If you are a Christian reading this, what are you known for? Imagine that people evaluate your life to answer the question, “What are two of the most important Christian principles for living?” What principles would they land on? What principles should define Christians? There are many good possibilities. In this post I share twoContinue reading “Christian, what are the top two principles that define your life? – 1 Thessalonians 1:1–3, Part 4”
Tag Archives: grace
What does it mean to be “undignified” in worship? – 2 Samuel 6, Bonus Post
In 2 Samuel 6, David’s wife, Michal, confronts him, accusing him of “undignified” worship. David responds saying, “I will be even more undignified than this.” What is “undignified” worship? My opinion is that David is not suggesting that wild dancing is the only way to worship God when a group of Christians comes together forContinue reading “What does it mean to be “undignified” in worship? – 2 Samuel 6, Bonus Post”
David’s compelling rationale for not killing Saul (though Saul wants to kill him) – 1st Samuel 26 & 27, Part 1
When my oldest son was in Kindergarten, he would come home reporting to us what movies other kids in his class were allowed to watch. My wife and I were astounded at those parents. How could they allow their kids to watch such movies with such intense themes? We were certainly not allowing our twoContinue reading “David’s compelling rationale for not killing Saul (though Saul wants to kill him) – 1st Samuel 26 & 27, Part 1”
How to examine the condition of your heart – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 5
When you come across a person standing at a busy intersection holding a sign that says “Homeless. Anything helps,” what thoughts go through your heart and mind? Here are some thoughts that go through my mind: Why don’t they get a job? They’re probably just ripping people off. They likely spend the money they get onContinue reading “How to examine the condition of your heart – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 5”
A story of grace
I am part of our church’s Prison Worship Team. Approximately once/month, we hold worship services at Lancaster County Prison. Last evening we led three 35-minutes worship services, and because of the season of Easter, our theme was grace. My part of the worship services was the following story. In 2011 my family and I hadContinue reading “A story of grace”
Three times Jesus invited people to follow him into danger – Growing in Faith Together, Part 2
This week we’re talking about growing in faith together, particularly through the lens of Jesus’ famous phrase “Follow me.” In the previous post, we learned about some of Jesus’ first invitations to people to follow him. Some people accepted the invitation, some were hesitant. In Matthew 9:9, Jesus has another “follow me” invitation, “As JesusContinue reading “Three times Jesus invited people to follow him into danger – Growing in Faith Together, Part 2”
The identity of The Word in… – John 1:1-18, Part 4
Who was God in the skin? In our study of John 1:1-18, we learned in the previous post that John writes in verse 14 that God, who John calls The Word, took on human skin. But John hasn’t told us yet who The Word is, so let me introduce another word. God in the skinContinue reading “The identity of The Word in… – John 1:1-18, Part 4”
You can be set free to love – Galatians 1:1-5:15, Part 5
Do you find it hard to love some people? Maybe there are people you really struggle with? Keep reading because there is hope! Because Jesus died and rose again, we can be free! Look at chapter 4:1-7. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, Paul says, we can receive the full rights as sons and daughtersContinue reading “You can be set free to love – Galatians 1:1-5:15, Part 5”
Grace, circumcision, and spies in church? – Galatians 1:1-5:15, Part 2
The church in the former Soviet Union had to be careful because the government sent spies into the church. In Communist China the same thing happens. Believe it or not, the early church faced a similar threat. What would you do if there were spies in your church? In the previous post, we jumped aheadContinue reading “Grace, circumcision, and spies in church? – Galatians 1:1-5:15, Part 2”
What happens when we cross the line with God – Ezekiel 33:21-33, Part 3
Can you ever sin too much? Can you ever rebel against God too far? As we continue our study of Ezekiel 33, we learned in the previous post that God opened Ezekiel’s mouth, after seven years of silence, and now Ezekiel can speak freely. In verse 23, just as soon as Ezekiel can say whateverContinue reading “What happens when we cross the line with God – Ezekiel 33:21-33, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 