Have you ever heard someone talk about Jesus Christ, as if “Christ” is his last name, or surname? The name “Jesus Christ” has become so culturally familiar, perhaps most often used as an expletive. What does his name mean? Continue reading, as our study through 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 during this first week of AdventContinue reading “Why “Lord Jesus Christ” is subversive, and “grace and peace” is more than a greeting – 2 Thessalonians 1, Part 3″
Tag Archives: Apostle Paul
When does a church become a church? – 2 Thessalonians 1, Part 2
My church rents space to four other groups of Christians, and those groups describe themselves with a variety labels that indicate their relative age. First Baptist Church, as you can see in its name, is an established local church, older, I believe, than my church. The Orthodox group, however, calls themselves a fellowship. An establishedContinue reading “When does a church become a church? – 2 Thessalonians 1, Part 2”
Introducing our Advent 2021 series – 2 Thessalonians 1, Part 1
For this Advent season, I thought it would be good to study a lesser-known book of the Bible that relates to Advent. This letter didn’t originally relate to Advent. Advent was a season of the year that Christians created many years after this letter was written. But because Advent mean “arrival,” I think you’ll seeContinue reading “Introducing our Advent 2021 series – 2 Thessalonians 1, Part 1”
Gospel and Social Justice…is it one or the other? – Ezekiel 21-23, Part 1
When my wife Michelle was running Imagine Goods, she made about 30 trips to Cambodia, primarily to work with women who were survivors of trafficking, helping them have employment as seamstresses, thus lifting them out of the precarious economic and cultural situation that initially made them vulnerable to being trafficked. Every now and then whenContinue reading “Gospel and Social Justice…is it one or the other? – Ezekiel 21-23, Part 1”
When you cry out to God, and he doesn’t seem to answer – Ezekiel 19, Part 2
Jesus lamented. He was hurting deeply, and he expressed that hurt to God. We don’t normally think about Jesus like that, complaining to God. Yet arguably the most famous example of spoken lament comes from Psalm 22, where the psalmist, David, writes, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” It’s famous because JesusContinue reading “When you cry out to God, and he doesn’t seem to answer – Ezekiel 19, Part 2”
How to fulfill your calling – Colossians 4:7-18, Part 3
Editor’s Note: This week I welcome David Hundert on the blog. David is an MDiv student and member of Faith Church. He preaches for me 3-4 times each year when I am away, and this past week I was my denomination’s national conference. Thank you, David! Do you ever feel frustrated about how your lifeContinue reading “How to fulfill your calling – Colossians 4:7-18, Part 3”
How to show hospitality – Colossians 4:7-18, Part 2
Editor’s Note: This week I welcome David Hundert on the blog. David is an MDiv student and member of Faith Church. He preaches for me 3-4 times each year when I am away, and this past week I was my denomination’s national conference. Thank you, David! Is hospitality just for hotels, restaurants, spas…or hospitals? CanContinue reading “How to show hospitality – Colossians 4:7-18, Part 2”
How to encourage one another – Colossians 4:7-18, Part 1
Editor’s Note: This week I welcome David Hundert on the blog. David is an MDiv student and member of Faith Church. He preaches for me 3-4 times each year when I am away, and this past week I was my denomination’s national conference. Thank you, David! There is a story of a young man whoContinue reading “How to encourage one another – Colossians 4:7-18, Part 1”
How to speak graciously [even when you don’t want to] – Colossians 4:2-6, Part 5
I recently heard a story from a Mennonite pastor in my local ministerium. Nearly 25 years ago, his wife tragically passed away. One year before she passed away, she made the decision to discontinue wearing the traditional Mennonite head covering for women. After she died, he got lots of support, but he also got twoContinue reading “How to speak graciously [even when you don’t want to] – Colossians 4:2-6, Part 5”
What to pray for yourself and others – Colossians 4:2-6, Part 4
Think about the content of your prayer requests. Often the prayer requests in my church family are health-related. There’s nothing wrong with asking God to heal us. But I do get concerned when it seems we have a fixation on health. While it is okay to pray for health-related concerns, that should not be ourContinue reading “What to pray for yourself and others – Colossians 4:2-6, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 