You know the acronyms YOLO and FOMO? “You only live once,” and “fear of missing out.” Those phrases describe a passion to have amazing experiences. As we have been studying the Apostle Paul’s perspective on his incarceration in Philippians 1, it almost sounds like he is using a version of YOLO or FOMO. But isContinue reading “Evaluating YOLO, FOMO, and Bucket Lists – Advent Joy, Part 5”
Tag Archives: bonhoeffer
It may or may not be the end of the world, and I feel…hilarious? – Advent Joy, Preview
Do you know what the title of the book of Revelation refers to? Revelation is not about reveling, but about “that which is revealed.” In the book of Revelation, God reveals to the apostle John a fantastic vision. Biblical scholars have long debated how we should interpret the vision’s imagery. Is it literal or isContinue reading “It may or may not be the end of the world, and I feel…hilarious? – Advent Joy, Preview”
A powerful question for church families – Caring for one another, Part 3
My wife and I recently watched the television series, New Amsterdam. It’s about a public hospital in New York City. The main character Max Goodwin is the medical director, and he asks a question repeatedly in nearly every episode of the series. (He might ask it in every episode! I didn’t keep track.). His question, which I’ll revealContinue reading “A powerful question for church families – Caring for one another, Part 3”
Be thankful for your messy church family – Caring for one another, Part 2
Are there awkward people in your church family? Perhaps people who talk your ear off, over-sharing, while you’re struggling to find a way to get out of the conversation in which they have done 95% of the talking, and it’s going on 30 minutes with no end in sight. Perhaps there are the people who have RBFContinue reading “Be thankful for your messy church family – Caring for one another, Part 2”
God hates visionary dreamers? – Caring for one another, Part 1
I want to begin with a shocking quote. At least I think it is shocking. See if you think it is shocking. Here is the quote: “God hates visionary dreamers.” How do you feel about that statement? “God hates visionary dreamers.” Thumbs up or Thumbs down? Thumbs down, right? The concept of visionary dreamers seemsContinue reading “God hates visionary dreamers? – Caring for one another, Part 1”
Genuine Christianity – Colossians 1:9-14, Part 3
As I mentioned in this post, it was deeply discouraging to see rioters at the US Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021 holding Christian flags and banners that said “Jesus Saves.” I will admit that I don’t know for sure what each and every one of those people were attempting. It could be that someContinue reading “Genuine Christianity – Colossians 1:9-14, Part 3”
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”
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″
Engaging Scripture 