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”
Tag Archives: grace
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”
Why “Lord Jesus Christ” is subversive, and “grace and peace” is more than a greeting – 2 Thessalonians 1, Part 3
Have you ever heard someone talk about Jesus Christ, as if “Christ” is his last name, or surname? The name “Jesus Christ” has become so culturally familiar, perhaps most often used as an expletive. What does his name mean? Continue reading, as our study through 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 during this first week of AdventContinue reading “Why “Lord Jesus Christ” is subversive, and “grace and peace” is more than a greeting – 2 Thessalonians 1, Part 3″
Finding grace and peace – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 3
What are so many people in the world looking for, deep down inside? They are looking for things to be right. They want their lives to feel right. They want to feel wholeness. But where do we find it? I would suggest Paul gives us a clue in the greeting he writes in his letterContinue reading “Finding grace and peace – Colossians 1:1-8, Part 3”
When Jesus asks you to help your enemy – Acts 9:1-31, Part 2
Who in your life is very difficult? Who bothers you? Who is that person you really try to avoid? Maybe it is more than one person. Let’s start by thinking about that person. What makes them so distasteful to you that you want to avoid them? Keep that in mind, because today we meet aContinue reading “When Jesus asks you to help your enemy – Acts 9:1-31, Part 2”
My six visits to a courtroom – Our Identity: In God, Part 3
I have been inside a courtroom for official court proceedings six times in my life. The first time was my fault. I was 17, very guilty, and scared to death. I’m not going into the whole story today. If you want to learn more, I’ve written about it here. The summary is that I wasContinue reading “My six visits to a courtroom – Our Identity: In God, Part 3”
Impostors in the church – Jude 1-16, Part 2
Are you an impostor? Are there impostors in your church? In part 1 of this series on Jude 1-16, we talked about impostors, and in this next post we’re going to learn a whole lot more about them. In verse 2 Jude gives the Christians a customary short blessing featuring mercy, peace and love, allContinue reading “Impostors in the church – Jude 1-16, Part 2”
Seeing beyond our circumstances to share grace and peace – Philemon 1-7, Part 2
How are you viewing your life? Are things going well? Are they difficult? If they are going well, my guess is that you probably view your life in a positive light. But if things are difficult, your view could be negative. In the middle of the difficult times, it can be hard for us toContinue reading “Seeing beyond our circumstances to share grace and peace – Philemon 1-7, Part 2”
God’s purpose for your life – Titus 3:1-8, Part 4
Stop! Don’t read this post. (I know. That’s not an advisable way to start a blog post.) Before continuing with this post, thought, if you haven’t read the previous post, part 3, please go back and read it here. In this series of posts, we’re studying the amazing teaching of Titus 3:1-8, so actually, IContinue reading “God’s purpose for your life – Titus 3:1-8, Part 4”
Hope when life is very dark – Titus 3:1-8, Part 3
Do you have a dark past? Is life feeling messy or difficult right now? If you answered “Yes” to either of these questions, you’re not alone. All of us go through really troubling times. In the middle of it, we can feel a confusing mixture of fear, sadness, pain, longing, despair, and we wonder ifContinue reading “Hope when life is very dark – Titus 3:1-8, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 