Imagine you are on vacation, sightseeing in a country where Christianity is illegal. You might think, “Joel, I wouldn’t travel there in the first place.” Maybe you wouldn’t. Maybe you just might. I did. There are plenty of places where Christianity is illegal but there are amazing sites, and Christians are allowed to travel thereContinue reading “What would do if you were about to be executed? – John 17:1-5, Preview”
Tag Archives: religion
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”
Be a Good News storyteller with your words and actions – John 15:18-16:4, Part 4
A few weeks ago we talked about the Holy Spirit, and I already discussed verses 26-27. I think it would be good to read it again, now that we are reading it in context. “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from theContinue reading “Be a Good News storyteller with your words and actions – John 15:18-16:4, Part 4”
How to spot fake Christians – John 15:18-16:4, Part 3
Jesus has been talking with his disciples, and as we saw in the previous post, he gives them a warning. If the world loves them, it could be a bad thing. What Jesus meant is that his disciples might be nominal, “in name only,” saying they are his followers, but actually not living like heContinue reading “How to spot fake Christians – John 15:18-16:4, Part 3”
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 should Christians interact with the world? – John 15:18-16:4, Preview
How should Christians interact with the world? Here in Lancaster County we have some unique examples of Christians who have chosen to separate themselves from the world, at least in part. Our plain neighbors have largely been successful for centuries in creating a separate culture within the larger culture. Yes, most Lancastrians have stories aboutContinue reading “How should Christians interact with the world? – John 15:18-16:4, Preview”
Why we cannot manufacture a movement of God (and what we should do instead) – John 15:1-10, Part 5
The theme of my denomination this year is “A Dynamic Movement of God.” This theme comes from the denomination’s vision statement which was created in the early 2000s. While we definitely want to participate in the movement of God, let us not believe that we can manufacture a movement of God. Many Christians claim thatContinue reading “Why we cannot manufacture a movement of God (and what we should do instead) – John 15:1-10, Part 5”
What Jesus meant when he said, “Remain in me.” – John 15:1-10, Part 4
Jesus’ disciples have been listening to him talk about how his father is like a gardener cutting and pruning his followers. Those disciples could easily be wondering…am I about to get cut off? So Jesus says in verse 3, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” Jesus is sayingContinue reading “What Jesus meant when he said, “Remain in me.” – John 15:1-10, Part 4″
How to change your life – John 15:1-10, Part 3
Change comes in all shapes and sizes. If you want to lose weight and build muscle, lifting weights regularly can help. But how do we change our emotions, our struggles? Paul writes in Romans 8:29 that we are to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus. Sanctification is the process whereby Christians, disciples of Jesus,Continue reading “How to change your life – John 15:1-10, Part 3”
What Jesus meant when he talked about cutting and pruning his followers – John 15:1-10, Part 2
What is Jesus is talking about in John 15:1-10 when he says he wants us to “be even more fruitful”? In the previous post, I suggested that Jesus is not talking about American metrics of success like “bigger is better” or “winning is everything.” Jesus doesn’t say how much fruit. He doesn’t say how bigContinue reading “What Jesus meant when he talked about cutting and pruning his followers – John 15:1-10, Part 2”
Engaging Scripture 