joelkime

The first mission of the church was given to women- Matthew 28, Part 2

It is Sunday morning. Early. Still dark. In our previous post, we followed Matthew’s account of what happened after Jesus’ death on that Friday and Saturday long ago. We started at Matthew 27:50, watching as Matthew gave us short rapid camera shots, from a variety of locations around Jerusalem. Now look at Matthew 28:1. MatthewContinue reading “The first mission of the church was given to women- Matthew 28, Part 2”

What happened after Jesus died – Matthew 28, Part 1

We will all have coronavirus stories to share for years to come. Recently my daughter said, “This will be an event that I’ll be telling my kids and grandkids about.” And she is right. There will be so many stories. The courageous health care workers working to heal those who contracted the virus, many ofContinue reading “What happened after Jesus died – Matthew 28, Part 1”

How Jesus matters during times of crisis – Matthew 21:1-17, Part 5

When I think about this coronavirus crisis, I think about how important healthcare workers are to our well-being. I think about how I pray every day for a vaccine to be developed more rapidly than medical scientists believe is humanly possible. I think about how we need to continue social distancing, even when we’re allContinue reading “How Jesus matters during times of crisis – Matthew 21:1-17, Part 5”

Jesus’ classic burn of the religious leaders – Matthew 21:1-17, Part 4

I recently watched Netflix’ series Messiah. It depicts what might happen if a christ-figure entered our contemporary world. The series was intriguing because it kept you guessing. Was he Jesus? Or an imposter? Maybe a terrorist? What were his real motivations? Were his miracles tricks or real? Were his teachings good news or were theyContinue reading “Jesus’ classic burn of the religious leaders – Matthew 21:1-17, Part 4”

Would Jesus say Christianity is polluted or pure? – Matthew 21:1-17, Part 3

Have you ever wondered if Christianity in our day and age is polluted? Or is it pure? These are wide statements, and Christianity is so diverse that one word, like “polluted” or “pure” cannot possibly describe the whole of it. But take a look at trends in the faith. Consider the larger movements within theContinue reading “Would Jesus say Christianity is polluted or pure? – Matthew 21:1-17, Part 3”

Jesus’ first kingly act? He goes to the market! – Matthew 21:1-17, Part 2

In my county, we have many farmers’ markets and bazaars, places where people can rent space, set up a stand and sell their produce or wares. The three most popular and busy are probably Central Market in the city, Green Dragon in Ephrata, and Root’s in Manheim, though there are others. They are incredibly funContinue reading “Jesus’ first kingly act? He goes to the market! – Matthew 21:1-17, Part 2”

The UNtriumphal entry of the unexpected king – Matthew 21:1-17, Part 1

Picture an inauguration or coronation ceremony. What images come to mind? Grand balls. Flashy banners and decor. Lavish parties with bountiful plates of food and dignitaries dressed to impress. The goal is a display of power, wealth, and victory. Today I want to give you a totally different picture of a coronation that would ultimatelyContinue reading “The UNtriumphal entry of the unexpected king – Matthew 21:1-17, Part 1”

White evangelical church, it’s time to get woke – Acts 8:4-40, Part 5

This week we’ve watched the Holy Spirit help the first Christians get woke. What is “woke”? Is it “awake”? If this is the first post you’re reading in this five-part series, I encourage you to pause and start with the first one here. As we studied the amazing events of Acts 8:4-40, which tell theContinue reading “White evangelical church, it’s time to get woke – Acts 8:4-40, Part 5”

When it comes to the Kingdom of God, all are welcome – Acts 8:4-40, Part 4

Does your church welcome all ethnicities? All races? Does your church’s ethnic demographic resemble that of the community around you? If not, why not? This week we’ve been reading Acts 8:4-40, learning how the Spirit has been pushing the church to get woke. So far the Spirit, through the ministry of Philip, has taken theContinue reading “When it comes to the Kingdom of God, all are welcome – Acts 8:4-40, Part 4”

Simon the Sorcerer vs the Holy Spirit – Acts 8:4-40, Part 3

There was a powerful man in Samaria. Simon the Sorcerer. All week long we’ve been studying Acts 8:4-40, learning about how Christians should get woke like the early church. One of those earliest Christians, Philip, had traveled to Samaria and started demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit. But there was already a man withContinue reading “Simon the Sorcerer vs the Holy Spirit – Acts 8:4-40, Part 3”