In contemporary society, we are well aware of the ways in which people harm or take advantage of others sexually. Certainly in the context Paul wrote, and throughout most of human history, that harm, that taking advantage of, has moved in one direction. From males to females. In the vast majority of situations where thereContinue reading “When it comes sexual expression, men, we need to do better – 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8, Part 4”
Tag Archives: lust
Christians, stop trying to control other people’s bodies – 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8, Part 3
This week on the blog, we’re studying 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8, and in that passage, Paul’s main theme is that Christians are people who are living more and more to please God. The theological word he uses is that we are to be sanctified. In the previous post, I talk about what “sanctified” means. In today’sContinue reading “Christians, stop trying to control other people’s bodies – 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8, Part 3”
What not to do when you are sick with desire – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 14, Part 3
This week on the blog, we’re learning how to resolve family drama by observing how King David responds to drama of his own. I’ve said that David, throughout the entirety of his life, seemed to be a drama magnet. But in the previous post, David makes a generously sacrificial gesture to decrease drama. Turn toContinue reading “What not to do when you are sick with desire – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 14, Part 3”
Women are not responsible for the way people view women’s bodies – 2 Samuel 11, Part 3
Editor’s Note: This week we welcome guest blogger, Emily Marks. Emily is an adult and community educator. She and her husband Sean live in Lancaster, PA, with their dog Corvus. I learned so much from her sermon on 2 Samuel 11-12! I’m excited for you to read these blog posts. David is smart. As weContinue reading “Women are not responsible for the way people view women’s bodies – 2 Samuel 11, Part 3”
Have you ever heard a woman’s perspective of the story of David & Bathsheba? – 2 Samuel 11—12, Part 1
Editor’s Note: This week we welcome guest blogger, Emily Marks. Emily is an adult and community educator. She and her husband Sean live in Lancaster, PA, with their dog Corvus. I learned so much from her sermon on 2 Samuel 11-12! I’m excited for you to read these blog posts. We will be continuing inContinue reading “Have you ever heard a woman’s perspective of the story of David & Bathsheba? – 2 Samuel 11—12, Part 1”
Do you have idolatry in your heart and not know it? – Ezekiel 14, Part 1
What do you long for? What do you desire? A relationship? Debts paid off? A big enough savings account so you’re not living paycheck to paycheck? A new car? New house? A different personality? Different looks? Good health? Healing? Success? Athletic ability? Artistic ability? A raise? What do you long for? We all have desire. Continue reading “Do you have idolatry in your heart and not know it? – Ezekiel 14, Part 1”
Should we eliminate desire in our lives? – Ezekiel 14, Preview
Years ago, I remember listening to a new song thinking, “I don’t think I should be listening to this. It doesn’t seem appropriate…but I’m not sure.” Why was I concerned? Because the song touched on themes that seemed to be getting really close to a line I knew I shouldn’t cross. I felt uncomfortable. AtContinue reading “Should we eliminate desire in our lives? – Ezekiel 14, Preview”
Identifying and responding to evil desire – Colossians 3:5-11, Part 3
You’re driving down the road, looking at the vehicles passing by, feeling very dissatisfied by your own vehicle. You feel within you a strong desire for a particular vehicle you pass by. As I said before, I desire Land Rover Defenders. Or maybe it is a better house. Maybe you desire someone else’s body, personality,Continue reading “Identifying and responding to evil desire – Colossians 3:5-11, Part 3”
Prince Philip’s Surprising Choice For His Hearse – Colossians 3:5-11, Part 1
Did you watch the funeral of Prince Philip who recently passed? Or maybe you saw highlights or pictures on the news. Did you notice that his coffin was transported in a plain old green Land Rover Defender pick-up truck? Defenders are mode of Land Rovers that look kind of like Jeeps. You rarely see DefendersContinue reading “Prince Philip’s Surprising Choice For His Hearse – Colossians 3:5-11, Part 1”
Christians, has Jesus transformed your life? Here’s how you can tell.
A question for any of you who consider yourselves Christians, followers of Jesus: would you say that Jesus has transformed your life? Yesterday we saw that Jesus transformed Peter’s life. It wouldn’t surprise me if Peter has that memory in mind as he continues his teaching in 1 Peter 4:1-6. In verse 3 he buildsContinue reading “Christians, has Jesus transformed your life? Here’s how you can tell.”
Engaging Scripture 