In our study through the Gospel of John, we have seen Jesus interact with his disciples. Their relationship began in chapter 1 when Jesus showed up to be baptized by John. Then the disciples watch him at the wedding in Cana in chapter 2. They’re with him when he clears out the temple. In chaptersContinue reading “What discipleship is and isn’t – Becoming Disciplemakers, Part 1”
Tag Archives: outreach
Why believing is just the beginning – Becoming Disciplemakers: Preview
How do we help people who are not currently followers of Jesus become followers of Jesus? I ask that question admittedly making the assumption that being a follower of Jesus is the best possible way of life, holding hope for both abundant life now and eternal life in the future. I recognize that many peopleContinue reading “Why believing is just the beginning – Becoming Disciplemakers: Preview”
God has an important role for you in his mission – John 4:27-42, Part 5
In the previous post, Jesus taught his disciples that they should see themselves as harvesters. He wasn’t referring to harvesting in the farming world, but harvesting for God’s Kingdom. Jesus was saying that just as they were his disciples, their mission was to help more people become his disciples. Just then, something happened to illustrateContinue reading “God has an important role for you in his mission – John 4:27-42, Part 5”
Jesus’ unlikely harvest in an unlikely place – John 4:27-42, Part 4
I live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s farm country. My back yard is adjacent to a corn field, so just a few weeks ago we watched as harvesters brought in the corn at night. Other years we’ve watched the combines mowing down the fields and spraying a golden stream of kernels into trailers. Harvest is a normalContinue reading “Jesus’ unlikely harvest in an unlikely place – John 4:27-42, Part 4”
What to do when you meet Jesus – John 4:27-42, Part 2
In John 4:1-42, there are two major themes running side-by-side. The first we talked about last week: Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman about worship. Now this week, we’re looking at Jesus’ interaction with his disciples during this episode. They travel with Jesus from Judea, heading north to Galilee. When they arrive in the SamaritanContinue reading “What to do when you meet Jesus – John 4:27-42, Part 2”
Baseball and God’s heart for the world – Relationships: with the world, Preview
My freshman year of high school I tried out for my high school baseball team, as I thought baseball was my best sport. I had played soccer the previous fall, making the Jr. High team as a 9th grader, and I enjoyed it. I also considered trying out for the basketball team, another sport IContinue reading “Baseball and God’s heart for the world – Relationships: with the world, Preview”
Christian, what aroma does your manner, method and message give off? – Relationships: In the community, Part 5
My wife, Michelle, works at a local café. She and the other servers say that the Sunday, after-church crowd are some of their least favorite to serve. Why? Their manner, message and method stink. They can be demanding. They can treat their servers coldly or disrespectfully. They can lack polite manners. They can barely tip,Continue reading “Christian, what aroma does your manner, method and message give off? – Relationships: In the community, Part 5”
Do you give off the aroma of life or the aroma of death? – Relationships: In the community, Part 4
When I go running with my dogs, one of the most amazing things is the smell of breakfast cooking emanating from the houses we pass by. Or maybe you are more familiar with the smell of someone cooking burgers. Or a chicken barbeque. The wind can carry that smell really far. I grew up inContinue reading “Do you give off the aroma of life or the aroma of death? – Relationships: In the community, Part 4”
Are you a quality friend? A good member of your community? – Relationships: In your community, Preview
Who are your neighbors? Do you know their names? Their story? Their beliefs? Evaluate your relationships with them. Are you close? Distant? Would they say you care about them? What about your co-workers? Your friends? Your classmates? What does it mean to have godly relationships with the various people in your life? Are we justContinue reading “Are you a quality friend? A good member of your community? – Relationships: In your community, Preview”
How to be a watchman or woman, without being creepy – Ezekiel 33:1-20, Part 4
In our five-part series covering Ezekiel 33:1-20 this week, we have been learning that God called Ezekiel to be a Watchman Prophet for Israel. Likewise, we Christians are called to be watchmen for the people in our lives. As I type that, I wonder if it comes across as a bit creepy. Watching people? WhatContinue reading “How to be a watchman or woman, without being creepy – Ezekiel 33:1-20, Part 4”
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