Editor’s Note: This series of posts on Acts 15 is written by guest teacher David Hundert. Thanks, David! The series of five posts begins here. How do people become disciples of Jesus? What do they need to do? This was a hotly debated question in the early church, as the good news about Jesus expandedContinue reading “What do we have to do to become followers of Jesus? – Acts 15, Part 2”
Author Archives: joelkime
What disagreement led to the first church council? – Acts 15, Part 1
Editor’s Note: This series of posts on Acts 15 is written by guest teacher David Hundert. Thanks, David! What is doctrine? Is it a hard and fast rule? Is it something that has to be written in Scripture? Did it come off the mountain, written by the finger of God? I’d like to answer allContinue reading “What disagreement led to the first church council? – Acts 15, Part 1”
An experiment for Christians who are iffy about speaking up – Acts 14, Part 5
I was watching news reports this week as they filmed protests against racial injustice in the days following the murder of George Floyd. One protestor was holding a sign that said, “Silence is violence.” I wonder how you feel about that. I agree with the message on that sign. Yet I know that I haveContinue reading “An experiment for Christians who are iffy about speaking up – Acts 14, Part 5”
“Christians must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Really?) – Acts 14, Part 4
How do you like the quote in the title? Agree? Disagree? Let’s talk about it. In the previous post we looked at the question of whether or not Jesus is okay with various levels of commitment to him. As we study Acts, it seems that a guy like the Apostle Paul was radically committed toContinue reading ““Christians must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Really?) – Acts 14, Part 4″
Is it okay to be a mediocre follower of Jesus? (or is there something more) – Acts 14, Part 3
Is it okay to be a mediocre follower of Jesus? What does Jesus really want from his followers? Have you ever wondered if you are following Jesus in a way that is in line with his desires for his followers? Is it enough to believe in him, and attend church sometimes? Or is there somethingContinue reading “Is it okay to be a mediocre follower of Jesus? (or is there something more) – Acts 14, Part 3”
Christians, are we seeing the needs? Are we listening? – Acts 14, Part 2
Christian people, I have a question for you: when people think of you do they think, “there is a person who listens, who sees, who has empathy, who cares”? Or do they think, “there is a person who won’t stop talking, who is so focused on themselves”? What kind of Christian should we be? We’veContinue reading “Christians, are we seeing the needs? Are we listening? – Acts 14, Part 2”
Christians need to speak up – Acts 14, Part 1
Did you see the recent video of the white woman in New York City’s Central Park, yelling at an African-American man who had requested that she leash her dog, as they were in an area of the park that required dogs be on leashes? He started recording her because she became so belligerent, while heContinue reading “Christians need to speak up – Acts 14, Part 1”
How bamboo can help you understand your role in the mission of God – Acts 13, Part 5
Right about this time every year in my family’s backyard, we have bamboo that grows like mad. In a matter of just a few days, a stalk can grow a couple feet. It’s so fast, I sometimes wonder if I stare at it if I’ll see the motion of the growth! Bamboo is also persistentContinue reading “How bamboo can help you understand your role in the mission of God – Acts 13, Part 5”
Two correct ways (and one wrong way) to respond to preaching – Acts 13, Part 4
Do you do a good job in how you respond to preaching and teaching? If you are a Christian, you likely hear preachers and teachers from time to time. Maybe you are a part of a church family, and you attend worship services which include sermons. Maybe you participate in classes or small groups withContinue reading “Two correct ways (and one wrong way) to respond to preaching – Acts 13, Part 4”
How to have victory over darkness – Acts 13, Part 3
Do you ever sense the battle of light versus dark, good versus evil? Do sense that there might be a spiritual war going on? Do you ever feel defeated? It is possible to have victory over darkness. In our study through Acts we’ve see that battle numerous times. In chapter 8 Philip faced off againstContinue reading “How to have victory over darkness – Acts 13, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 