on trial again – Acts 24-26, Part 2
Have you ever been on trial in a courtroom? I was once. I was 17, scared, nervous, and very guilty. I wrote about that story here. This week we’re learning from the Apostle Paul how to talk about God, and in Acts 24-26 he’s back on trial, but this time Paul testifies before the bigwigsContinue reading “Paul…on trial again – Acts 24-26, Part 2”
How not to talk about God – Acts 24-26, Part 1
How should we talk to people about God? A friend of mine recently told the story about how when he was growing up, his parents faithfully took he and his siblings to church on Sunday mornings. As their family drove to church, he remembers driving by people on their bikes, out for a ride onContinue reading “How not to talk about God – Acts 24-26, Part 1”
What to do if talking about Jesus feels awkward – Acts 22-23, Part 5
Talking about Jesus with our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers is one of the most awkward experiences. It find it much easier to talk about faith with people I don’t know. I marvel at how bold I could be on mission trips. I felt so empowered. Was it the Holy Spirit? Maybe, sure. But also,Continue reading “What to do if talking about Jesus feels awkward – Acts 22-23, Part 5”
You don’t need a dramatic life story to be a true follower of Jesus – Acts 22-23, Part 4
Have you ever thought about the Christian rationale for why Christians are trying to invite other people to become followers of Jesus as well? Some Christians seem to be rather lax about it, almost to the point where you wonder if they don’t care about whether or not other people become followers of Jesus. OtherContinue reading “You don’t need a dramatic life story to be a true follower of Jesus – Acts 22-23, Part 4”
Does the Apostle Paul make a grave mistake when telling his story? – Acts 22-23, Part 3
I wonder if the Apostle Paul made a big mistake. I say that hesitantly, cautiously, only speculating, but as I read what he says to his fellow Jews one day in Jerusalem, I can’t help but think, “Paul, that is a really bad move.” What did he say? As I mentioned in the previous post,Continue reading “Does the Apostle Paul make a grave mistake when telling his story? – Acts 22-23, Part 3”
What kind of life counts as memoir-worthy – Acts 22-23, Part 2
I recently read former Secretary of State Madeline Albright’s memoir covering the years 2000-2020. Since leaving office, Albright has continued to lead a fascinating life, seeking to make an impact around the world. Her memoir got me thinking about my own story, and wondering what kind of life counts as worthy of a memoir. DoContinue reading “What kind of life counts as memoir-worthy – Acts 22-23, Part 2”
What my old sofa taught me about story-telling – Acts 22-23, Part 1
Last week our family got a new sofa for our living room. So Michelle and I carried the old sofa out to our front lawn and put a “Free” sign on it. We were hoping someone could use it, and also save us the trouble and expense of discarding it. We watched what appeared toContinue reading “What my old sofa taught me about story-telling – Acts 22-23, Part 1”
What to do when Covid is a no-win situation for churches (and other orgs) – Current Events Q3 2020, Part 5
Earlier this week the local school board met to discuss how to handle the upcoming start of the school year. Should kids be back in the building? If so, should they wear masks. By the way, I’m writing this during the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020, before a vaccine has been developed, and to date 150,000Continue reading “What to do when Covid is a no-win situation for churches (and other orgs) – Current Events Q3 2020, Part 5”
How to be an encouragement – Current Events Q3 2020, Part 4
Our study of the “One Another” passages in the New Testament continues. If you haven’t read the previous posts, I encourage to start at the first one here. There are more than 50 “One Another” passages, and put together they form a powerful teaching about the identity and practice of the church. This week IContinue reading “How to be an encouragement – Current Events Q3 2020, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 