Thus far the readings for the First Sunday of Advent have begun with a prophecy from 600 BC that God would send a new king to Israel, and that the people needed to get ready for that king by practicing repentance. We looked at Luke 1, which describes Jesus as the fulfillment of that prophecy. Continue reading “Being faithful in the waiting [First Sunday of Advent, part 3]”
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The surprising value of repentance [First Sunday of Advent, part 2]
I don’t like to be in the wrong. It feels terrible. When my wife points out something I did wrong, inwardly I immediately start thinking of ways to respond to justify my actions. Sound familiar? Today we learn about the right way to handle it when we are confronted about being wrong. In part 1Continue reading “The surprising value of repentance [First Sunday of Advent, part 2]”
There is hope in dark times! [First Sunday of Advent, part 1]
For Advent 2018, Faith Church will be following the readings in the Revised Common Lectionary. Each Sunday we’ll look at how the four readings tie together thematically, all supporting the goals of the season of Advent. Thus we are pausing our series on Deuteronomy. We’ll return to that after the New Year 2019. Why doesContinue reading “There is hope in dark times! [First Sunday of Advent, part 1]”
Jesus wants to destroy your echo chamber [God’s heart for people to find truth, part 5]
In this series of posts on Deuteronomy 18, we’ve been talking about how we need to get out of the echo chambers of life and find the truth in Jesus. There is an interesting story in John18:33 and following. Jesus has been arrested, and he was taken to the Roman governor Pilate. The Jewish leadersContinue reading “Jesus wants to destroy your echo chamber [God’s heart for people to find truth, part 5]”
Who is THE prophet? [God’s heart for people to find truth, part 4]
In part 3 of this series, we met a prophet named John the Baptist in the book of the Bible titled John (though the “John” in that title was a different John!) In John 1:25, the people question John the Baptist about his ministry. They wanted to out him as the Messiah (the savior kingContinue reading “Who is THE prophet? [God’s heart for people to find truth, part 4]”
Of Prophets [God’s heart for people to find truth, part 3]
When you think of prophets, what comes to mind? A scraggly guy like the one in the picture above? Or maybe a preacher in a church? Someone who has a vision of the future? The Bible is loaded with prophets, and they come in many shapes and sizes. One thing is similar about them all,Continue reading “Of Prophets [God’s heart for people to find truth, part 3]”
Avoid the occult [God’s heart for people to find truth, part 2]
As we saw in part 1 of this series on Deuteronomy 18:9-22, God instructs Israel to not dabble in the detestable religious practices of the nations they will encounter when they enter the Promised Land of Canaan. He lists a bunch of these practices, making it abundantly clear what he is talking about. The mostContinue reading “Avoid the occult [God’s heart for people to find truth, part 2]”
The danger of echo-chambers [God’s heart for people to find the truth, part 1]
Have you heard of “echo chambers”? I was listening to a podcast this week where a guy said that in our day and age, especially because of the many, many choices we have for news, and because of social media, that Christians too often live in an echo chamber. Echo chambers are rooms where youContinue reading “The danger of echo-chambers [God’s heart for people to find the truth, part 1]”
Christians, justice and leadership in the Church [God’s heart for good government, part 5]
In this series of posts, we have been studying God’s heart for good government in Deuteronomy 16 and 17. In those chapters, God created levels of governance for Israel: local, national, and over all, the king. What have we seen in all these levels of government that God had for his people? Many things: Justice isContinue reading “Christians, justice and leadership in the Church [God’s heart for good government, part 5]”
How kings and presidents should lead [God’s heart for good government, part 4]
How should a king or president lead? In America over the years we’ve seen wildly divergent styles of leadership in our presidents. Take a few minutes and think about it. Try to avoid your personal support or disagreement with their political views. Just consider how our recent 5 or 6 presidents have lived out theirContinue reading “How kings and presidents should lead [God’s heart for good government, part 4]”
Engaging Scripture 