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”
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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”
Jesus’ example of wokeness – Acts 8:4-40, Part 2
The church should be woke because Jesus was woke. As I mentioned in the previous post, in the section of Acts we’re studying this week, Acts 8:4-40, we meet a man who had some fascinating encounters as he preached Jesus along the way, and his name was Philip. Today we’re going to learn how Jesus’Continue reading “Jesus’ example of wokeness – Acts 8:4-40, Part 2”
Should the church be woke? – Acts 8:4-40, Part 1
I am starting to get woke. Are you “woke”? Not awake, but woke. Maybe you’ve heard that word, as it become popular in recent years. I recently read the book Woke Church by Eric Mason, and in the book he describes “woke” as “to utilize the mind of Christ and to be fully awake toContinue reading “Should the church be woke? – Acts 8:4-40, Part 1”
How to be Christian during a crisis (such as global pandemic) – Acts 6:8-8:3, Part 5
How should Christians live in a liminal moment such as our current global health crisis? All week long we have been studying the life and ministry of Stephen, one of the earliest followers of Jesus, attempting to answer that question. If you want to learn more about Stephen, start by reading the first post here.Continue reading “How to be Christian during a crisis (such as global pandemic) – Acts 6:8-8:3, Part 5”
One suggestion for surviving fear and pain: look outward – Acts 6:8-8:3, Part 4
If you are feeling scared, anxious or even downright terrified by the news of the spread of the coronavirus, what should you do? I feel the weight of it myself. As a pastor of a small church, we’re having to rethink how we do everything, and it can feel like a heavy burden. We’re allContinue reading “One suggestion for surviving fear and pain: look outward – Acts 6:8-8:3, Part 4”
What to focus on when you are in pain – Acts 6:8-8:3, Part 3
When we’re in pain, usually we just want it to go away. At least that’s how I am. I can get very worked up emotionally, imagining that I’ll be in pain the rest of my life. So far, that thought of mine has never been true, as the pain heals. What it reveals is thatContinue reading “What to focus on when you are in pain – Acts 6:8-8:3, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 