The cross is the shape of Christianity. I’m not talking about a symbol that we wear on necklaces or tattoos. I’m about how the cross should shape our lives, our choices, our actions. Jesus calls his disciples to die to themselves, take up their cross and follow him. We follow him, we do what heContinue reading “Christianity is supposed to be cross-shaped – John 19, Part 5”
Tag Archives: spirituality
Penal Substitution is inadequate to understanding Jesus’ death – John 19, Part 4
Why did Jesus have to die? Isn’t this a strange way for God to save the world? Isn’t this a strange way for God to make a way to have relationship with us? Why did he do this? Why become one of us, live 33 years to show us abundant flourishing way of life, andContinue reading “Penal Substitution is inadequate to understanding Jesus’ death – John 19, Part 4”
“Born to die” is an inadequate way to describe Jesus – John 19, Part 3
For Jesus the end has come. His death is now minutes away. Is this what he was born to do? Look at the description of his final minutes in John 19, verses 28-30, “Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jarContinue reading ““Born to die” is an inadequate way to describe Jesus – John 19, Part 3″
How you can care for others when you are the one in pain – John 19, Part 2
This morning the news reported a story about two boys hugging each other as they looked around their homes destroyed by the fire in Hawaii. When we’re in pain, like the boys, it can be very difficult to think about anyone but ourselves and our pain. Jesus, like the boys, shows us that it isContinue reading “How you can care for others when you are the one in pain – John 19, Part 2”
What it looks like to focus on God in the middle of our pain – John 19, Part 1
A few years ago one of the pastors in my local ministerium of churches told us that he had been in the mall looking for a gift for his wife. He walked up to a jewelry counter at one of the department stores. As he was waiting in line, he couldn’t help but overhear aContinue reading “What it looks like to focus on God in the middle of our pain – John 19, Part 1”
What does a cross tattoo mean? – John 19, Preview
Imagine you get a new neighbor. You watch them unload their possessions from the moving truck into the home. Wanting to make a good first impression, you bring them a “Welcome to the Neighborhood” gift basket the next day. There on their front porch as you are chatting, you notice they have a cross tattooContinue reading “What does a cross tattoo mean? – John 19, Preview”
How to wade through chaos into victory – John 18, Part 5
This week I welcome guest blogger, Emerald Scaffe. Emerald is married and together with her husband, has three children. She also serves on the teaching team at Faith Church. The Jewish leaders finally have Jesus where they want him. In front of Pilate. So they change their tactic a little bit for the Roman Governor. Continue reading “How to wade through chaos into victory – John 18, Part 5”
Are we so concerned with religion that we’ve stopped listening to God? – John 18, Part 4
This week I welcome guest blogger, Emerald Scaffe. Emerald is married and together with her husband, has three children. She also serves on the teaching team at Faith Church. This painful irony of Jesus’ arrest and trials continues as in John 18, verse 19, “Meanwhile, the high priest (still referring to Annas, here) questioned JesusContinue reading “Are we so concerned with religion that we’ve stopped listening to God? – John 18, Part 4”
What Jesus says to help those of us who fear – John 17:6-26, Part 5
Has fear influenced your thinking, your emotions, your decisions? If you answer “Yes,” or “Maybe,” I wouldn’t be surprised. Though we might not want to admit it, there are plenty of reasons to fear. I’m not going to list them. Instead, I want to point us to Jesus who concludes his prayer with some powerfulContinue reading “What Jesus says to help those of us who fear – John 17:6-26, Part 5”
Has God denied Jesus’ prayer request for unity? – John 17:6-26, Part 4
Historians observe that Christianity has gone through a major upheaval every 500 years or so. In 476 the Western Roman Empire fell. In 1054 the church split east and west. Then in 1517 the Protestant Reformation splintered the church, opening the door, it seems, for the fracture of the church into thousands and thousands ofContinue reading “Has God denied Jesus’ prayer request for unity? – John 17:6-26, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 