I observed a recent social media interaction that I think you’ll find interesting. On social media, Pastor #1 posted a video clip of Pastor #2’s sermon. On the video Pastor #2 said this, “If you call yourself a Christian and then behave in an unchristlike manner, you are misusing God’s name.” Agreed. In response toContinue reading “Three tests we can and should use to evaluate preachers and teachers – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 4”
Tag Archives: doctrine
Three tests to determine if teaching is true or false – Advent Love, Part 2
In the adjunct courses I teach, I require students to use quality sources to support their essays. But what is a quality source? I use words like “academic,” “peer-reviewed,” and “scholarly” to describe quality sources. I do not allow them to use blogs, church sermons, or devotional commentaries. If they are uncertain, I encourage themContinue reading “Three tests to determine if teaching is true or false – Advent Love, Part 2”
Perspective in the middle of tough times – Psalm 96, Part 3
In Psalm 96, verses 2 and 3 instruct us to proclaim God’s salvation day after day. This is the same idea that is encapsulated in the word “evangelism,” which is about proclaiming Good News. The psalmist reminds us that we have Good News story to share, and in verse 3 he describes it as declaringContinue reading “Perspective in the middle of tough times – Psalm 96, Part 3”
A confusing beginning to Jesus’ resurrection – John 20, Part 1
We make a big deal about Jesus’ resurrection on Easter. But I wonder how much you have thought about the resurrection since Easter? Do you think about the resurrection much? I suspect most of us, me included, think about it around Easter, and maybe every now and then when a song mentions it. But IContinue reading “A confusing beginning to Jesus’ resurrection – John 20, Part 1”
Why Paul was out of his mind – John 20, Preview
Imagine you are sitting in a church worship services, and the preacher is preaching. Suddenly someone stands up, interrupts the preacher, and says out loud, “You are out of your mind!” That would be dramatic, wouldn’t it? That’s never happened to me, but it did once to the Apostle Paul. Paul preached a lot. WeContinue reading “Why Paul was out of his mind – John 20, Preview”
Penal Substitution is inadequate to understanding Jesus’ death – John 19, Part 4
Why did Jesus have to die? Isn’t this a strange way for God to save the world? Isn’t this a strange way for God to make a way to have relationship with us? Why did he do this? Why become one of us, live 33 years to show us abundant flourishing way of life, andContinue reading “Penal Substitution is inadequate to understanding Jesus’ death – John 19, Part 4”
What it looks like to focus on God in the middle of our pain – John 19, Part 1
A few years ago one of the pastors in my local ministerium of churches told us that he had been in the mall looking for a gift for his wife. He walked up to a jewelry counter at one of the department stores. As he was waiting in line, he couldn’t help but overhear aContinue reading “What it looks like to focus on God in the middle of our pain – John 19, Part 1”
How to wade through chaos into victory – John 18, Part 5
This week I welcome guest blogger, Emerald Scaffe. Emerald is married and together with her husband, has three children. She also serves on the teaching team at Faith Church. The Jewish leaders finally have Jesus where they want him. In front of Pilate. So they change their tactic a little bit for the Roman Governor. Continue reading “How to wade through chaos into victory – John 18, Part 5”
Are we so concerned with religion that we’ve stopped listening to God? – John 18, Part 4
This week I welcome guest blogger, Emerald Scaffe. Emerald is married and together with her husband, has three children. She also serves on the teaching team at Faith Church. This painful irony of Jesus’ arrest and trials continues as in John 18, verse 19, “Meanwhile, the high priest (still referring to Annas, here) questioned JesusContinue reading “Are we so concerned with religion that we’ve stopped listening to God? – John 18, Part 4”
How God is faithful when Jesus is on trial – John 18, Part 3
This week I welcome guest blogger, Emerald Scaffe. Emerald is married and together with her husband, has three children. She also serves on the teaching team at Faith Church. In spite of his life, Jesus was betrayed. As we continue studying John 18, we enter into a series of three trials, starting with verse 12,Continue reading “How God is faithful when Jesus is on trial – John 18, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 