In the nine months before October 2002, the date I began ministry at Faith Church, I worked at my denomination’s then seminary, Evangelical School of Theology, as the Director of the Annual Fund.* I had heard of the denomination, the Evangelical Congregational Church, and I had heard of the seminary, but this was the firstContinue reading “The bread that almost got me fired – 1 Thessalonians 5:5–11, Preview”
Tag Archives: legalism
Can we insist that people live a godly life? – 1 Thessalonians 2:1—3:5, Part 3
I’ll never forget the time a member of my church, while standing in the lobby before worship, noticed some visitors had brought sodas into the building with them. This person cut the visitors off at the pass, just in time before they crossed the threshold into the sanctuary, and politely but confidently said, “Here, IContinue reading “Can we insist that people live a godly life? – 1 Thessalonians 2:1—3:5, Part 3”
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”
How Jesus sets us free to live a flourishing life – John 7:53-8:11, Part 4
In the temple courts, Jesus is standing alone with a woman who had been caught in adultery. With her accusers now gone, Jesus responds to the woman, in John chapter 8, verses 10-11: “Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neitherContinue reading “How Jesus sets us free to live a flourishing life – John 7:53-8:11, Part 4”
Does Jesus have authority to break the law? – John 5:31-47, Part 1
I often wonder if our church’s outdoor sign has any impact. While I think it is good to have a sign with basic information such as our name and website, we don’t need to have a sign with a message board. Most people learn about us online anyway. But the message board is a smallContinue reading “Does Jesus have authority to break the law? – John 5:31-47, Part 1”
Has fear kept you quiet about God – John 4:43-5:15, Part 4
In the previous post, we studied John 5:1-6, the story of Jesus’ in Jerusalem, asking a hurting man if he wants to be healed. What does the man want? We find out in verses 7-9. “’Sir,’ the invalid replied, ‘“’I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. WhileContinue reading “Has fear kept you quiet about God – John 4:43-5:15, Part 4”
Christians are free from the law and free for holiness – Galatians 5:16-26, Part 2
In the United States we often say, “It’s a free country, I can do what I want.” But that’s not true. Yes, the USA is a free country, but people are not free to do whatever they want. We have TONS of laws, and if you break a law you will face the consequences. WeContinue reading “Christians are free from the law and free for holiness – Galatians 5:16-26, Part 2”
Is Christian freedom dangerous? – Galatians 5:16-26, Part 1
Do you know any tongue-twisters? How about “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers”? Or maybe “How much wood could a woodchuck chuck?” Can you say the difficult “She sells seashells by the seashore”? Did you know the Bible has a tongue-twister? Here it is. Romans 7:15-20, “I do not understand what I do.Continue reading “Is Christian freedom dangerous? – Galatians 5:16-26, Part 1”
Christians should never ______ – Colossians 2:16-23, Part 4
How would you fill in the blank in the title? Christians should never ____? What I’m getting at is rules and regulations that Christians have come up with over the years. Of course we could make a blanket statement like “Christians should never sin.” We all agree about that. But actually listing examples of sinContinue reading “Christians should never ______ – Colossians 2:16-23, Part 4”
Do you have strong or weak faith? – Titus 3:9-15, Part 2
Do people in your church family have differences of opinion about how Christians should behave? In my church there are plenty of different views. Should Christians drink alcohol? Should people view R-rated movies or MA-rated TV shows? Should people purchase luxury items? Should we vote Republican or Democrat, or maybe even a third-party? Should ChristiansContinue reading “Do you have strong or weak faith? – Titus 3:9-15, Part 2”
Engaging Scripture 