Have you heard the phrase, “That person will never change.” Or how about the similar, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Maybe you’ve heard yourself say, “That’s just the way I am.” Years ago, I was in a conversation with someone who was describing their most recent conflict with their boss. The person’sContinue reading “Why is it so hard to change? – Ezekiel 35-36, Preview”
Tag Archives: christians
An answer to “Does God Keep His Promises?” – Ezekiel 34, Part 5
In the previous post, we read God’s description of human flourishing in Ezekiel 34. Some might say, “But wasn’t that a promise to the people of Israel?” Yes…and no. A case could be made that what God is saying is applicable to all people. But what about Christians? Doesn’t the New Testament only talk aboutContinue reading “An answer to “Does God Keep His Promises?” – Ezekiel 34, Part 5″
God’s description of heaven? – Ezekiel 34, Part 4
Have you ever wondered what heaven is like? I asked a bunch of questions about heaven in this post, when I previewed this five-part series on Ezekiel chapter 34. Now we get to an answer. In Ezekiel 34 verses 23-31, God shares a new vision of hope for the people. While God says that heContinue reading “God’s description of heaven? – Ezekiel 34, Part 4”
God’s heart to stop injustice – Ezekiel 34, Part 3
Does God care about the downtrodden, the poor, the hungry, the slave? Does he care about people who are going through pain? We can wonder about this when we are the downtrodden ones, when we are poor, hungry and enslaved. As we continue studying Ezekiel 34, we learn about God’s heart. Ezekiel’s prophecy in chapterContinue reading “God’s heart to stop injustice – Ezekiel 34, Part 3”
Who is Israel’s true king? – Ezekiel 34, Part 2
In the previous post, we learned that in Ezekiel 34, God gave Ezekiel a prophetic word condemning the shepherds of Israel, because they selfishly cared for themselves while allowing the sheep to be hurt and preyed upon. But God wasn’t talking about shepherd and sheep. He was using them as a metaphor to depict whatContinue reading “Who is Israel’s true king? – Ezekiel 34, Part 2”
Will God keep his promises? – Ezekiel 34, Part 1
Will God keep his promises? In the previous five-part series on the blog, we learned that God had made very clear promises to his people Israel. In Ezekiel chapter 33 we learned that Babylon invaded and destroyed Jerusalem. As the people of Israel looked around the smoking rubble of their city, they wondered if thoseContinue reading “Will God keep his promises? – Ezekiel 34, Part 1”
Do you long for heaven? – Ezekiel 34, Preview
When you think of heaven, what images come to mind? Maybe a long line of people waiting to get in? Or do you think of pearly gates connecting jewel-encrusted walls, a castle, golden streets, and angels? Maybe bright light filling the sky over green rolling hills? Sometimes we think of mansions. Maybe meetings with JesusContinue reading “Do you long for heaven? – Ezekiel 34, Preview”
How to move beyond worship as infotainment – Ezekiel 33:21-22, Part 5
I recently attended a worship service at a church where the pastor regularly walked up on stage while the praise band was leading songs, and he pumped his fist, hyped up the crowd, and patted the shoulders of the various band members. How do you feel about that? Maybe I’m in the minority viewpoint onContinue reading “How to move beyond worship as infotainment – Ezekiel 33:21-22, Part 5”
Worthless religion focuses on information – Ezekiel 33:21-33, Part 4
We Christians have a significant focus on information. Worship services are heavy on information. This sermon is all information. We are studying the words of a biblical text. Then we might attend classes or small groups in which we receive yet more information. The information is usually very good. It is designed to help usContinue reading “Worthless religion focuses on information – Ezekiel 33:21-33, Part 4”
What happens when we cross the line with God – Ezekiel 33:21-33, Part 3
Can you ever sin too much? Can you ever rebel against God too far? As we continue our study of Ezekiel 33, we learned in the previous post that God opened Ezekiel’s mouth, after seven years of silence, and now Ezekiel can speak freely. In verse 23, just as soon as Ezekiel can say whateverContinue reading “What happens when we cross the line with God – Ezekiel 33:21-33, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 