In 1 Timothy 3:12 we read that “all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Woah. Maybe God doesn’t want us to be happy, and only cares about us becoming godly or holy, even if it takes us being persecuted? How are we to understand this? Does GodContinue reading “God wants me to be happy, not angry, and never to doubt? [False ideas Christians believe about…God’s desires for Christians. Part 4]”
Tag Archives: faith
4 pieces of advice to those who are suffering
Have you ever suffered specifically because you are a Christian? I don’t know that I have, at least not in ways that would be considered significant suffering, or suffering that led to bodily harm or loss of opportunity or privilege. Yesterday, I related a story from author Scot McKnight who counseled a teenager who didContinue reading “4 pieces of advice to those who are suffering”
How to grow your faith
In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus tells what I think is one of the scariest stories in the Bible. It is a story of people who thought they had faith. But their faith was primarily intellectual, belief. Jesus says to them that something important is missing. They did not have the kind of faith that heContinue reading “How to grow your faith”
An early church MMA match – Faith and Works: Paul versus James, Round 1
Did you know that the early church had an theology MMA match? James vs. Paul. Paul said Faith doesn’t work. James said Faith does work. Each was an important leader in the early church. Paul its greatest missionary. James the bishop of its biggest church (and brother of Jesus). They really seem to conflict withContinue reading “An early church MMA match – Faith and Works: Paul versus James, Round 1”
How to have faith that pleases God
Do you know what faith is? Do you know if your faith is pleasing to God? Yesterday I mentioned a definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1. After teaching that description of faith, the writer of Hebrews begins to describe some of the heroes of the Bible and how they demonstrated faith in God. First heContinue reading “How to have faith that pleases God”
Two things Christians should fight for
Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight. Generally Christians are not supposed to be fighting. So what fight is Paul talking about? He calls it a good fight. Not too many fights could be described as good ones. Life can feel like a fight. Have you ever felt that way? Life seems too hard sometimes doesn’tContinue reading “Two things Christians should fight for”
How is your faith grip-strength?
What is your grip strength? Did you ever take a grip strength test? Have you ever used grip strengthening handles? You squeeze them over and over, hoping to strengthen your grip. It is a good thing to strengthen your grip. I bring this up, because I want you to think about your grip on yourContinue reading “How is your faith grip-strength?”
Does Michael Phelps have an unfair advantage? (and why it matters for followers of Jesus!) Luke 17:1-19
Quick trivia question: which Olympian is the record holder for the most Olympic medals of all time? Michael Phelps is the correct answer, which if you didn’t know already, you probably guessed by the title! But this picture only shows his medals from one Olympics. Guess how many total medals he has won? Total ofContinue reading “Does Michael Phelps have an unfair advantage? (and why it matters for followers of Jesus!) Luke 17:1-19”
One word for the hopeless – Luke 8:40-56
Do you feel hopeless, discouraged or powerless? This past Sunday we looked at two people who seemed to be powerless and hopeless. But with one word their lives changed radically. What one word could make such a difference? Jesus calmed the storm with a word. He defeated demons with a word. In our next sectionContinue reading “One word for the hopeless – Luke 8:40-56”
Might criminal faith be good? – Luke 5:12-26
Last week I introduced you to a couple guys who had a crazy kind of faith. Have you ever had people think you’re crazy because you demonstrated faith like that? In the case of these two guys who got up close and person with Jesus, we might even say that they had criminal faith. HowContinue reading “Might criminal faith be good? – Luke 5:12-26”
Engaging Scripture 