As a line of blood trickled down my face, my co-worker looked at me, shaking his head saying, “What is wrong with you? You are not right!” But let me back up and tell you what led to that. My first job after graduating from college in 1996 was as a youth care worker atContinue reading “The time my co-worker said, “What’s wrong with you? You’re not right.” – Galatians 1-5, Preview”
Tag Archives: christians
God’s heart for human flourishing (or Why God cares about social justice) – Ezekiel 45-48, Part 5
Years ago, I learned a song when I was a teenager in youth group, and I found it very catchy and fun, but I had no idea what it meant. “I’ve got a river of life flowing out of me, makes the lame to walk and the blind to see, opens prison doors, sets theContinue reading “God’s heart for human flourishing (or Why God cares about social justice) – Ezekiel 45-48, Part 5”
3 pitfalls of Evangelical Christian worship – Ezekiel 45-48, Part 4
In this week’s study of Ezekiel 45-48, we have been following a map to God’s heart. We now study chapter 46 which includes more detail about Israel’s sacrificial system. What do we learn in chapter 46 about God’s heart? The sacrificial system teaches us that God desires worship that is gathered, consistent, and orderly. InContinue reading “3 pitfalls of Evangelical Christian worship – Ezekiel 45-48, Part 4”
God’s heart for worship: participation and…atonement? – Ezekiel 45-48, Part 3
As we continue seeking for descriptions of God’s heart in Ezekiel 45-48, we notice that the next section, Ezekiel chapter 45, verses 13-25 is a retelling of the Jewish sacrificial system. What would that show us about God’s heart? That God wants us to sacrifice animals at a temple? No. Remember that famous saying ofContinue reading “God’s heart for worship: participation and…atonement? – Ezekiel 45-48, Part 3”
God’s heart to stop oppression – Ezekiel 45-48, Part 2
This week as we study Ezekiel 45-48, we are following these chapters as a map to God’s heart. In Ezekiel 45, verses 8-12, we see God’s heart very clearly in another way. Notice verse 8 where we read God say that the princes must not oppress the people. Who were the princes? God is referringContinue reading “God’s heart to stop oppression – Ezekiel 45-48, Part 2”
How not to be holy – Ezekiel 45-48, Part 1
There’s a spot on the Conestoga River near my home where a tree leans way out over the river. Someone attached wooden steps on the tree, so you can climb out on the trunk, over the river. They also attached a rope to the tree. One end of the rope is tied to the tree,Continue reading “How not to be holy – Ezekiel 45-48, Part 1”
The Map to God’s Heart – Ezekiel 45-48, Preview
How many of you still have maps in your cars? Remember those? When I was growing up, my parents had numerous maps shoved in the glove box or door pockets of our cars. Most of our travel was in Pennsylvania, so our PA map was well-worn. But we also had maps of Maryland and NewContinue reading “The Map to God’s Heart – Ezekiel 45-48, Preview”
How to have a deep experience with God – Ezekiel 40-44, Part 5
In the New Testament there are many ways the writers talk about God in us. As we studied in yesterday’s post, “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit” is one way. There are others. All of the ways can be brought together under one heading, “Union with Christ.” Take for example what PaulContinue reading “How to have a deep experience with God – Ezekiel 40-44, Part 5”
How (and why) God wants you to care for your body – Ezekiel 40-44, Part 4
I love watching videos of chiropractors giving people adjustments, hearing the loud cracks. I don’t quite know why, but something in me finds it fascinating. After watching a variety of chiropractors use similar techniques, I asked my wife if I could give her an adjustment. She said, “No way!” I was kidding, kinda. I haveContinue reading “How (and why) God wants you to care for your body – Ezekiel 40-44, Part 4”
When God says, “You don’t know what you’re missing.” – Ezekiel 40-44, Part 3
Have you experienced the sinking feeling of missing out? In our era, we call it FOMO, the Fear Of Missing Out. Most people don’t want to miss out. We like to be in the know, part of a group that is experiencing things together. In fact, we can use the fear of missing out asContinue reading “When God says, “You don’t know what you’re missing.” – Ezekiel 40-44, Part 3″
Engaging Scripture 