Tag Archives: bible

In the beginning…God had help creating? – John 1:1-18, Part 1

Do you like your skin?  Do you feel comfortable in your skin?  I mentioned in the preview post here that we are going to talk about Jesus’ skin. I’m sure each of us has thought more than our fair share about our skin.  The ways we don’t like it, especially.  The blemishes.  The wear andContinue reading “In the beginning…God had help creating? – John 1:1-18, Part 1”

We need to talk about Jesus’ skin – John 1:1-18, Preview

When I was a kid I had a couple super-annoying skin conditions.  Maybe you’ve experienced that too. First I had eczema. Second, an allergic reaction to nickel in metal alloys (I still can’t wear watches with metal backs, or I break out). Then I developed plantar warts on my fingers and the soles of my feet. Continue reading “We need to talk about Jesus’ skin – John 1:1-18, Preview”

Jesus calls regular people to follow him…and he gives them nicknames – Gospel of John Intro, Part 5

Do you have a nickname? I think nicknames are loads of fun. Interestingly, it seems Jesus was inclined to give some of his friends nicknames! That not only tells you something about Jesus’ personality, but also about the power of naming. One of the people that Jesus gave a nickname was his friend John, whoseContinue reading “Jesus calls regular people to follow him…and he gives them nicknames – Gospel of John Intro, Part 5”

The importance of belief – Gospel of John Intro, Part 4

John is not alone in telling the story of Jesus.  The other three Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life have been published long before.   Mark first, then Matthew and Luke soon after.  They are all very similar to one another, so John decides to go in a different direction.  There is nothing wrong with the otherContinue reading “The importance of belief – Gospel of John Intro, Part 4”

The backstory of John the Apostle…continued – Gospel of John Into, Part 3

The fisherman we met in the first post of this blog series on the backstory of the Apostle John, brothers James and John, crank out the daily grind of trying to make ends meet in a job that is not very profitable.   Day after day goes by.  A week here a week there.  People areContinue reading “The backstory of John the Apostle…continued – Gospel of John Into, Part 3”

The backstory of John the Apostle – Gospel of John Preview, Part 2

When did John write this Gospel?  To answer that question, we need to learn more about John’s life story.  He was born into a fisherman’s family in the northern part of Israel, a region around the Sea of Galilee.  He and his brother continued the family business.  One day John and his brother James heardContinue reading “The backstory of John the Apostle – Gospel of John Preview, Part 2”

Who wrote the…Gospel of John – Intro, Part 1

Let’s play a word association game.  I’m going to write a word, and you write down the first word that comes to mind.  What one word comes to mind when I say, “Jesus”? God, Son of God, Cross, Resurrection, Christmas, Easter, Love, Friend?  All very good words that are associated with Jesus.  But what wordsContinue reading “Who wrote the…Gospel of John – Intro, Part 1”

Who is Jesus? – Gospel of John Intro: Preview

Can you prove that Jesus is God, that he was born, lived, died and rose again?  Can you prove that he is who he said he is, and that he is who his followers said he is?  I have often wished that there was video evidence to help us prove it, but there is not. Continue reading “Who is Jesus? – Gospel of John Intro: Preview”

What to do when the world moves into the neighborhood – Relationships: with the world, Part 5

If we aren’t waiting on some special missionary call from God (see previous post) and we are all called to love the world, does that mean everyone should travel overseas?  Please don’t hear me saying that.  It takes a certain maturity, a set of gifts and graces to be a good fit for living international. Continue reading “What to do when the world moves into the neighborhood – Relationships: with the world, Part 5”