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. What do you think about the roleContinue reading “Should women be pastors? – Q & A, Part 2”
Tag Archives: mission
Is “He Gets Us” advertising worth the expense? – Q & A Week, Part 1
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 goes… He Gets Us spent almost $15 millionContinue reading “Is “He Gets Us” advertising worth the expense? – Q & A Week, Part 1″
The important lesson pets can teach us about trust – New Year Psalm of Wisdom, Part 4
My dog turned 9 years old earlier last month. It is likely he only has at most a few more years to live. That is to be expected. Dogs make it 12-15 years and die. It is sad. It will be sad. But many people get past the sadness, and they get a new dog. Continue reading “The important lesson pets can teach us about trust – New Year Psalm of Wisdom, Part 4”
How to develop habits for mission – Helmet of Salvation, Part 4
The Helmet of Salvation reminds us that we are saved for mission now. All Christians are called and empowered by God to be actively engaged in his mission now, right we are. This is why in my Substack, I recently discussed the book Surprise the World: The Five Habits of Highly Missional People by MichaelContinue reading “How to develop habits for mission – Helmet of Salvation, Part 4”
We are restored for mission – John 21, Part 5
Jesus responded to Peter’s three denials by with three restorations. Though Peter had committed a terrible offense to Jesus, Jesus does not see Peter as beyond help. Do you see what this means? You are not beyond God’s love and forgiveness. You are not beyond God’s redemption. You are loved and forgiven. God can redeemContinue reading “We are restored for mission – John 21, Part 5”
Why Christians should not be separate from the world – John 17:6-26, Part 3
Some Christians throughout the centuries have wanted God to take them out of the world. Many Christians have attempted to separate themselves from the world. Some have felt that the world is evil, and we Christians need to be unpolluted by the world. But does the (potentially) healthy concern about being unpolluted require separation? I don’tContinue reading “Why Christians should not be separate from the world – John 17:6-26, Part 3”
How you can do greater things than Jesus – John 14:1-14, Part 4
As Jesus describes how we he and his Father want to be at home with us, it seems the disciples are not fully getting it. In John 14, verse 8, we read, “Philip said, ‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.’” At that comment, I wonder if any of theContinue reading “How you can do greater things than Jesus – John 14:1-14, Part 4”
Why we need to see ourselves as links in a missional chain – John 13:18-38, Part 2
Leadership is lonely, or so some say. As a pastor since 2002, I have felt that loneliness from time to time. Frankly, some loneliness is self-imposed. “I can do it better myself,” we think. Or we don’t want to put in the work to involve others. Maybe we struggle to release our grip on aContinue reading “Why we need to see ourselves as links in a missional chain – John 13:18-38, Part 2”
The unhealthy way to love life – John 12:12-50, Part 2
The city of Jerusalem is jam-packed with pilgrims from all over the world who have come to celebrate the Feast of Passover. In the previous post, we learned about what is called Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into the city, when all sorts of people are clamoring to get near him. In John 12, verses 20-22, weContinue reading “The unhealthy way to love life – John 12:12-50, Part 2”
Some important definitions and cautions about… – Creating Culture, Part 2
In his book Culture Making, Andy Crouch suggests that “the only way to change culture is to create more of it.”[1] If he is right, the Christian approach to changing culture is to create new culture. So in this post, let’s take a look at some definitions and cautions to help us think Christianly about creatingContinue reading “Some important definitions and cautions about… – Creating Culture, Part 2”
Engaging Scripture 