Is God angry? Yesterday at Faith Church, we looked at Luke 13:1-9, a story where people in the crowd following Jesus mentioned a current event. Much like we’ve had mass shootings lately, there were actually two awful tragedies that had recently happened in Jesus’ day. The crowd referred to the Roman leader Pilate who killedContinue reading “God’s not angry; he wants you to Flourish! Luke 13:1-9”
Tag Archives: gospel of luke
Is God Angry?
Is God angry? Does he want to punish us? A few years ago there were tornadoes that ravaged the middle of the USA. One famous preacher and theologian said that the tornadoes were God scraping his fingers across our country in judgment. Is that what God is like? Is God meticulously controlling the world soContinue reading “Is God Angry?”
Is it impossible to be ready for Jesus?
At Faith Church we have an informal running group, and over the last few years we have done numerous 5ks, two half-marathons, and two marathons together, as well as some races individually. When we are training for the longer runs, one of the guys and I will meet up once or twice a week forContinue reading “Is it impossible to be ready for Jesus?”
How to decrease worry – Luke 12:22-34
I recently heard the story of a person who said “If I worry about it, it won’t happen.” So maybe we should worry! Ha! Why is that story funny? It is funny because 99% of the stuff we worry about never comes to pass. But yet we worry. We can allow our minds to goContinue reading “How to decrease worry – Luke 12:22-34”
Is it possible to stop worrying?
“Do not worry”??? This is how Jesus leads off his next teaching, and it frustrates me. This phrase, “Do not worry” is in the imperative tense. “Imperative” means it is a command. And when I think about Jesus commanding us to not worry, immediately I feel frustrated because I struggle with worry. I’ve tried toContinue reading “Is it possible to stop worrying?”
How to have a good relationship with money – Part 2: Be Rich Toward God – Luke 12:13-21
How is your relationship with money? I wrote this question on the welcome board in our church lobby. We always have a question of the day, hoping to get people thinking as they walk in for worship. As I conversed with one person yesterday, we started joking: “My relationship with money? WeContinue reading “How to have a good relationship with money – Part 2: Be Rich Toward God – Luke 12:13-21”
How to have a good relationship with money – Part 1 – Love it or hate it?
Do you love money? This guy really does: As he’s hugging that money, he’s probably singing this song: Or do you hate money? Have you ever said “I hate money!”? I have. It’s usually because I actually love money, but I feel like I don’t have enough of it. I want more. I love moneyContinue reading “How to have a good relationship with money – Part 1 – Love it or hate it?”
Overcoming our fears, Part 2 – God’s role in calming our fears – Luke 12:1-2
People say that their two greatest fears are death and speaking in public. In Luke 12:1-12 Jesus talked with his disciples about these two fears. Perhaps what he said will help you overcome those fears! In Verses 4-7 he refers to the fear of death. Do not be afraid, but do fear God, he lovesContinue reading “Overcoming our fears, Part 2 – God’s role in calming our fears – Luke 12:1-2”
Woe to you, Christians – Part 2 – How to stop the two main things that will cause your death
Imagine you have been invited to your pastor’s house for dinner and some leaders of the church are there. It is a nice meal with pleasant dinner conversation. Do you think you would take this time to point out all the things you didn’t like about the people around the table? Some of you might! Continue reading “Woe to you, Christians – Part 2 – How to stop the two main things that will cause your death”
Woe to you, Christians! – Part 1: How a woe oracle could save the church from death
“Woe!” but not “Woah!” What’s the difference? “Woah” is an utterance of surprise, or a command to “Stop!” But “Woe” is a wailing of sadness. In the Bible there are Woe Oracles in the Old Testament. That word “woe” was used in Israel primarily at funerals. People would loudly proclaim “woe” at the passing ofContinue reading “Woe to you, Christians! – Part 1: How a woe oracle could save the church from death”
Engaging Scripture 