Before each worship service, my church has a brief prayer time before each worship service. The host, worship leader, singers, and preacher gather in a small circle to pray that the Holy Spirit will work in and through us, because we desire our worship services to be meaningful, formative. When we pray, there’s a passage ofContinue reading “Jesus’ most important parable/analogy? – John 15:1-10, Part 1”
Tag Archives: Gospel
The surprising way God can live in us – John 14-16, Part 2
We evangelical Christians are known for teaching children to “ask Jesus into their heart.” From an adult perspective, it’s an odd phrase. Yet there is something to it, as we will see in today’s post. After teaching his disciples that if they love him, they will obey him, which might feel like a tall task,Continue reading “The surprising way God can live in us – John 14-16, Part 2”
How you can do greater things than Jesus – John 14:1-14, Part 4
As Jesus describes how we he and his Father want to be at home with us, it seems the disciples are not fully getting it. In John 14, verse 8, we read, “Philip said, ‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.’” At that comment, I wonder if any of theContinue reading “How you can do greater things than Jesus – John 14:1-14, Part 4”
What it means that Jesus is the embodiment of the way, the truth and the life – John 14:1-14, Part 3
Jesus has just told his disciples, in so many words, “If you don’t feel like you are at home with God, or that God is at home with you, and you don’t feel that closeness with God, you know the way to get there.” Immediately Thomas responds in verse 5. “Thomas said to him, ‘Lord,Continue reading “What it means that Jesus is the embodiment of the way, the truth and the life – John 14:1-14, Part 3”
God wants to make his home with you – John 14:1-14, Part 2
Jesus’ image of home is one of refuge, of safety. For some of you the thought of home is like that, warm and comforting. Perhaps you had a loving, stable family where your needs were met. Perhaps you felt safe, secure, and you could flourish. I’m not talking about perfection, as that doesn’t exist. ButContinue reading “God wants to make his home with you – John 14:1-14, Part 2”
Do you have to die to experience eternal life? – John 14:1-14, Preview
Do you have to die to experience eternal life? You might think, “Yes, of course…isn’t that the definition of eternal life: ‘Life after death’?” Maybe not. Think about it this way: Does Jesus really just want us all to die so we can experience eternal life? Is there another way to think about it? I believeContinue reading “Do you have to die to experience eternal life? – John 14:1-14, Preview”
We need Jesus to wash us? – John 13:1-17, Part 4
When Jesus says that unless he washes Peter’s feet, Peter has no part with him, that gets Peter’s attention. Peter responds a characteristically big way, as we read in John 13, verse 9, “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” A classic overreaction from Peter. Continue reading “We need Jesus to wash us? – John 13:1-17, Part 4”
Should you be more selfish? – John 13:1-17, Part 1
What did you think of that? Selfishness is good? As I watched the video there were times I felt confused, thinking that it is true that we are to care for ourselves, but also we are not to be selfish. I also thought, I wonder how Jesus would respond to the ideas in this video? Continue reading “Should you be more selfish? – John 13:1-17, Part 1”
The abundant life is found in holy disruption – John 12:12-50, Part 5
A crowd of people has just confronted Jesus. They think he is confused. Maybe they think he is wrong. He says the foretold Jewish Messiah will die. The crowd knows their Bible, and the ancient prophecies say the Messiah will live forever. Jesus’ response explains how we you and I can experience the abundant life.Continue reading “The abundant life is found in holy disruption – John 12:12-50, Part 5”
How Jesus’ death brings light – John 12:12-50, Part 4
Jesus has been talking about his death, which he knows is only a few days away. People in the crowd listening to him respond. They understand that he is talking about his death, but that confuses them. Look at John 12 verse 34, “The crowd spoke up, ‘We have heard from the Law that theContinue reading “How Jesus’ death brings light – John 12:12-50, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 