How do you overcome a bad habit, a sinful struggle? It’s difficult, right? It can feel like entering a boxing ring, doing battle every day, often losing. Does that resonate with you? There is hope and there is help! In our five-part study of Colossians 3:5-11, Paul says in verse 7 that Christians had anContinue reading “When battling a bad habit or sin feels like a losing fight – Colossians 3:5-11, Part 4”
Tag Archives: Apostle Paul
Identifying and responding to evil desire – Colossians 3:5-11, Part 3
You’re driving down the road, looking at the vehicles passing by, feeling very dissatisfied by your own vehicle. You feel within you a strong desire for a particular vehicle you pass by. As I said before, I desire Land Rover Defenders. Or maybe it is a better house. Maybe you desire someone else’s body, personality,Continue reading “Identifying and responding to evil desire – Colossians 3:5-11, Part 3”
Prince Philip’s Surprising Choice For His Hearse – Colossians 3:5-11, Part 1
Did you watch the funeral of Prince Philip who recently passed? Or maybe you saw highlights or pictures on the news. Did you notice that his coffin was transported in a plain old green Land Rover Defender pick-up truck? Defenders are mode of Land Rovers that look kind of like Jeeps. You rarely see DefendersContinue reading “Prince Philip’s Surprising Choice For His Hearse – Colossians 3:5-11, Part 1”
Two essential habits for Christians – Colossians 3:1-4, Part 5
How do you practice following Jesus? What are the essentials? This post is the conclusion to this week’s five-part series through Colossians 3:1-4, which started here, and we will reflect on two essential habits for Christians. Paul wraps up his teaching in Colossians 3:1-4, with what he writes in verse 4: “When Christ, who isContinue reading “Two essential habits for Christians – Colossians 3:1-4, Part 5”
What my pandemic weight gain taught me about my thinking – Colossians 3:1-4, Part 3
During the Covid pandemic that reached the USA in 2020, and is still going strong now in 2021, we’ve heard talk of pandemic weight gain. People have been sitting at home a lot more, sedentary. We don’t have a scale in our house, but I was at the doctor for a checkup in December 2020Continue reading “What my pandemic weight gain taught me about my thinking – Colossians 3:1-4, Part 3”
Why we need to evaluate our longings – Colossians 3:1-4, Part 2
Recently I got a notice that a person wanted to send a message to the church through our Instagram account’s messaging system. I’m always a bit suspicious about requests from random people, but the message had me curious. The person asked, “Can I ask a biblical question here?” Yes. Yes, you can! They asked aContinue reading “Why we need to evaluate our longings – Colossians 3:1-4, Part 2”
How to evaluate the headlines – Colossians 3:1-4, Part 1
It has been quite a week in our country. The trial of Derek Chauvin. Police shootings of people of color. Racial protests. Mass shootings. A removal of our troops from Afghanistan after nearly 20 years. And of course…Covid. On the one hand, more and more people are getting the Covid vaccines, while on the otherContinue reading “How to evaluate the headlines – Colossians 3:1-4, Part 1”
How resurrection motivates us to mission – Easter 2021, Part 4
As we continue studying what Paul has to say about resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:12-34, he begins with a really bizarre comment. In verse 29 he mentions that the Corinthian Christians were practicing baptism for the dead. I am not going to be able to provide you the definitive answer on what that one isContinue reading “How resurrection motivates us to mission – Easter 2021, Part 4”
What my peach tree teaches me about resurrection – Easter 2021, Part 3
I’m writing this in early spring, when I am starting to see the beginning of buds growing on the peach tree in my yard. Maybe you have fruit trees, and you’ve seen this growth process underway. As the buds eventually flower, the tiny fruit will begin to grow. Frequently, some fruit ripens early and weContinue reading “What my peach tree teaches me about resurrection – Easter 2021, Part 3”
Does Christianity really need Jesus to rise from the dead? – Easter 2021, Part 2
Does Christianity really need Jesus to rise from the dead? Maybe it would be okay to just worship and follow the teachings of Jesus? He was a really awesome guy, resurrection or not. If Christianity doesn’t actually need a risen Jesus, that could potentially help many people who simply cannot believe in miracles. Thomas JeffersonContinue reading “Does Christianity really need Jesus to rise from the dead? – Easter 2021, Part 2”
Engaging Scripture 