What is faith? There are many ways to describe faith. Faith can be a noun, an idea, and faith can be a verb, an action. When we think of faith as a noun, we might think of a religion. The Christian faith. The Muslim faith. The Hindu faith. There are many, many religious faiths. AContinue reading “Why we need to see faith as opinion – Shield of Faith, Part 1”
Tag Archives: belief
Why we cannot manufacture a movement of God (and what we should do instead) – John 15:1-10, Part 5
The theme of my denomination this year is “A Dynamic Movement of God.” This theme comes from the denomination’s vision statement which was created in the early 2000s. While we definitely want to participate in the movement of God, let us not believe that we can manufacture a movement of God. Many Christians claim thatContinue reading “Why we cannot manufacture a movement of God (and what we should do instead) – John 15:1-10, Part 5”
Should you be more selfish? – John 13:1-17, Part 1
What did you think of that? Selfishness is good? As I watched the video there were times I felt confused, thinking that it is true that we are to care for ourselves, but also we are not to be selfish. I also thought, I wonder how Jesus would respond to the ideas in this video? Continue reading “Should you be more selfish? – John 13:1-17, Part 1”
How God’s upside-down Kingdom helps us make sense of Jesus’ death – John 12:12-50, Part 3
Jesus is just days from his death. So it’s no surprise that in John 12 verses 27-28 Jesus becomes introspective: “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Jesus chose toContinue reading “How God’s upside-down Kingdom helps us make sense of Jesus’ death – John 12:12-50, Part 3”
The unhealthy way to love life – John 12:12-50, Part 2
The city of Jerusalem is jam-packed with pilgrims from all over the world who have come to celebrate the Feast of Passover. In the previous post, we learned about what is called Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into the city, when all sorts of people are clamoring to get near him. In John 12, verses 20-22, weContinue reading “The unhealthy way to love life – John 12:12-50, Part 2”
Why we set up four essential oil diffusers in our worship service – John 11:46-12:11, Part 3
What will Jesus say when Mary love bombs by dumping $70K of perfume on his feet, and his disciple Judas Iscariot is angry, saying that perfume could have been sold to help the poor? Will Jesus agree with Mary or Judas? Here’s how Jesus responds to Judas in John 12, verses 7-8, “’Leave her alone,’Continue reading “Why we set up four essential oil diffusers in our worship service – John 11:46-12:11, Part 3”
The time someone wasted $70K on Jesus? – John 11:46-12:11, Part 2
This week we’re studying John 11:46-12:11, but our focus in on chapter 12, verses 1-11. In the previous post, we studied John 11:46-12:2, which sets up the story. After hiding from the watchful eye of the Jewish leaders, Jesus travels to the town of Bethany, just two miles outside the city of Jerusalem. In BethanyContinue reading “The time someone wasted $70K on Jesus? – John 11:46-12:11, Part 2”
Jesus’ bold move when he has a target on his back – John 11:46-12:11, Part 1
Our study of the Gospel of John, is now back on track. We studied John 11:1-45 Easter week, starting here, in which we learned the story of Jesus miraculously raising his friend Lazarus from the dead. In verse 45, we read that as a result of the miracle, many people put their faith in Jesus. Continue reading “Jesus’ bold move when he has a target on his back – John 11:46-12:11, Part 1”
How Jesus stayed his execution with a question – John 10:22-42, Part 4
In our study this week of John 10:22-42, we come to verse 30 which is Jesus’ big finish, referring back to the question originally posed to him by the religious leaders. Remember the question? It is the religious leaders’ question in verse 24: “Are you really the Messiah?” In verse 30, Jesus does them oneContinue reading “How Jesus stayed his execution with a question – John 10:22-42, Part 4”
Does your view of God matter? – John 10:22-42, Part 1
I’d like you to consider the following question. True or False: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” That’s a quote by pastor and author, A. W. Tozer in his book, The Knowledge of the Holy, about the attributes of God. Read the quote again.Continue reading “Does your view of God matter? – John 10:22-42, Part 1”
Engaging Scripture 