Are you a good lover? Many of us when we hear that question, jump in our minds to an erotic understanding of “lover,” but that is not the kind of love I’m referring to. Are you good at being loving? The problem with answering this second question (“Are you good at being loving?”), is illustratedContinue reading “Love is practice? 2nd John, Part 3”
Tag Archives: church
How Jesus redefines “love” and “truth” – 2nd John, Part 2
In the previous post I introduced the ancient biblical letter of 2nd John by looking at some ways that people express themselves when they are in love. Behind it all is the question, “What is love?” Though it is such a commonly used word and concept, is it possible that we might not understand it?Continue reading “How Jesus redefines “love” and “truth” – 2nd John, Part 2″
When you’re crazy in love – 2nd John, Part 1
Oh the crazy, creative, wild things we’ll do for love. Have you ever been bonkers in love and did something like that for the one you love? I recently heard the story of a guy who made a necklace for his girlfriend. He carved a small pear shape out of wood, and placed a littleContinue reading “When you’re crazy in love – 2nd John, Part 1”
The world-changing power of forgiveness – Philemon 8-25, Part 4.
Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to forgive someone who hurt you? Did you find it difficult to do so? It can be scary to forgive, especially when the pain runs deep. Will that person respect your forgiveness? What if they hurt you again? Are they really sorry? How do youContinue reading “The world-changing power of forgiveness – Philemon 8-25, Part 4.”
Defining true Christian fellowship – Philemon 1-7, Part 4
What is fellowship? How does it look in your life, in your church? How do you know if you are doing it right? As we have seen in our study through Philemon verses 1-7, Paul has been giving his friend Philemon feedback on what Philemon has done with his life. Paul has many nice complimentsContinue reading “Defining true Christian fellowship – Philemon 1-7, Part 4”
How church families can have harmony – Titus 3:9-15, Part 5
Are you a person of grace? Or is giving grace hard for you? As we conclude this series on Titus 3:9-15, we get a peek into the church family that Paul was a part of. See verses 12-13. There he mentions his friends who were members of his ministry network, in which he was sendingContinue reading “How church families can have harmony – Titus 3:9-15, Part 5”
What that little pocket on jeans can teach us about church family – Titus 3:9-15, Part 1
Family. Who do you think of when you think of family? Growing up my family was my dad and mom, and my brother and sister. Five people. I’m so thankful that they are still my family. When my wife, Michelle, and I got married, though, we started our new family. God blessed us with children,Continue reading “What that little pocket on jeans can teach us about church family – Titus 3:9-15, Part 1”
One important way Jesus wants you to live in the world – Titus 3:1-8, Part 5
Why are you here on earth? Do you ever wonder if you have a purpose, a role? Sometimes people say that there is one thing you can do better than anyone else on earth. What do you think about that? I tend to think there is a better way to look at our purpose onContinue reading “One important way Jesus wants you to live in the world – Titus 3:1-8, Part 5”
When to subject ourselves to the authorities, and when not to – Titus 3:1-8, Part 1
I recently heard what is reported to be a true story from a Sunday school teacher in Dublin, Ireland. She writes, “I was testing the children in my Sunday school class to see if they understood the concept of getting into Heaven. I asked them, ‘If I sold my house and my car and had aContinue reading “When to subject ourselves to the authorities, and when not to – Titus 3:1-8, Part 1”
What Christians need to say “No” to – Titus 2:11-15, Part 3
How are you with saying “No” to people or opportunities or temptations in life? It can be difficult, especially for those of us who have people-pleasing tendencies or addictive personalities. Being able to say “No” is vital in many areas of life, and in our series on Titus 2:11-15, Paul brings it up. In verseContinue reading “What Christians need to say “No” to – Titus 2:11-15, Part 3″
Engaging Scripture 