I believe we need to have a balanced approach to studying the Word. We need community study where we can study and discuss it together. We need Sundays where we hear the word from preachers and teachers. And we need personal study. Psalm 119:9-11, for example, says, “How can a young person stay on theContinue reading “How to use scripture to fight temptation – Sword of the Spirit, Part 4”
Tag Archives: demon
The kind of faith that leads to true righteousness – Breastplate of Righteousness, Part 4
If God came to you and said, “I want you to uproot your family, leave your job, sell your house, move to a place where you know no one, have no support/friend network, and start over,” how would you feel? I think many of us, me included, would think, “Uh…that voice I heard is notContinue reading “The kind of faith that leads to true righteousness – Breastplate of Righteousness, Part 4”
Jesus’ culture-bending teaching – Breastplate of Righteousness, Part 1
From an ancient military standpoint, the breastplate is piece of armor covering the chest, primarily to protect the heart and lungs from the possibility of being pierced by arrows or blows from blades and stones. It is very similar to Kevlar bullet proof vests that contemporary soldiers wear. In Ephesians 6:14b, the apostle Paul continues,Continue reading “Jesus’ culture-bending teaching – Breastplate of Righteousness, Part 1”
How “righteous” is a slang word – Breastplate of Righteousness, Preview
This past week I started something new, teaching English as a Second Language with students in Conestoga Valley SEEDS’ classes held at my church. It was so much fun talking about our sometimes crazy English language. This past week, for example, we learned the nuances between “although,” “even though,” “though,” and “because.” English can beContinue reading “How “righteous” is a slang word – Breastplate of Righteousness, Preview”
How to hear the truth and speak it – Belt of Truth, Part 5
I recently saw a church sign message that asked the question, “How can you be a jerk during the week, then worship on Sunday?” Most church sign messages I see are ridiculous and counterproductive, but that one spoke truth. That was some truth in love that all Christians need to hear. Are we grumpy? WeContinue reading “How to hear the truth and speak it – Belt of Truth, Part 5”
Examples of folk theology and how to avoid it – Ezekiel 13, Part 5
The snow was falling heavy, covering the road. A young man in my church was driving in the middle of the storm, lost control of his car, and it spun into a snowbank along the roadside. The car stopped with a thud. Breathing heavy, heart pounding, his hands tightly gripped the steering wheel. He lookedContinue reading “Examples of folk theology and how to avoid it – Ezekiel 13, Part 5”
How to get out of a spiritual rut – Luke 9:37-45
I asked last week in the intro post if you might be blinded by your assumptions about God. Sometimes we can get stuck in spiritual rut, and in that rut we can’t see God for who he really is. In the passage we studied this past Sunday, Luke 9:37-45, the disciples were stuck. The nineContinue reading “How to get out of a spiritual rut – Luke 9:37-45”
Engaging Scripture 