What happened when the religious leaders sent the temple police to arrest Jesus? Jesus was out in the open there in the temple courts. The police should have no problem arresting him. But in the previous post, there is no mention of the police. You’d think they would have shown up and put Jesus inContinue reading “How to shatter your Jesus box (and why you need to) – John 7:1-52, Part 5”
Tag Archives: religion
What God wants from revival – John 7:1-52, Part 4
Have you heard about the Asbury Revival of 2023? The university has chapel services, and students are required to attend a number of chapel services each semester. At one particular service recently, something happened. The manifest presence of the Holy Spirit was like a stream of living water in the lives of the students. TheContinue reading “What God wants from revival – John 7:1-52, Part 4”
Jesus’ astounding response to people who are trying to kill him (…and it’s not forgiveness) – John 7:1-52, Part 3
Remember the famous episode from Jesus’ life when he is being nailed to the cross, which had to hurt terribly, after he had already been beaten to a pulp, and Jesus prays, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing?” It’s a wonderful account of grace, mercy, and love. And self-control, quiteContinue reading “Jesus’ astounding response to people who are trying to kill him (…and it’s not forgiveness) – John 7:1-52, Part 3”
Two ways to get to know the real Jesus – John 7:1-52, Part 2
In the previous post, Jesus’ brothers heckle him and then leave for Jerusalem to attend the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. After his brothers leave, Jesus comes up with a plan. Look at verse 10. “However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. Now at the festivalContinue reading “Two ways to get to know the real Jesus – John 7:1-52, Part 2”
Dealing with that difficult family member – John 7:1-52, Part 1
What does your Jesus box look like? You all have one. In fact, it is something that you created. It has a unique shape and size, based on what you think Jesus is like. Take a moment and think about it. What do you think Jesus is like? Is your perception of Jesus correct? AsContinue reading “Dealing with that difficult family member – John 7:1-52, Part 1”
Why The Chosen…and you… don’t really know Jesus like you think you do – John 7:1-52, Preview
How well do you know Jesus? Pretty well? Maybe you would say that you know Jesus, but you also admit that you could certainly know him better. I suspect most Christians would say something like that. I wonder, though, if we met Jesus if he might shock us. I wonder if our conception of JesusContinue reading “Why The Chosen…and you… don’t really know Jesus like you think you do – John 7:1-52, Preview”
Jesus, biblical literalism, and the Blindfold Taste Test – John 6:52-71, Part 1
Have you ever participated in a blindfolded taste test? To introduce this sermon, we had a blindfolded taste test, inviting three volunteers to each come forward. They didn’t know it, but they were about to eat a bite of different kinds of bread and different red-colored beverage. One person had V8. Another had pumpernickel. EachContinue reading “Jesus, biblical literalism, and the Blindfold Taste Test – John 6:52-71, Part 1”
Did Jesus win his trial? You get to choose! – John 5:31-47, Part 5
The situation is bleak. The religious leaders refuse to believe Jesus. Even after such rock-solid witnesses, four of them, which you can read about here, here and here, who each give powerful testimony about Jesus, most of the religious leaders are not convinced, and they leave plotting how to take him down. What about us?Continue reading “Did Jesus win his trial? You get to choose! – John 5:31-47, Part 5”
Does Jesus have authority to break the law? – John 5:31-47, Part 1
I often wonder if our church’s outdoor sign has any impact. While I think it is good to have a sign with basic information such as our name and website, we don’t need to have a sign with a message board. Most people learn about us online anyway. But the message board is a smallContinue reading “Does Jesus have authority to break the law? – John 5:31-47, Part 1”
Can an ad campaign help Jesus’ image – John 3:22-36, Preview
Have you seen the advertising campaign with the slogan “He Gets Us”? The campaign has been on television, online and on billboards for most of the past year. It’s a catchy slogan with high quality black and white images, and compelling stories. Do you know what company it is advertising? It’s not Nike…as their sloganContinue reading “Can an ad campaign help Jesus’ image – John 3:22-36, Preview”
Engaging Scripture 