Anyone else out there feeling a longing for some peace and quiet in life? We have our men’s retreat at Twin Pines coming up in a month, and I’m really looking forward to getting away. Up to the mountains. Last year we devoted time at the retreat for personal prayer. I decided to pray whileContinue reading “When peace and quiet seem impossible to come by”
Tag Archives: disciples
A Christian phrase that needs to be turned action – Luke 9:1-10
Last week I introduced Sunday’s sermon by talking about Christian phrases that need to go. But there is one that we should keep, if and only if, it is more than a phrase. You know that phrase “actions speak louder than words”? It is true for so much of life, and definitely so when itContinue reading “A Christian phrase that needs to be turned action – Luke 9:1-10”
Feeling afraid, confused and frustrated in life’s storms
The storm we had a few weeks ago was really severe. Did it wake you? It woke me. The blasting away of the thunder and the flashes of lightning strikes are pretty fearsome. Over the years perhaps you have seen some awesome photos and videos of storms. Maybe you’ve been in the storm taking theContinue reading “Feeling afraid, confused and frustrated in life’s storms”
The Four Soils – An Evaluation Tool for Disciples of Jesus – Luke 8:1-15
Was Jesus trying to confuse his audience? Possibly, but I suspect he really wanted them to avidly seek the meaning of his Gardening 101 parable. Maybe some did. Luke tells us that the disciples asked him what it meant, and he told them. What we hear is a powerful evaluation tool that all Christians shouldContinue reading “The Four Soils – An Evaluation Tool for Disciples of Jesus – Luke 8:1-15”
How to start following Jesus – Luke 5:1-11
Last week we saw how Jesus nearly sunk some fishermen’s boats with a miracle haul of fish. They were astonished, after a long night of unsuccessfully catching fish. In the brief conversation that Luke records right after this moment, I believe there are four components that are vital for churches that want to make disciplesContinue reading “How to start following Jesus – Luke 5:1-11”
When churches don’t make disciples
“If you make disciples, you always get the church. But if you make a church, you rarely get disciples.” – Mike Breen What do you think about that quote? Is it right? The first part I think most Christians would agree with. It’s pretty straightforward. Disciples are followers of Jesus, and when you have aContinue reading “When churches don’t make disciples”
If Jesus had a scorecard, he wouldn’t be counting the believers
Ed Stetzer recently shared the following story: Last year, Caroline Inglis was on the verge of an historic feat. No high school golfer, male or female, had ever captured the Oregon state title four consecutive years. Inglis won the class 5A state tournament her freshman, sophomore, and junior years. There seemed very little doubt thatContinue reading “If Jesus had a scorecard, he wouldn’t be counting the believers”
Engaging Scripture 