As we think about studying scripture together, I want to point out an interesting episode in the early church that occurs during one of Paul’s mission trips. In Acts 17:10-12, we learn that, “As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the JewishContinue reading “How to study scripture like the first Christians – Studying scripture together, Part 5”
Tag Archives: ecclesiology
How to study the Bible – Studying Scripture together, Part 2
What is studying the Bible? Reading it? Yes, but we read lots of things for a variety of reasons. We read the newspaper differently than we read a novel or poetry or history. How, then, do we read the Bible so that we are studying it? There is one important attitude and one important actionContinue reading “How to study the Bible – Studying Scripture together, Part 2”
Why embarrassment is necessary for…Studying Scripture together, Part 1
This past week in my class, I had a slightly embarrassing moment. I teach adjunct for a local Bible College. This semester I’m teaching the Gospels, the Life of Jesus. In class this past week, we were talking about Matthew 9, verses 9-13. I love this story. I’m very familiar with this story. But thisContinue reading “Why embarrassment is necessary for…Studying Scripture together, Part 1”
How avoiding the “shoulds,” tapping in to the Spirit, and listening help us become the kind of people who…speak life to one another, Part 5
This week I welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk is a retired pastor, having served 30+ years in both local churches with his wife, Debbie, and in denominational administration. He has also taught theology and led a pastoral assessment center for many years. He and Debbie, along with their two daughters and son-in-law are membersContinue reading “How avoiding the “shoulds,” tapping in to the Spirit, and listening help us become the kind of people who…speak life to one another, Part 5″
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 “
Cliques in the church and loving difficult people – John 13:18-38, Part 5
Over the years, people have said there are cliques in the church, and they don’t believe there shouldn’t be cliques in the church. A clique is a small group of people who like to be together and can be adverse to others joining them. What do you think? Are cliques antithetical to Christianity? In theContinue reading “Cliques in the church and loving difficult people – John 13:18-38, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 