Have you ever been in a workplace or school or volunteer group that has a rule in place, and a newcomer asks, “Why do you have that rule?” and you honestly can’t remember? You’ve been following the rule for so long that you’ve forgotten why it was imposed in the first place! It was wiseContinue reading “How rules can pollute your practice of following Jesus and what to do about it – Colossians 2:16-23, Part 5”
Tag Archives: Apostle Paul
How rules are a shadow and Jesus is the real thing – Colossians 2:16-23, Part 3
This week we have been studying Colossians 2:16-23, in which Paul writes that Christians should not be judged based on following the wrong set of rules. Look at Colossians 2 verse 17 to see how he describes these rules: they are a shadow of the things that were to come, but the reality is foundContinue reading “How rules are a shadow and Jesus is the real thing – Colossians 2:16-23, Part 3”
How many rules do Christians need to follow? – Colossians 2:16-23, Part 1
How many rules do Christians need to follow? I’ve heard the critique that Christianity is a religion with lots of rules. “You can’t do this, and you can’t do that, and Christianity is so antiquated with all its super-restrictive rules!” When Michelle and I were students in Bible college, the student handbook certainly had aContinue reading “How many rules do Christians need to follow? – Colossians 2:16-23, Part 1”
Evangelicals need to move back from the heresies of Trumpism and White Christian Nationalism – Colossians 2:8-15, Part 3
What are contemporary heresies that might infect the church? I ask this question from time to time in my congregation, and you know the answer that people first respond with? Almost always, the first idea they bring up is about or related to homosexuality. That topic is an important one to discuss, and I haveContinue reading “Evangelicals need to move back from the heresies of Trumpism and White Christian Nationalism – Colossians 2:8-15, Part 3”
Evidence that heretical philosophy might have taken American Christians captive – Colossians 2:8-15, Part 2
How could one man like Adolf Hitler have such sway and influence in German society in the 1930s, to the point where millions of Jews ended up being slaughtered by Germans? To the point where there was major world war, and nearly the entire German populace supported it, including Christians! How? It boggles the mind.Continue reading “Evidence that heretical philosophy might have taken American Christians captive – Colossians 2:8-15, Part 2”
What is truth? Where do we find truth in a world of fake news? – Colossians 2:8-15, Part 1
Easter is just a few weeks away, and that means we once again celebrate Holy Week. Imagine with me the scene from the darkest day of Holy Week, Good Friday, when the Roman governor Pilate questions Jesus. Pilate is the most powerful man in the land, representing the authority and might of the Roman Emperor. Continue reading “What is truth? Where do we find truth in a world of fake news? – Colossians 2:8-15, Part 1”
How to be a good friend to God- Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 10
In the previous post, I mentioned that I had to confess and repent, “Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit in me, I am sorry I haven’t been a good friend, I’m sorry I haven’t given much effort to get to know you.” Of course, that is not totally true, as we can get to know God inContinue reading “How to be a good friend to God- Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 10”
The ancient mystery is revealed! – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 8
All week long we have been learning about a mystery, starting here! In Colossians 1, verse 27, Paul tells us that the mystery has glorious riches. Glory refers to the concept of splendor, of remarkable appearance. The second word, riches, refers to abundant riches. In fact, the particular word Paul uses for “riches” often hasContinue reading “The ancient mystery is revealed! – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 8”
Who the grand mystery is revealed to – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 7
Have you ever heard of the word, etymology? If you are the kind of person who likes to know where our English words came from, you are an etymologist at heart. Etymology is the study of the history of words. Therefore the etymology of a word is the origin and development of that word throughoutContinue reading “Who the grand mystery is revealed to – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 7”
A Mystery of Biblical Proportions – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 6
I love a good mystery story. From Sherlock Holmes to Agatha Christie to even Scooby-Doo or contemporary TV shows like Psych. It could even be true crime dramas about unsolved mysteries. I find it be intriguing trying to figure out “who done it.” I also love the stories about mysteries in nature or history. WhatContinue reading “A Mystery of Biblical Proportions – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 6”
Engaging Scripture 