Imagine Jesus shows up at the door of your house one evening, and though you are shocked, of course you let him in. You ask if he needs anything, such as a drink, food, a place to sit and relax or sleep, anything. He responds, “Actually, I do need something. I would like you toContinue reading “What would you say “No” to, if Jesus asked you to do something? – 2 Samuel 24, Preview”
Tag Archives: mission
The importance of taking a new risk for the mission of Jesus – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 5
My wife and I each turned 50 this past year. That milestone birthday is just another day on the calendar, and it is a time for reflection on the past and hope for the future. In that sense, turning 50 was like a New Year’s Day. Each New Year’s Day, many people review the pastContinue reading “The importance of taking a new risk for the mission of Jesus – 2 Samuel 23:8–39, Part 5”
How to view life through the lens of joy – Advent Joy, Part 2
When I am going through a difficult situation, my #1 response is “I want this to be done.” It could be when I am out on a four mile run. I want it to be done. It could be a big project, like my forthcoming book. I want it to be done. It could beContinue reading “How to view life through the lens of joy – Advent Joy, Part 2”
Why the Oklahoma mandate to teach the Bible in public schools is contrary to the mission of Jesus – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 5
Recent legislation in Oklahoma requires the teaching of the Bible in all public schools. What should Christians think about this? What are the specifics of the Oklahoma mandate? Starting fall 2024, all Oklahoma public school classrooms, grades 5–12, must have a physical copy of the Bible, and the teachers must teach it. The Oklahoma StateContinue reading “Why the Oklahoma mandate to teach the Bible in public schools is contrary to the mission of Jesus – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 5”
What Jesus says about paying taxes and separation of church and state – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 3
In light of upcoming ballot measures in some states, is Matthew 22:18-21 actually arguing for a separation of church and state? Is it acceptable for a Christian to vote one way on a measure, not because they think it is biblical, but because they think it should be a function of government? Are there otherContinue reading “What Jesus says about paying taxes and separation of church and state – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 3”
How could David slaughter men and women…and lie about it? – 1st Samuel 26 & 27, Part 4
In the previous post, we read something very dark about David, who was supposed to be a man after God’s own heart. In 1st Samuel 27, we learned that David and his men go out on raids, slaughtering people. Men and women. Also, David clearly didn’t want his new king, the Philistine, Achish, to knowContinue reading “How could David slaughter men and women…and lie about it? – 1st Samuel 26 & 27, Part 4”
In God’s mission, do the ends justify the means? – 1st Samuel 25, Part 5
Have you heard the phrase, “the ends justify the means”? This common statement suggest that if we are pursuing a good goal, we might need to use not-so-good methods to achieve that goal. All that matters is achieving the goal. The goal, in other words, is so important that we can allow for inappropriate behaviorContinue reading “In God’s mission, do the ends justify the means? – 1st Samuel 25, Part 5”
Why following Jesus means stepping out of our comfort zones – Growing in Faith Together, Part 5
In the previous post, I said that in Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus was thinking correctly when he said that he was going to leave his disciples. Why? First of all, he has given them plenty of opportunities to learn from him over the past three years. He trained them. He discipled them. He pushed them outContinue reading “Why following Jesus means stepping out of our comfort zones – Growing in Faith Together, Part 5”
When Jesus leaves us – Growing in Faith Together, Part 4
In Matthew, chapter 28, verses 16-20, we read about Jesus’ final invitation to his disciples. They have followed him for three years. They have followed him through the craziness of his arrest, trial, beating, crucifixion, resurrection. Now this: “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.Continue reading “When Jesus leaves us – Growing in Faith Together, Part 4”
What do you think about End Times Prophecy? – Q & A, Part 5
This week we take a break from our Relationships in the Church series. At Faith Church this past week I gave a Q & A sermon. I asked the congregation for questions ahead of time, and then I attempted to bring biblical theology to bear on their questions. Here’s the next question: What is Faith Church’sContinue reading “What do you think about End Times Prophecy? – Q & A, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 