Why followers of Jesus go lower and lower to serve – John 13:1-17, Part 5

All week long, we’ve been studying the famous story in which Jesus washes his disciples’ feet. Why did he do it? Jesus explains why in John 13, verses 12-17. “When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?”Continue reading “Why followers of Jesus go lower and lower to serve – John 13:1-17, Part 5”

How to lead with love – John 13:1-17, Part 2

In the previous post, we learned that Jesus leads with love.  Now we learn how he did so. Look at John 13, verses 2-5. “The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under hisContinue reading “How to lead with love – John 13:1-17, Part 2”

Should a church bar its members from taking communion? – John 7:53-8:11, Preview

Every May my denomination, the Evangelical Congregational Church, has a conference for all pastors and for one representative from each church.  At the conference we attend worship gatherings, business meetings, and hear reports about what God is doing throughout the life and ministry of the denomination. From what I have heard from other denominations, ourContinue reading “Should a church bar its members from taking communion? – John 7:53-8:11, Preview”

Why Jesus shut down his ministry – John 4:27-42, Part 1

Last week we concluded with a bit of a cliffhanger.  Jesus had been talking with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in the Samaritan town of Sychar.  They’re having a rousing conversation, and just then Jesus’ disciples show up.  And that’s where we ended. Before we pick up the story and find out what happensContinue reading “Why Jesus shut down his ministry – John 4:27-42, Part 1”

Why self-control is vital to leadership – Fruit of the Spirit: Self-control, Part 4

Editor’s Note: This week welcome guest blogger, David Hundert. David is a current Master of Divinity student at Evangelical Seminary. Self-control is so important to Paul, that several times, in several letters, Paul includes it in his list of requirements for Church leadership. Paul states in Titus 1:7-8, “Since a leader manages God’s household, heContinue reading “Why self-control is vital to leadership – Fruit of the Spirit: Self-control, Part 4”

The different gentleness of Jesus – Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness, Part 2

This week we welcome guest blogger, Daymarr Jackson. In addition to being Faith Church’s youth leader, Daymarr is a Chaplain candidate in the PA Army National Guard, and a MDiv student at Evangelical Seminary. Daymarr and his wife, Danielys, have two children. This week he continues our series on the Fruit of the Spirit. AsContinue reading “The different gentleness of Jesus – Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness, Part 2”

How to overcome a false sense of security – Ezekiel 11, Part 3

Editor’s Note: Thanks to David Hundert who is our guest blogger this week, continuing our series through Ezekiel. In Ezekiel, the leaders are at it again! Thinking that God is slow in responding to their need, they are worshiping at the altar of their own idols. They have traded the true God for a godContinue reading “How to overcome a false sense of security – Ezekiel 11, Part 3”

When leaders turn their backs on God – Ezekiel 11, Part 2

Editor’s Note: Thanks to David Hundert who is our guest blogger this week, continuing our series through Ezekiel. Do you find it difficult to trust in God? If so, you’re not alone. People of all shapes and sizes can find it difficult to trust in God. Leaders struggle with this just as much as non-leaders.Continue reading “When leaders turn their backs on God – Ezekiel 11, Part 2”

Hope in the middle of a nightmare – Ezekiel 8, 9 and 10, Part 3

I am person who dreams almost every night during sleep. How about you? Over the years I’ve had some freakish nightmares. Sometimes they are recurring, going night after night. Others will be one-off dreams that never recur. I also have settings like the home we lived in years ago, or my church’s building, or theContinue reading “Hope in the middle of a nightmare – Ezekiel 8, 9 and 10, Part 3”

Current Events – The Failure of Ravi Zacharias, Part 1

It’s Current Events week on the blog.  For the past year, one week per quarter I pause whatever blog series we’re in, and I scan the news on Monday morning to see what headline I’ll write about that week.  My goal is that we learn how to engage what is happening in our world.  WeContinue reading “Current Events – The Failure of Ravi Zacharias, Part 1”