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 “Pastor, that’s the dumbest thing you ever said – Speaking life to each other, Part 4”
Tag Archives: Gospel of John
How to have two-way communication with God – Praying in the Spirit, Part 3
More than praying through lists, we were built to commune with God. He doesn’t want us to be like the spouse that just gives him a to-do list (as I mentioned in this post). God created us for communication, for a two-way relational conversation, not just with other humans, but also with him. He createdContinue reading “How to have two-way communication with God – Praying in the Spirit, Part 3”
We are restored for mission – John 21, Part 5
Jesus responded to Peter’s three denials by with three restorations. Though Peter had committed a terrible offense to Jesus, Jesus does not see Peter as beyond help. Do you see what this means? You are not beyond God’s love and forgiveness. You are not beyond God’s redemption. You are loved and forgiven. God can redeemContinue reading “We are restored for mission – John 21, Part 5”
How Jesus responds to the fact that one of his best friends disowned him at the moment of his greatest need – John 21, Part 4
When Peter denied Jesus, has Peter lost his position as leader? Is Peter qualified to be one of the 12 disciples anymore? When you deny your Lord, haven’t you committed the unforgivable sin? What Peter did was extremely significant, and not in a good way. Now Jesus addresses the elephant in the room, the factContinue reading “How Jesus responds to the fact that one of his best friends disowned him at the moment of his greatest need – John 21, Part 4”
The elephant in Jesus’ room… revealed – John 21, Part 3
I purposefully skipped a detail in my telling of the story of Jesus’ ministry years in the previous post. It’s an important part of the story. It’s the elephant in the room we’ve been talking about this week (see first post here). The elephant is about Peter. Back in chapter 13 we listened as JesusContinue reading “The elephant in Jesus’ room… revealed – John 21, Part 3”
A second fishing miracle – John 21, Part 2
Jesus’ disciples have just had a terrible night of fishing, catching nothing. Then in the hazy hours of the morning a stranger shows up on shore. “Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”Continue reading “A second fishing miracle – John 21, Part 2”
The elephant in Jesus’ room – John 21, Part 1
You know that phrase, “the elephant in the room”? It refers to the idea that there is something that everyone knows about, but no one is talking about it. Imagine you’re walking through the mall, and there is a literal elephant walking down the large mall hallways. But as you’re walking what if no oneContinue reading “The elephant in Jesus’ room – John 21, Part 1”
When we behave badly and don’t want to admit it – John 21, Preview
We were in the mouth of the goal, and the guy next to me was yelling at me. He had a good reason. I had just thrown him to the ground. It was during a college soccer game with our rivals. We were vying for position on a corner kick, and the guy on theContinue reading “When we behave badly and don’t want to admit it – John 21, Preview”
How Jesus’ resurrection can give us new life – John 20, Part 5
After assuring doubting Thomas that he, Jesus, truly has a body that is alive, Jesus makes a powerful remark that I love. Jesus talks about you and me. Look at John 20, verse 29. “Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yetContinue reading “How Jesus’ resurrection can give us new life – John 20, Part 5”
The mission of forgiveness and the faithfulness of doubt – John 20, Part 4
After first appearing to Mary, Jesus next appears to the disciples. Look at John 20, verse 19, “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” AfterContinue reading “The mission of forgiveness and the faithfulness of doubt – John 20, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 