Have you ever thought about the Christian rationale for why Christians are trying to invite other people to become followers of Jesus as well? Some Christians seem to be rather lax about it, almost to the point where you wonder if they don’t care about whether or not other people become followers of Jesus. OtherContinue reading “You don’t need a dramatic life story to be a true follower of Jesus – Acts 22-23, Part 4”
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Does the Apostle Paul make a grave mistake when telling his story? – Acts 22-23, Part 3
I wonder if the Apostle Paul made a big mistake. I say that hesitantly, cautiously, only speculating, but as I read what he says to his fellow Jews one day in Jerusalem, I can’t help but think, “Paul, that is a really bad move.” What did he say? As I mentioned in the previous post,Continue reading “Does the Apostle Paul make a grave mistake when telling his story? – Acts 22-23, Part 3”
What to do when Covid is a no-win situation for churches (and other orgs) – Current Events Q3 2020, Part 5
Earlier this week the local school board met to discuss how to handle the upcoming start of the school year. Should kids be back in the building? If so, should they wear masks. By the way, I’m writing this during the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020, before a vaccine has been developed, and to date 150,000Continue reading “What to do when Covid is a no-win situation for churches (and other orgs) – Current Events Q3 2020, Part 5”
Let your freedom be ruled by love – Acts 21, Part 5
A man and his family went to church recently. This man and his family are healthy people, and believed that they do not need to wear masks. I’m writing this in July 2020 as coronavirus cases in the USA just exceeded 4 million, and many states are requiring the wearing of masks in public placesContinue reading “Let your freedom be ruled by love – Acts 21, Part 5”
Do politics and tradition guide your thinking more than Jesus? – Acts 21, Part 4
In 1991 the former Grand Wizard of the KKK, David Duke, was in a run-off election to become governor of Louisiana. In the four weeks leading up to the run-off, the New Orleans Saints were playing a home game, and a black season ticket holder told the story of his feelings as loud eruptions ofContinue reading “Do politics and tradition guide your thinking more than Jesus? – Acts 21, Part 4”
Which is better: giving or receiving? – Acts 20, Part 5
As we come to the conclusion of Paul’s ministry training buffet in Acts 20, verse 32 is a kind of prayer of commissioning in which Paul commits the Ephesian elders: “To God and to the word of his grace.” For a Christian to say to other Christians, “I commit you to God,” is fairly expected.Continue reading “Which is better: giving or receiving? – Acts 20, Part 5”
Two important principles for leaders – Acts 20, Part 4
Leaders, I encourage you to pay special attention to this post. As you’ll see it is specifically about leaders in the church, but I think the principles apply broadly to leadership in any venue. So does that mean you can skip this post if you’re not a leader? Actually, this post is not just forContinue reading “Two important principles for leaders – Acts 20, Part 4”
What makes life worth living – Acts 20, Part 3
What makes life worth living for you? Think about that. Is it spending time with your family? Is it enjoying vacation? A hobby? Maybe you’re working for the weekend? For some people it is getting outside and being in nature, gardening, hiking, or some other sport. What makes life worth living? What makes lives worthwhileContinue reading “What makes life worth living – Acts 20, Part 3”
Three essentials for Christians – Acts 20, Part 2
My family recently spent a week at a state park. Along with our extended family, we rented cabins, and while the cabins had electricity, bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens, we had to bring pretty much everything else we needed. Pots, pans, utensils, bedding, toiletries, etc. Because our vehicles have only so much room to transport peopleContinue reading “Three essentials for Christians – Acts 20, Part 2”
What is needed to help people grow as followers of Jesus – Acts 18, Part 4
Are you a pastor, a small group leader, a Bible study teacher, seeking to help people grow as followers of Jesus? Or maybe you are a parent, or a grandparent, and you would love to help your kids or grandkids better follow Jesus. I’ve preached countless sermons and had numerous conversations with people, many timesContinue reading “What is needed to help people grow as followers of Jesus – Acts 18, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 