In light of upcoming ballot measures in some states, is Matthew 22:18-21 actually arguing for a separation of church and state? Is it acceptable for a Christian to vote one way on a measure, not because they think it is biblical, but because they think it should be a function of government? Are there otherContinue reading “What Jesus says about paying taxes and separation of church and state – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 3”
Tag Archives: disciples
When Jesus leaves us – Growing in Faith Together, Part 4
In Matthew, chapter 28, verses 16-20, we read about Jesus’ final invitation to his disciples. They have followed him for three years. They have followed him through the craziness of his arrest, trial, beating, crucifixion, resurrection. Now this: “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.Continue reading “When Jesus leaves us – Growing in Faith Together, Part 4”
Two very different responses to Jesus’ famous two-word invitation – Growing in Faith Together, Part 1
This time last year I was in India. The trip came together quite quickly in the fall, and I gradually became more and more excited as the day of my departure neared. Then just a few days before leaving, something happened that always happens. I started feeling like I didn’t want to go. Maybe you’veContinue reading “Two very different responses to Jesus’ famous two-word invitation – Growing in Faith Together, Part 1”
Is revival a biblical concept? – Q & A, Part 4
This week we take a break from our Relationships in the Church series. At Faith Church this past week I gave a Q & A sermon. I asked the congregation for questions ahead of time, and then I attempted to bring biblical theology to bear on their questions. Here’s the next question: Is revival a biblicalContinue reading “Is revival a biblical concept? – Q & A, Part 4”
The earliest Christians were not perfect. But they do help us think about… Meeting together, Part 4
It is normal for pastors and church leaders to be idealistic about church, as we want our churches to be all that God wants us to be. In pursuit of the ideal, we often look to the early church as perfect. They were not perfect. But they definitely give us an excellent example, especially about how to meetContinue reading “The earliest Christians were not perfect. But they do help us think about… Meeting together, Part 4 “
What it means that we are God’s [not gods] – John 17:6-26, Part 2
So far in his final prayer for his disciples, Jesus hasn’t asked God for anything. No supplication. No requests. Just a conversation with God. He continues his conversation in John 17, verses 9-10: “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.Continue reading “What it means that we are God’s [not gods] – John 17:6-26, Part 2”
Decoding Jesus’ disgusting “eat my flesh, drink my blood” teaching – John 6:52-71, Part 4
Jesus has just told a crowd of his followers that they need to eat his flesh and drink his blood. How did the crowd feel about this bizarre teaching? I think they felt disappointment, confusion, frustration, and maybe some disillusionment. Just the day before he had miraculously fed a crowd of 5000+ people, and theyContinue reading “Decoding Jesus’ disgusting “eat my flesh, drink my blood” teaching – John 6:52-71, Part 4″
The failure of the American church’s educational model of discipleship – Becoming Disciplemakers, Part 3
We’ve been talking about what Jesus meant in Matthew 7, verse 21, when he says that the only ones who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven are those who do the will of the father in heaven. What is his will? Jump ahead to Matthew 16:24-28. Jesus says it clear as day: “If anyone wouldContinue reading “The failure of the American church’s educational model of discipleship – Becoming Disciplemakers, Part 3”
The time Jesus told people “Depart from me!” – Becoming Disciplemakers, Part 2
What is discipleship? It is crossing The Matthew 7 line. Our Faith Church logo has four squares, with a vertical line in the middle. We call that the Matthew 7 line. Let me explain. In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus teaches one of his most important, I think, and revealing parables. What he says there, I callContinue reading “The time Jesus told people “Depart from me!” – Becoming Disciplemakers, Part 2″
What discipleship is and isn’t – Becoming Disciplemakers, Part 1
In our study through the Gospel of John, we have seen Jesus interact with his disciples. Their relationship began in chapter 1 when Jesus showed up to be baptized by John. Then the disciples watch him at the wedding in Cana in chapter 2. They’re with him when he clears out the temple. In chaptersContinue reading “What discipleship is and isn’t – Becoming Disciplemakers, Part 1”
Engaging Scripture 