In our final post this week, Paul describes peace with each other in a church family like this in 1 Thessalonians verses 14-15, “encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and forContinue reading “Question-asking and kissing in the church – 1 Thessalonians 5:13–15, 26, Part 6”
Tag Archives: relationship
How do you handle yourself when you disagree with someone? – 1 Thessalonians 5:13–15, 26, Part 1
This past week, there was an awkward moment during class discussion in a Bible class I teach for a local Christian college. We were discussing Hebrews 10:25 which says “Let us not give up meeting together.” That verse teaches Christians to be committed to gathering together regularly and consistently. I asked the students if theContinue reading “How do you handle yourself when you disagree with someone? – 1 Thessalonians 5:13–15, 26, Part 1”
All Christians are to be builders – 1 Thessalonians 5:5–11, Part 5
Legos are my favorite toy by far. I remember how much I loved getting new Lego sets as a child. Following the instructions. Completing a model. Displaying it. Playing with it. Then eventually tearing it apart and combining it with other sets to make new creations. Legos engage a person’s hands, mind, and heart. Frankly,Continue reading “All Christians are to be builders – 1 Thessalonians 5:5–11, Part 5”
Can we insist that people live a godly life? – 1 Thessalonians 2:1—3:5, Part 3
I’ll never forget the time a member of my church, while standing in the lobby before worship, noticed some visitors had brought sodas into the building with them. This person cut the visitors off at the pass, just in time before they crossed the threshold into the sanctuary, and politely but confidently said, “Here, IContinue reading “Can we insist that people live a godly life? – 1 Thessalonians 2:1—3:5, Part 3”
The important lesson Christians can learn from nursing mothers – 1 Thessalonians 2:1—3:5, Part 2
A ministry friend of mine once asked me how long I had been pastor at Faith Church. At the time, I had been pastor about ten years. He shook his head and said that he couldn’t do it. His ministry focused on speaking from place to place to place, sometimes returning to the same place,Continue reading “The important lesson Christians can learn from nursing mothers – 1 Thessalonians 2:1—3:5, Part 2”
What not to do when you are sick with desire – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 14, Part 3
This week on the blog, we’re learning how to resolve family drama by observing how King David responds to drama of his own. I’ve said that David, throughout the entirety of his life, seemed to be a drama magnet. But in the previous post, David makes a generously sacrificial gesture to decrease drama. Turn toContinue reading “What not to do when you are sick with desire – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 14, Part 3”
Are you a typical human who doesn’t see the truth about yourself? – 2 Samuel 11—12, Part 4
Editor’s Note: This week we welcome guest blogger, Emily Marks. Emily is an adult and community educator. She and her husband Sean live in Lancaster, PA, with their dog Corvus. I learned so much from her sermon on 2 Samuel 11-12! I’m excited for you to read these blog posts. David has a big responsibilityContinue reading “Are you a typical human who doesn’t see the truth about yourself? – 2 Samuel 11—12, Part 4”
Civil war, polygamy, jealousy and palace intrigue – 2 Samuel 2:9—3:39, Part 2
We resume the story of civil war in Israel from the previous post. The story in 2nd Samuel chapter 2 is one of a fierce battle between the single tribe, Judah, and the other eleven tribes of Israel. Azahel of Judah is chasing down the top general of the army of Israel, Abner. Abner callsContinue reading “Civil war, polygamy, jealousy and palace intrigue – 2 Samuel 2:9—3:39, Part 2”
How to diffuse rage and anger – 1st Samuel 25, Part 3
Have you ever been so angry, so hurt, so embarrassed, or feeling so disrespected, that you are ready to rage against the person who has hurt you? This week as we’ve been studying 1st Samuel 25, we’ve been talking about two roadblocks to David’s progress to becoming king. We’ve met the first roadblock, a manContinue reading “How to diffuse rage and anger – 1st Samuel 25, Part 3”
How a hidden camera can help American Christians improve…Meeting together, Part 3
Imagine you are in a building like a hospital or office high-rise. You’ve just finished an important meeting on one of the upper floors, so you head for the bank of elevators. After pressing the down button, you wait until your elevator is ready, and the doors open. What you see inside surprises you. The elevator is nearly full,Continue reading “How a hidden camera can help American Christians improve…Meeting together, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 