We Christians have lingo, goobledy-gook. Christianese, some have called it. Phrases we spout off to sound righteous, but often don’t really mean. Most of them need to go. Check out this video for some egregious (and hilarious) examples: Another one of those phrases we thrown around a lot is “Just depend on God.” In theContinue reading “Christian phrases that need to go, and one to keep”
Tag Archives: luke
One word for the hopeless – Luke 8:40-56
Do you feel hopeless, discouraged or powerless? This past Sunday we looked at two people who seemed to be powerless and hopeless. But with one word their lives changed radically. What one word could make such a difference? Jesus calmed the storm with a word. He defeated demons with a word. In our next sectionContinue reading “One word for the hopeless – Luke 8:40-56”
Ghost Tours & Ghostbusters: Is the Spirit Realm Real? – Luke 8:26-39
We were in the city of Lancaster a few weeks ago in the evening, around 8pm, and we saw a lady dressed in a costume leading a group of about 10 people. It was clear that this was a tour. But what kind of tour would be happening on a Sunday night at 8pm? TheContinue reading “Ghost Tours & Ghostbusters: Is the Spirit Realm Real? – Luke 8:26-39”
Feeling afraid, confused and frustrated in life’s storms
The storm we had a few weeks ago was really severe. Did it wake you? It woke me. The blasting away of the thunder and the flashes of lightning strikes are pretty fearsome. Over the years perhaps you have seen some awesome photos and videos of storms. Maybe you’ve been in the storm taking theContinue reading “Feeling afraid, confused and frustrated in life’s storms”
How to be a part of Jesus’ family – Luke 8:16-21
So Jesus was maybe, possibly a bit icy to his family one time. As painful as that situation could have been from a mother’s perspective, Jesus was clearly willing to redefine what it meant to be in relationship with him. This was an entirely new understanding of family. I wonder if it broke Mary’s heart.Continue reading “How to be a part of Jesus’ family – Luke 8:16-21”
Was Jesus cold to his family?
Do you have a warm, loving family? Or would you say yours is cold? More likely it is a mixed bag with varying levels of relationship from person to person in the family. Maybe there is a family member or two that you have a close relationship with, and perhaps there are one or twoContinue reading “Was Jesus cold to his family?”
The Four Soils – An Evaluation Tool for Disciples of Jesus – Luke 8:1-15
Was Jesus trying to confuse his audience? Possibly, but I suspect he really wanted them to avidly seek the meaning of his Gardening 101 parable. Maybe some did. Luke tells us that the disciples asked him what it meant, and he told them. What we hear is a powerful evaluation tool that all Christians shouldContinue reading “The Four Soils – An Evaluation Tool for Disciples of Jesus – Luke 8:1-15”
That time Jesus purposefully wanted to confuse the audience
My family and I started gardening a couple years ago. When we lived in a city rowhome we filled a couple 5-gallon buckets with dirt, planted some tomatoes and peppers and stuck them on our second floor outdoor balcony. Our backyard butted up against a neighboring house that blocked out the sun, so the bucketsContinue reading “That time Jesus purposefully wanted to confuse the audience”
An Awkward Bible Story – Luke 7:36-50
There are some really awkward stories in the Bible. This past Sunday in our series teaching through Luke we came to one those stories. Take a look: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MojKYm2UqFE When you read the story, if you’re like me you’ve heard it many times, and you have been accustomed to it, so you’ve already classified it inContinue reading “An Awkward Bible Story – Luke 7:36-50”
Questioning Jesus – Luke 7:18-35
In our study of Luke’s Gospel, our next story reintroduces us to a guy who was feeling confused about who Jesus is. He is doubting Jesus. Jesus used to be very real to him. But now it seems that Jesus has gone away. That doubting guy? You’ve met him before. Maybe you know him quiteContinue reading “Questioning Jesus – Luke 7:18-35”
Engaging Scripture 