How should you pray for your friends? As we continuing studying the letter called 3rd John, after greeting his friend Gaius, instead of conveying a blessing from God, as so often happens in the biblical letters, John next describes how he prays for his friend. It’s a great prayer, too, one that you can useContinue reading “3 ways to pray for your friends – 3rd John, Part 2”
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Can we say “I love you” non-romantically? 3rd John, Part 1
I recently heard the true story of a boss who was very controlling, difficult and demanding. As a result was a very stressful person to work for. His employees always felt like they were on thin ice around him. One day one of the boss’ employees was meeting new people at a dinner party, andContinue reading “Can we say “I love you” non-romantically? 3rd John, Part 1″
How to love deceivers and other difficult people – 2nd John, Part 5
In the previous post, John warned the Christians in the church about deceivers in their midst. But who was he talking about? Open a Bible or read online in 2nd John verses 10-11 to see how John describes them. Some scholars believe that he is talking about itinerant teachers who believed false doctrine. There wereContinue reading “How to love deceivers and other difficult people – 2nd John, Part 5”
How to respond to deceivers in a church – 2nd John, Part 4
How much should Christians interact with the secular world? I live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which is known for our Amish community, a Christian sect that practices a form of separation from the world. As I type this, I can look out my kitchen window and see my Amish neighbors wearing their traditional clothing and ridingContinue reading “How to respond to deceivers in a church – 2nd John, Part 4”
Love is practice? 2nd John, Part 3
Are you a good lover? Many of us when we hear that question, jump in our minds to an erotic understanding of “lover,” but that is not the kind of love I’m referring to. Are you good at being loving? The problem with answering this second question (“Are you good at being loving?”), is illustratedContinue reading “Love is practice? 2nd John, Part 3”
How Jesus redefines “love” and “truth” – 2nd John, Part 2
In the previous post I introduced the ancient biblical letter of 2nd John by looking at some ways that people express themselves when they are in love. Behind it all is the question, “What is love?” Though it is such a commonly used word and concept, is it possible that we might not understand it?Continue reading “How Jesus redefines “love” and “truth” – 2nd John, Part 2″
When you’re crazy in love – 2nd John, Part 1
Oh the crazy, creative, wild things we’ll do for love. Have you ever been bonkers in love and did something like that for the one you love? I recently heard the story of a guy who made a necklace for his girlfriend. He carved a small pear shape out of wood, and placed a littleContinue reading “When you’re crazy in love – 2nd John, Part 1”
How to welcome those who are difficult for you – Philemon 8-25, Part 5
Who is difficult for you? Think about it. Who are the people you really struggle with? Does it seem like it would be awful to welcome them into your life? How should you treat them? If Paul’s message to Philemon is our guide, then what we do will be self-sacrificial, it will be radical, itContinue reading “How to welcome those who are difficult for you – Philemon 8-25, Part 5”
The world-changing power of forgiveness – Philemon 8-25, Part 4.
Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to forgive someone who hurt you? Did you find it difficult to do so? It can be scary to forgive, especially when the pain runs deep. Will that person respect your forgiveness? What if they hurt you again? Are they really sorry? How do youContinue reading “The world-changing power of forgiveness – Philemon 8-25, Part 4.”
How Jesus redefines “family” – Philemon 8-25, Part 3
How do you define “family”? Biologically? Qualitatively? Some other way? As we continue studying Philemon verses 8-25, today we’re going to see Paul explain how Jesus defines family, and get ready, it is shocking. So what did Paul say? Let’s continue his flow of thought from what we already learned in Part 1 and 2Continue reading “How Jesus redefines “family” – Philemon 8-25, Part 3″
Engaging Scripture 