Have you ever thought about the Christian rationale for why Christians are trying to invite other people to become followers of Jesus as well? Some Christians seem to be rather lax about it, almost to the point where you wonder if they don’t care about whether or not other people become followers of Jesus. OtherContinue reading “You don’t need a dramatic life story to be a true follower of Jesus – Acts 22-23, Part 4”
Tag Archives: Apostle Paul
Does the Apostle Paul make a grave mistake when telling his story? – Acts 22-23, Part 3
I wonder if the Apostle Paul made a big mistake. I say that hesitantly, cautiously, only speculating, but as I read what he says to his fellow Jews one day in Jerusalem, I can’t help but think, “Paul, that is a really bad move.” What did he say? As I mentioned in the previous post,Continue reading “Does the Apostle Paul make a grave mistake when telling his story? – Acts 22-23, Part 3”
What kind of life counts as memoir-worthy – Acts 22-23, Part 2
I recently read former Secretary of State Madeline Albright’s memoir covering the years 2000-2020. Since leaving office, Albright has continued to lead a fascinating life, seeking to make an impact around the world. Her memoir got me thinking about my own story, and wondering what kind of life counts as worthy of a memoir. DoContinue reading “What kind of life counts as memoir-worthy – Acts 22-23, Part 2”
What my old sofa taught me about story-telling – Acts 22-23, Part 1
Last week our family got a new sofa for our living room. So Michelle and I carried the old sofa out to our front lawn and put a “Free” sign on it. We were hoping someone could use it, and also save us the trouble and expense of discarding it. We watched what appeared toContinue reading “What my old sofa taught me about story-telling – Acts 22-23, Part 1”
Let your freedom be ruled by love – Acts 21, Part 5
A man and his family went to church recently. This man and his family are healthy people, and believed that they do not need to wear masks. I’m writing this in July 2020 as coronavirus cases in the USA just exceeded 4 million, and many states are requiring the wearing of masks in public placesContinue reading “Let your freedom be ruled by love – Acts 21, Part 5”
Do politics and tradition guide your thinking more than Jesus? – Acts 21, Part 4
In 1991 the former Grand Wizard of the KKK, David Duke, was in a run-off election to become governor of Louisiana. In the four weeks leading up to the run-off, the New Orleans Saints were playing a home game, and a black season ticket holder told the story of his feelings as loud eruptions ofContinue reading “Do politics and tradition guide your thinking more than Jesus? – Acts 21, Part 4”
Is it possible to live a comfortable life and be a disciple of Jesus at the same time? – Acts 21, Part 3
Do you see the irony in the picture above? Take a close look. Do you see it? I’m referring to the irony of a person sitting under a comfy blanket sipping a hot mug of tea, while reading about Stephen who was killed for his faith in Jesus. Now do you see the irony? Here’sContinue reading “Is it possible to live a comfortable life and be a disciple of Jesus at the same time? – Acts 21, Part 3”
Can we know if we are truly committed to Christ and his mission? – Acts 21, Part 2
Would you die for Jesus? That’s a pretty intense question, isn’t it? What does it mean to be committed to Jesus? Even if in our lifetime we’re never faced with death for the cause of Christ, what does it mean to have the attitude and intention that we would be that committed to him? HowContinue reading “Can we know if we are truly committed to Christ and his mission? – Acts 21, Part 2”
Is it true that, “when Christ calls us, he bids us come and die”? – Acts 21, Part 1
I recently watched a few episodes of Netflix’s series Greatest Events of World War 2 in Color. The series is actual footage from World War 2, but the footage, which was originally in black and white, has been colorized. If you’ve ever watched black and white newsreel of events in World War 2 it canContinue reading “Is it true that, “when Christ calls us, he bids us come and die”? – Acts 21, Part 1″
Which is better: giving or receiving? – Acts 20, Part 5
As we come to the conclusion of Paul’s ministry training buffet in Acts 20, verse 32 is a kind of prayer of commissioning in which Paul commits the Ephesian elders: “To God and to the word of his grace.” For a Christian to say to other Christians, “I commit you to God,” is fairly expected.Continue reading “Which is better: giving or receiving? – Acts 20, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 