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”
Tag Archives: ministry
Jesus’ description of true worship – John 4:1-26, Part 5
In the previous post, we learned that Jesus taught the Samaritan woman at the well that God is not interested in his people worshiping in a geographical location or building. God is looking for people who worship him in spirit and in truth. So that previous post talked about what it means to worship inContinue reading “Jesus’ description of true worship – John 4:1-26, Part 5”
Are church buildings God’s houses? – John 4:1-26, Part 4
Sometimes Christians call church buildings, “God’s house.” I hear adults from time to time say, “Kids, stop running in God’s house.” I cringe when I hear that. I cringe because it reminds me of something Jesus said when he and the Samaritan woman were having a conversation around the well. You can read about theirContinue reading “Are church buildings God’s houses? – John 4:1-26, Part 4”
That time someone said, “You’re not ready” about my church’s worship service – John 4:1-26, Part 1
A few years ago, a community family visited Faith Church, and after that visit they told me they would not be returning because in their words, “You’re not ready.” They weren’t saying I personally wasn’t ready. They were saying that Faith Church wasn’t ready. Not ready? What were they saying? By declaring that Faith ChurchContinue reading “That time someone said, “You’re not ready” about my church’s worship service – John 4:1-26, Part 1″
The important difference between Tom Brady and John the Baptist – John 3:22-36, Part 3
At 45 years old, it is astounding that NFL superstar and living legend, Tom Brady is still playing professional football at the highest level. Just last year (2021), also in his 40s, he was a Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the 7th time. As I write this in fall of 2022, though, Brady seems to beContinue reading “The important difference between Tom Brady and John the Baptist – John 3:22-36, Part 3”
When Jesus and John the Baptist had competing ministries – John 3:22-36, Part 2
As Jesus’ ministry was getting underway, we learn in John 3:23 that John the Baptist’s ministry was still going strong too. John hadn’t stopped his ministry just because Jesus was now on the scene. How much time had passed since John baptized Jesus in John 1? If you scan through the days mentioned in JohnContinue reading “When Jesus and John the Baptist had competing ministries – John 3:22-36, Part 2”
God will strengthen you for the task he gives you – Ezekiel 2:1-3:15, Part 3
Have you ever felt that God has given you a task that is too difficult? I think Ezekiel felt like that. As we have been learning in our study of the life of the prophet Ezekiel, God shows up in a shocking way with even more shocking news for Ezekiel. It was news that EzekielContinue reading “God will strengthen you for the task he gives you – Ezekiel 2:1-3:15, Part 3”
4 Faulty Viewpoints About Work – Colossians 3:22-4:1, Part 3
Each follower of Jesus, no matter their station in life, is called to work as unto the Lord. Working unto the Lord means that we will avoid a faulty view of work. There are at least four faulty views to avoid. The first faulty viewpoint is when people think “working as unto the Lord” is justContinue reading “4 Faulty Viewpoints About Work – Colossians 3:22-4:1, Part 3”
Is it really that important to be committed to a local church? – Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, Part 4
What commitments do you have to your church family? Do you serve on a committee? Do you help with a ministry? Are you a member of a church? Participating in a small group? How are you doing keeping your commitments? How do you view those responsibilities? Would you say that they are vows you needContinue reading “Is it really that important to be committed to a local church? – Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, Part 4”
Is it okay to give up on some people? – Acts 18, Part 2
Have you heard the words, “There is no hope for them”? Maybe you were the one saying those words or a phrase like it. Maybe someone said it about you. Often we say these words about a person who has a pattern of making bad choices, or a stubborn streak, and they seem unteachable, unreachableContinue reading “Is it okay to give up on some people? – Acts 18, Part 2”
Engaging Scripture 