Have you ever known someone who turns out to be very different from what you originally thought? Sometimes we get that impression about a person as we get to know them. Other times people change. Then there are people who just fool you. Malcolm Gladwell in his recent book Talking to Strangers tells the storyContinue reading “You are Called, Loved, Kept – Jude 1-16, Part 1”
Tag Archives: Jesus
How to live a non-hypocritical life – 3rd John, Part 5
Remember the story I told about the difficult boss who was terrible to work for, but he was a kind and caring gentleman among his church family? One way in one setting, totally different in another. Now that we have studied 3rd John, and we have learned about walking in truth, we can conclude withContinue reading “How to live a non-hypocritical life – 3rd John, Part 5”
What’s more important: belief or action? – 3rd John, Part 4
As we continue studying the ancient letter of 3rd John, we read at the end of verse 6 that John writes his friend Gaius encouraging him to send some fellow Christians on their way in a manner worthy of God. In other words, he is saying to Gaius, “keep doing what you’re doing in supportingContinue reading “What’s more important: belief or action? – 3rd John, Part 4”
Can we say “I love you” non-romantically? 3rd John, Part 1
I recently heard the true story of a boss who was very controlling, difficult and demanding. As a result was a very stressful person to work for. His employees always felt like they were on thin ice around him. One day one of the boss’ employees was meeting new people at a dinner party, andContinue reading “Can we say “I love you” non-romantically? 3rd John, Part 1″
How to love deceivers and other difficult people – 2nd John, Part 5
In the previous post, John warned the Christians in the church about deceivers in their midst. But who was he talking about? Open a Bible or read online in 2nd John verses 10-11 to see how John describes them. Some scholars believe that he is talking about itinerant teachers who believed false doctrine. There wereContinue reading “How to love deceivers and other difficult people – 2nd John, Part 5”
How to respond to deceivers in a church – 2nd John, Part 4
How much should Christians interact with the secular world? I live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which is known for our Amish community, a Christian sect that practices a form of separation from the world. As I type this, I can look out my kitchen window and see my Amish neighbors wearing their traditional clothing and ridingContinue reading “How to respond to deceivers in a church – 2nd John, Part 4”
How Jesus redefines “love” and “truth” – 2nd John, Part 2
In the previous post I introduced the ancient biblical letter of 2nd John by looking at some ways that people express themselves when they are in love. Behind it all is the question, “What is love?” Though it is such a commonly used word and concept, is it possible that we might not understand it?Continue reading “How Jesus redefines “love” and “truth” – 2nd John, Part 2″
When you’re crazy in love – 2nd John, Part 1
Oh the crazy, creative, wild things we’ll do for love. Have you ever been bonkers in love and did something like that for the one you love? I recently heard the story of a guy who made a necklace for his girlfriend. He carved a small pear shape out of wood, and placed a littleContinue reading “When you’re crazy in love – 2nd John, Part 1”
How to welcome those who are difficult for you – Philemon 8-25, Part 5
Who is difficult for you? Think about it. Who are the people you really struggle with? Does it seem like it would be awful to welcome them into your life? How should you treat them? If Paul’s message to Philemon is our guide, then what we do will be self-sacrificial, it will be radical, itContinue reading “How to welcome those who are difficult for you – Philemon 8-25, Part 5”
The world-changing power of forgiveness – Philemon 8-25, Part 4.
Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to forgive someone who hurt you? Did you find it difficult to do so? It can be scary to forgive, especially when the pain runs deep. Will that person respect your forgiveness? What if they hurt you again? Are they really sorry? How do youContinue reading “The world-changing power of forgiveness – Philemon 8-25, Part 4.”
Engaging Scripture 