When you hear the words “artificial intelligence,” how do you feel? Do you feel uncertain? Maybe a little nervous? If you’ve been watching or reading the news over the last few years, you’ve almost certainly come across a story about the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). If you’ve been reading or watching science fiction, you’veContinue reading “Does artificial intelligence make you nervous? – A Theology of AI, Preview”
Tag Archives: ministry
Falling asleep during prayer and the surprising act that brings glory to God – John 17:1-5, Part 1
On family vacation, we were having a prayer time where one person would share a prayer request, and then another person would pray for them. It was getting late into the evening, and I was sitting next to my wife, Michelle, on a sofa. Someone shared a prayer request, and Michelle volunteered to be theContinue reading “Falling asleep during prayer and the surprising act that brings glory to God – John 17:1-5, Part 1”
What would do if you were about to be executed? – John 17:1-5, Preview
Imagine you are on vacation, sightseeing in a country where Christianity is illegal. You might think, “Joel, I wouldn’t travel there in the first place.” Maybe you wouldn’t. Maybe you just might. I did. There are plenty of places where Christianity is illegal but there are amazing sites, and Christians are allowed to travel thereContinue reading “What would do if you were about to be executed? – John 17:1-5, Preview”
How to spot fake Christians – John 15:18-16:4, Part 3
Jesus has been talking with his disciples, and as we saw in the previous post, he gives them a warning. If the world loves them, it could be a bad thing. What Jesus meant is that his disciples might be nominal, “in name only,” saying they are his followers, but actually not living like heContinue reading “How to spot fake Christians – John 15:18-16:4, Part 3”
The time Jesus said that it is a bad thing when people love you – John 15:18-16:4, Part 2
What Jesus says in John 15, verse 19, causes me to wonder about the quality of Christianity in a place like the USA. He says, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you.” Sounds good. I want people to love me. Is Jesus saying that belonging to the world is good? The wordContinue reading “The time Jesus said that it is a bad thing when people love you – John 15:18-16:4, Part 2”
What Jesus meant when he said, “Remain in me.” – John 15:1-10, Part 4
Jesus’ disciples have been listening to him talk about how his father is like a gardener cutting and pruning his followers. Those disciples could easily be wondering…am I about to get cut off? So Jesus says in verse 3, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” Jesus is sayingContinue reading “What Jesus meant when he said, “Remain in me.” – John 15:1-10, Part 4″
What Jesus meant when he talked about cutting and pruning his followers – John 15:1-10, Part 2
What is Jesus is talking about in John 15:1-10 when he says he wants us to “be even more fruitful”? In the previous post, I suggested that Jesus is not talking about American metrics of success like “bigger is better” or “winning is everything.” Jesus doesn’t say how much fruit. He doesn’t say how bigContinue reading “What Jesus meant when he talked about cutting and pruning his followers – John 15:1-10, Part 2”
Jesus’ most important parable/analogy? – John 15:1-10, Part 1
Before each worship service, my church has a brief prayer time before each worship service. The host, worship leader, singers, and preacher gather in a small circle to pray that the Holy Spirit will work in and through us, because we desire our worship services to be meaningful, formative. When we pray, there’s a passage ofContinue reading “Jesus’ most important parable/analogy? – John 15:1-10, Part 1”
What the “Lost” history of Christianity can teach us – John 15:1-10, Preview
One of most discouraging books I ever read is The Lost History of Christianity by Philip Jenkins. I found the book discouraging because it tells the sad story of the Christian church in places where the church started and thrived. The book’s subtitle says it all, “The Thousand-Year Golden Age of the Church in theContinue reading “What the “Lost” history of Christianity can teach us – John 15:1-10, Preview”
The important work of the Holy Spirit – John 14-16, Part 5
In the previous post, we learned about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, so that we can grow a closer relationship with the Spirit. But Jesus has more to say about the important work of the Spirit. Here’s what Jesus teaches in John 16, verses 8-11, “When he comes, he will proveContinue reading “The important work of the Holy Spirit – John 14-16, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 