When I was a child, I learned from my parents and Sunday School teachers that Jesus wants to live in my heart. At the time, I thought nothing was odd about that. I was told to “ask Jesus into my heart.” I eagerly did so. I don’t remember when I stopped believing that or talkingContinue reading “What Christians mean when they say God lives in their hearts – 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Part 1”
Tag Archives: Holy Spirit
There’s a fire God does not want us to put out – 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Preview
A few weeks ago, a serious forest fire devastated 2700 acres in the Michaux State Forest here in Pennsylvania. Close friends of ours have a property located very near to where the fires burned, and thankfully their property was spared. Others were not so fortunate. The news reported that the fire was started not by lightning, butContinue reading “There’s a fire God does not want us to put out – 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Preview”
Do you have union with Christ? – 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11, Part 4
In society we refer to marriages as unions. Not like a trade union, but not totally unlike a trade union either. Union is a way to talk about intimate relationship in which two or more become one, in pursuit of a unified goal. Christians, therefore, have union with Christ. Do you have union with Christ?Continue reading “Do you have union with Christ? – 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11, Part 4”
What does it mean to be sanctified? – 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8, Part 2
As one who preaches and teaches for a living, I have wrestled with how pushy to be in my sermons. Or in lessons. Or in written communication. And not just in large groups, but also one-on-one. I’ve heard that we shouldn’t guilt people into doing things. I agree with that. We shouldn’t manipulate them, orContinue reading “What does it mean to be sanctified? – 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8, Part 2”
How Jesus wants us to get in the zone – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 2
Have you ever heard a sports announcer say, “They are in the zone. They can’t miss.” I often hear that about a basketball player like Caitlin Clark who drains long-range three-point shots over and over and over. “She’s in the zone!” It is a thing of wonder to watch a player in the zone. InContinue reading “How Jesus wants us to get in the zone – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 2”
Why Catholics pray to Mary, but Protestants don’t (and is it a sin to pray to Mary?) – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 2
Catholics deeply respect Mary, the mother of Jesus, in a helpful way that many Protestants and evangelicals do not, and that is to our detriment. Mary is a wonderful example of a heart for God. But should we pray to her, and does she pray for us? How do Catholics come to that conclusion? ItContinue reading “Why Catholics pray to Mary, but Protestants don’t (and is it a sin to pray to Mary?) – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 2”
How the Spirit of God transforms us – 1st Samuel 11 & 12, Part 2
The Ammonites have laid siege to the Israelite town of Jabesh Gilead, threatening to gouge out the right eyes of all the men in the town. Desperate, the people of Jabesh send messengers around Israel begging for help from their countrymen. How will Israel respond to this threat? How will Israel’s new king respond toContinue reading “How the Spirit of God transforms us – 1st Samuel 11 & 12, Part 2”
True or False: When you’ve heard from God, it wasn’t actually God – 1st Samuel 2:12-4:1, Preview
A couple years ago I taught a theology course for Lancaster Bible College, and one of the books students were required to read is Good News for Anxious Christians: 10 Practical Things You Don’t Have to Do by Philip Cary. As I read the book in preparation for the class, at times I was nodding in agreement,Continue reading “True or False: When you’ve heard from God, it wasn’t actually God – 1st Samuel 2:12-4:1, Preview”
How avoiding the “shoulds,” tapping in to the Spirit, and listening help us become the kind of people who…speak life to one another, Part 5
This week I welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk is a retired pastor, having served 30+ years in both local churches with his wife, Debbie, and in denominational administration. He has also taught theology and led a pastoral assessment center for many years. He and Debbie, along with their two daughters and son-in-law are membersContinue reading “How avoiding the “shoulds,” tapping in to the Spirit, and listening help us become the kind of people who…speak life to one another, Part 5″
Is revival a biblical concept? – Q & A, Part 4
This week we take a break from our Relationships in the Church series. At Faith Church this past week I gave a Q & A sermon. I asked the congregation for questions ahead of time, and then I attempted to bring biblical theology to bear on their questions. Here’s the next question: Is revival a biblicalContinue reading “Is revival a biblical concept? – Q & A, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 