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”
Tag Archives: Gospel
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 my old sofa taught me about story-telling – Acts 22-23, Part 1
Last week our family got a new sofa for our living room. So Michelle and I carried the old sofa out to our front lawn and put a “Free” sign on it. We were hoping someone could use it, and also save us the trouble and expense of discarding it. We watched what appeared toContinue reading “What my old sofa taught me about story-telling – Acts 22-23, Part 1”
3 steps to follow when talking about God (to avoid offending people) – Acts 17, Part 3
It can be difficult and scary to talk about God. And maybe for some of us, it always will be, as talking about God can feel very personal, or very easily offensive. But in this post, as we continue to follow Paul’s journey as told in Acts 17, Paul will demonstrate how to talk aboutContinue reading “3 steps to follow when talking about God (to avoid offending people) – Acts 17, Part 3”
Why is it so hard to talk about religion? – Acts 17, Part 1
How do you feel talking about Jesus or about religion? Do you find it easy or difficult to talk with others about these topics? When it come to talking about Jesus, I had a bit of a reality check this week. As a pastor, you can imagine that I talk about Jesus a lot, butContinue reading “Why is it so hard to talk about religion? – Acts 17, Part 1”
Christians need to speak up – Acts 14, Part 1
Did you see the recent video of the white woman in New York City’s Central Park, yelling at an African-American man who had requested that she leash her dog, as they were in an area of the park that required dogs be on leashes? He started recording her because she became so belligerent, while heContinue reading “Christians need to speak up – Acts 14, Part 1”
How bamboo can help you understand your role in the mission of God – Acts 13, Part 5
Right about this time every year in my family’s backyard, we have bamboo that grows like mad. In a matter of just a few days, a stalk can grow a couple feet. It’s so fast, I sometimes wonder if I stare at it if I’ll see the motion of the growth! Bamboo is also persistentContinue reading “How bamboo can help you understand your role in the mission of God – Acts 13, Part 5”
The moment that changed everything (also the Spirit as wind, fire…and speaking in tongues)- Acts 2, Part 2
This is the moment everything changed. Have you experienced one of those in your life? A 9/11 moment where you say, “Before that day life was one way, and now after that day, everything seems different.” It could be a job loss, a death of a loved one, a serious illness, or very positive events,Continue reading “The moment that changed everything (also the Spirit as wind, fire…and speaking in tongues)- Acts 2, Part 2”
Two vital things churches need to do (Are you doing them?) – Acts 1, Part 5
If you had to narrow it down to only two things, what would they be? I’m asking in regard to the title of this post: two vital things the church needs to do. What do you think? Before you read on to my suggested answer, take a minute and consider how you might answer. I’dContinue reading “Two vital things churches need to do (Are you doing them?) – Acts 1, Part 5”
Jesus’ surprising instructions: Wait and Witness (what is that???) – Acts 1, Part 2
Yesterday I started what a series studying the book of Acts, and the central question we’ll be asking each week is this: How did the first Christians live as followers of Jesus, in their world? This week we are working through Acts 1. In the first three verses, we learned that, over the 40 daysContinue reading “Jesus’ surprising instructions: Wait and Witness (what is that???) – Acts 1, Part 2”
Engaging Scripture 