My brother received a new grill as a gift, and he posted on social media that he was giving away his old one. His old grill is better than mine, so when I saw my brother’s offer, I texted him, and I was thankful that I was the first person to respond. He delivered theContinue reading “What my grill taught me about becoming more like Jesus – 1 Thessalonians 5:23–28, Part 1”
Tag Archives: christ
Be content, but don’t be – 1 Thessalonians 5:23–28, Preview
Is there anything about yourself that you wish you could change? For as long as time, humans have tried to lose weight, get in shape, alter their bodies, learn new skills, and drop bad habits. We try to change jobs, change homes, and change relationships. Some of us are very dissatisfied with aspects of ourContinue reading “Be content, but don’t be – 1 Thessalonians 5:23–28, Preview”
Questioning Jesus’ Ascension, Preview
When I think about the events of Jesus’ life, there are two events that I sometimes find a bit odd. His transfiguration and his ascension. Interestingly, if you look at paintings of the two events, they appear very similar. In those paintings, Jesus is levitating in the air, while his disciples look up in shock. Continue reading “Questioning Jesus’ Ascension, Preview”
We need Mary Poppins prophets in our lives – 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22, Part 5
It is not just pastors and teachers that need to be humble, self-aware, and teachable, as I wrote in the previous post. When Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:20, “Do not treat prophecies with contempt,” he is pointing out a very common human tendency. Prophecies in the Bible are only rarely predictions of the future.Continue reading “We need Mary Poppins prophets in our lives – 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22, Part 5”
Three tests we can and should use to evaluate preachers and teachers – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 4
I observed a recent social media interaction that I think you’ll find interesting. On social media, Pastor #1 posted a video clip of Pastor #2’s sermon. On the video Pastor #2 said this, “If you call yourself a Christian and then behave in an unchristlike manner, you are misusing God’s name.” Agreed. In response toContinue reading “Three tests we can and should use to evaluate preachers and teachers – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 4”
Preachers are not Holy Spirit robots? – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 3
So far this week, we’ve studied what Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:20, when he says, “Do not hold prophecies in contempt.” But what do we do with the fact that the person is teaching something or prophesying about something that might be incorrect doctrine or teaching? Paul addresses that important concern in what heContinue reading “Preachers are not Holy Spirit robots? – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 3”
The place of contempt in the life of the Christian – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 2
My wife, Michelle, and I enjoy watching the late night show monologues. Often the hosts poke fun at politicians, exposing the hypocrisy, or sometimes sheer lunacy, of those politicians. Watching those monologues, I will at times say out loud that a politician is an idiot. Have you ever exclaimed something like that? Contempt is drippingContinue reading “The place of contempt in the life of the Christian – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 2”
Prophets, prophecies, and contempt – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 1
In 1 Thessalonians 5, verse 20, Paul writes, “Do not treat prophecies with contempt.” Prophecies? What prophecies? In this letter Paul has mentioned the second coming of Jesus numerous times. At the end of each chapter, in fact. There has been a fairly influential interpretation of various biblical passages that equates the idea of propheciesContinue reading “Prophets, prophecies, and contempt – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 1”
Are there prophets in your church? (Does it matter?) – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Preview
When you think of a prophet, what image comes to mind? Old Testament luminaries with cloaks, staffs, and a mane of facial hair, standing alone atop a mountain? I’m thinking of Moses, Samuel, and Elijah. Or perhaps you think of the quirky seers of visions and performers of skits like Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Isaiah? IContinue reading “Are there prophets in your church? (Does it matter?) – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Preview”
What’s at the root of the saying, “That’s just the way I am”? – 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Part 5
Years ago someone was telling me about a conflict they were having with their boss. They had actually had conflicts with a string of bosses. They said it was always the bosses’ fault. During their conflict with their most recent boss, they said, “That’s just the way I am.” Have you ever said that? HaveContinue reading “What’s at the root of the saying, “That’s just the way I am”? – 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Part 5″
Engaging Scripture 