Our study of the Gospel of John, is now back on track. We studied John 11:1-45 Easter week, starting here, in which we learned the story of Jesus miraculously raising his friend Lazarus from the dead. In verse 45, we read that as a result of the miracle, many people put their faith in Jesus. Continue reading “Jesus’ bold move when he has a target on his back – John 11:46-12:11, Part 1”
Tag Archives: church
Would Jesus agree with a love bomb? – John 11:46-12:11, Preview
Have you heard of a “love bomb”? I just learned the term this past week while watching the most recent episode (4/26/23) of the Apple+ show Ted Lasso. In this episode one character expresses their love for another character by giving them extravagant gifts. That’s a love bomb. One gift is a signed first editionContinue reading “Would Jesus agree with a love bomb? – John 11:46-12:11, Preview”
The real choice about Jesus – John 10:22-42, Part 5
The Jewish religious leaders have stones in their hands, ready to launch them at Jesus. They believe they have caught him in the act of sin. As we learned in the previous post, though, Jesus asks them a question, “But what about my miracles? Don’t they prove that I and God the Father are one?”Continue reading “The real choice about Jesus – John 10:22-42, Part 5”
How Jesus stayed his execution with a question – John 10:22-42, Part 4
In our study this week of John 10:22-42, we come to verse 30 which is Jesus’ big finish, referring back to the question originally posed to him by the religious leaders. Remember the question? It is the religious leaders’ question in verse 24: “Are you really the Messiah?” In verse 30, Jesus does them oneContinue reading “How Jesus stayed his execution with a question – John 10:22-42, Part 4”
The time Jesus seems to condemn people, but actually isn’t – John 10:22-42, Part 3
In John 10, verse 26, Jesus makes a curious accusation to the religious leaders who are confronting him: “You don’t believe because you are not my sheep.” What does he mean? Is he condemning them forever? No. We know that he cannot mean that it is impossible for them to be his sheep. Why? BecauseContinue reading “The time Jesus seems to condemn people, but actually isn’t – John 10:22-42, Part 3”
How some Christians today might be like the religious leaders in Jesus’ story – John 10:22-42, Part 2
The Jewish leaders have Jesus cornered on their home turf, the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus’ disciples had to be nervous. Look what happens in verse 24: “The Jews gathered around him, saying, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly’.” I find it interesting that the religiousContinue reading “How some Christians today might be like the religious leaders in Jesus’ story – John 10:22-42, Part 2”
Does your view of God matter? – John 10:22-42, Part 1
I’d like you to consider the following question. True or False: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” That’s a quote by pastor and author, A. W. Tozer in his book, The Knowledge of the Holy, about the attributes of God. Read the quote again.Continue reading “Does your view of God matter? – John 10:22-42, Part 1”
Would Jesus make you angry? – John 10:22-42, Preview
Imagine with me that Jesus shows up in the flesh in your community. I live in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA, and I’m writing this in April 2023. What would it be like if Jesus lived here? I’m not talking about his second coming. I’m talking about a fictional scenario. A thought project. Just as JesusContinue reading “Would Jesus make you angry? – John 10:22-42, Preview”
We need flourishing-producing togetherness for…Creating Culture, Part 5
I traveled with my wife Michelle to Cambodia in 2016. We visited the town where an organization named Agape is located. Agape rescues formerly trafficked women, helps them find healing, introduces them to Jesus, and gives them job training in a steady, safe employment environment. Michelle’s company employed the women to make a variety ofContinue reading “We need flourishing-producing togetherness for…Creating Culture, Part 5”
Jesus’ disciples followed his lead in…Creating Culture, Part 4
Enlivened by his Spirit, Jesus’ new community launched on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). On that day, Jesus’ disciples preached to the descendants of Israel, Jewish pilgrims from many lands who gathered in the city of Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost. What started as a Christian community of 120 men and women, led by Jesus’,Continue reading “Jesus’ disciples followed his lead in…Creating Culture, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 