We Christians are known for practicing the ethics of the Kingdom of Jesus: truth-telling, humility, selfless sacrifice, generosity, hope, peacemaking, and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Or are we? Sadly, across our country some Christians have chosen anger, meanness, spite, bitterness, and attack. We American Christians far too often in recent years, haveContinue reading “How Christians can avoid getting sucked into outrage culture – 1st Samuel 26 & 27, Part 5”
Tag Archives: persecution
How to step further into the way of Jesus – John 15:18-16:4, Part 5
All week long we have been discussing Jesus’ distressing final words to his disciples that they might face pushback, oppression, and persecution. As we continue into the beginning of chapter 16, Jesus explains why he has been telling his disciples that it is possible that some people in the world might hate them. Look atContinue reading “How to step further into the way of Jesus – John 15:18-16:4, Part 5”
American Christians are not being persecuted. Here’s why. – John 15:18-16:4, Part 1
The world is changing. American society and culture is changing, at least in most places across the nation. Certainly some places buck trends, but as I said in the preview post here, even my Amish neighbors, famous for resisting change, are themselves embracing incremental change. Amish from 25-30 years ago would be aghast at howContinue reading “American Christians are not being persecuted. Here’s why. – John 15:18-16:4, Part 1”
How to be counted as worthy of God’s Kingdom – 2 Thessalonians 1, Part 5
Will you be counted as worthy of the Kingdom of God? Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians 1 verse 5 that the Thessalonian Christians’ growing spiritual maturity in the midst of persecution is evidence that they will be counted as worthy of the Kingdom. That’s quite a statement. What if we are Christians who haven’t beenContinue reading “How to be counted as worthy of God’s Kingdom – 2 Thessalonians 1, Part 5”
A helpful perspective on pain – 2 Thessalonians 1, Part 4
Is pain always bad? How do you handle pain? I’m not a fan of pain. I’ve been battling a heel spur for the past year. Initially it hurt sharply every step I took. But through treatment, especially stretching, it is at bay. I can still feel it, but it isn’t crippling. I even run 4-5Continue reading “A helpful perspective on pain – 2 Thessalonians 1, Part 4”
How to be a good neighbor, locally and globally – Current Events November 2021, Part 5
So, who is your neighbor? In this Current Events week on the blog, we’ve been talking about neighbors and how we are called to love them. When Faith Church rented space in our building to Burmese Christians, we made new neighbors. This week we’ve been learning about the very difficult situation our Burmese neighbors haveContinue reading “How to be a good neighbor, locally and globally – Current Events November 2021, Part 5”
How Christians are being persecuted in Myanmar – Current Events November 2021, Part 4
This week is Current Events week on the blog, and we learning about the awful civil war in Myanmar. While the war has dragged on for a seemingly endless seven decades, it has erupted violently in 2021 after a military coup in February. (If you haven’t read the previous posts in this week’s series onContinue reading “How Christians are being persecuted in Myanmar – Current Events November 2021, Part 4”
Is rejoicing in suffering a bad idea? – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 1
How should we respond to suffering? Maybe you’re suffering somehow, and you’re sick of it. I’ve had heel pain for the last few months, and though I will admit to being very inconsistent in treating it, I’m frustrated with it. I want it to be healed. I am not rejoicing in this suffering. Rejoicing? IfContinue reading “Is rejoicing in suffering a bad idea? – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 1”
“Christians must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Really?) – Acts 14, Part 4
How do you like the quote in the title? Agree? Disagree? Let’s talk about it. In the previous post we looked at the question of whether or not Jesus is okay with various levels of commitment to him. As we study Acts, it seems that a guy like the Apostle Paul was radically committed toContinue reading ““Christians must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Really?) – Acts 14, Part 4″
Is it okay to be a mediocre follower of Jesus? (or is there something more) – Acts 14, Part 3
Is it okay to be a mediocre follower of Jesus? What does Jesus really want from his followers? Have you ever wondered if you are following Jesus in a way that is in line with his desires for his followers? Is it enough to believe in him, and attend church sometimes? Or is there somethingContinue reading “Is it okay to be a mediocre follower of Jesus? (or is there something more) – Acts 14, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 