Remember the famous episode from Jesus’ life when he is being nailed to the cross, which had to hurt terribly, after he had already been beaten to a pulp, and Jesus prays, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing?” It’s a wonderful account of grace, mercy, and love. And self-control, quiteContinue reading “Jesus’ astounding response to people who are trying to kill him (…and it’s not forgiveness) – John 7:1-52, Part 3”
Tag Archives: evangelicals
Who is Jesus, really? – John 2:1-11, Preview
This past week I put the following message on our church’s outdoor sign: “Who is Jesus really? Join us Sundays 9am to find out.” I placed that message hoping to spark interest in the community about our sermon series through the Gospel of John. Likewise, I hung a banner and sign in our lobby. ItContinue reading “Who is Jesus, really? – John 2:1-11, Preview”
What is discipleship? – John 1:35-42, Part 1
Discipleship. What is it, really? Over the years we’ve talked a lot about discipleship, and there has been some confusion. Some have equated evangelism with discipleship. Evangelism is when we proclaim the story of Jesus in both word and deed. Though related, discipleship is different. When we are attempting to define discipleship, we are attemptingContinue reading “What is discipleship? – John 1:35-42, Part 1”
My American flag experiment – Mark 11, Part 1
I did a little experiment this past fall. It was a sociological and theological experiment. At first, I didn’t tell anyone about this experiment. Not even my wife. I knew that if I told her, the experiment would be shut down fast. To introduce the experiment, I have a question for you. How many of youContinue reading “My American flag experiment – Mark 11, Part 1”
How evangelicals have given God a bad reputation and what we can do about it – Ezekiel 38 & 39, Part 5
Are there any ways in which we, though we claim to be Christians, are living in opposition to the way of Jesus? Are there any ways in which we are sullying his name and reputation? The more I walk through this life, the more I am concerned that there are many ways we evangelicals, especially,Continue reading “How evangelicals have given God a bad reputation and what we can do about it – Ezekiel 38 & 39, Part 5”
When to leave a church – Current Events Q3 2021, Part 4
This week I have been attempting to make the case that a church should be purple. What is a purple church? In a purple church family, we believe and live the principle that all people are equally loved in Christ, and thus we are one in Christ. As we saw in the previous posts (hereContinue reading “When to leave a church – Current Events Q3 2021, Part 4”
What current events should we talk about? – Current Events 2021 Q3, Preview
This coming week we take a break from our Ezekiel series, because it is time for our once/quarter focus on Current Events. On the Monday before each Current Events week, I scour the headlines looking for ideas. There are so many possibilities. Over the last 18 months, quite frankly, our national headlines haven’t changed aContinue reading “What current events should we talk about? – Current Events 2021 Q3, Preview”
Evangelicals need to move back from the heresies of Trumpism and White Christian Nationalism – Colossians 2:8-15, Part 3
What are contemporary heresies that might infect the church? I ask this question from time to time in my congregation, and you know the answer that people first respond with? Almost always, the first idea they bring up is about or related to homosexuality. That topic is an important one to discuss, and I haveContinue reading “Evangelicals need to move back from the heresies of Trumpism and White Christian Nationalism – Colossians 2:8-15, Part 3”
Should Christians change their views on morality as their society changes? – Characters: Daniel, Part 2
Is it okay for Christians to update their views on ethics and morality? Can we innovate our stance on traditional theology? There’s no doubt that American society has been heavily influenced by Christianity, and still is in large part, but as our societal views change, can we adapt Christianity to fall more in line withContinue reading “Should Christians change their views on morality as their society changes? – Characters: Daniel, Part 2”
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