The first Christians demonstrated communal Bible study. In Acts 2:42-47, the very first description of the very first church, we learn that the church was devoted to the apostles’ teaching. We read that they were together. The met in the temple courts and in homes. Add up those statements, and we can see how theContinue reading “The problem with contemporary worship services – Study Scripture together, Part 4”
Tag Archives: teaching
Why embarrassment is necessary for…Studying Scripture together, Part 1
This past week in my class, I had a slightly embarrassing moment. I teach adjunct for a local Bible College. This semester I’m teaching the Gospels, the Life of Jesus. In class this past week, we were talking about Matthew 9, verses 9-13. I love this story. I’m very familiar with this story. But thisContinue reading “Why embarrassment is necessary for…Studying Scripture together, Part 1”
The power of words to heal or harm – Speaking life to one another, Part 2
This week I welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk is a retired pastor, having served 30+ years in both local churches with his wife, Debbie, and in denominational administration. He has also taught theology and led a pastoral assessment center for many years. He and Debbie, along with their two daughters and son-in-law are membersContinue reading “The power of words to heal or harm – Speaking life to one another, Part 2”
An evaluation of our lives – New Year Psalm of Wisdom, Preview
Each time I teach a class for Lancaster Bible College, there is a course evaluation. It’s not just my classes. Every LBC class includes an evaluation. Here’s how it works: all students in the class are sent an email with a link that they can click on to evaluate the course. In my experience, aboutContinue reading “An evaluation of our lives – New Year Psalm of Wisdom, Preview”
How to use the… Shield of Faith, Part 5
I volunteer to help with CV SEEDS English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. During the current six-week session, I have been helping with childcare on Tuesday nights and teaching a Level 4 ESL class on Thursday nights. In the hours leading up to childcare or class, I can sometimes feel like I want aContinue reading “How to use the… Shield of Faith, Part 5”
India Trip / Blog hiatus
To all readers of the blog, I am in Northeast India for the month of March teaching at my denomination’s seminary. So the blog is on hiatus. Here are a few photos of the trip so far. First, Mt. Everest, as seen from from our plane. A church conference we attended and preached at: IContinue reading “India Trip / Blog hiatus”
Two correct ways (and one wrong way) to respond to preaching – Acts 13, Part 4
Do you do a good job in how you respond to preaching and teaching? If you are a Christian, you likely hear preachers and teachers from time to time. Maybe you are a part of a church family, and you attend worship services which include sermons. Maybe you participate in classes or small groups withContinue reading “Two correct ways (and one wrong way) to respond to preaching – Acts 13, Part 4”
How not to become a bitter old maid – Titus 2:1-10, Part 3
I’ll never forget the time, as she in hospice and weeks away from passing, when my maternal grandmother admitted to me, through tears, that she was afraid she was becoming a bad Christian. She was referring to the aging process, and how she could become impatient and angry, or judgmental. No doubt she was alwaysContinue reading “How not to become a bitter old maid – Titus 2:1-10, Part 3”
How to have a multi-generational church – Titus 2:1-10, Part 1
Actor Brad Pitt, now 55 years old, recently commented that acting has become a younger man’s game. Increasingly, so is much about our culture in America. Where does that leave those who are older? Retirement homes? Are you only worthwhile if you are young? For a number of years now, America has been in aContinue reading “How to have a multi-generational church – Titus 2:1-10, Part 1”
An embarrassing dream told me the truth about my life [How God feels about our fear – Deuteronomy 31-34, part 1]
I want to tell you about a dream I had this week. I’ve had a similar one before. Maybe you’ve had one like this too. My dream started as I was sitting in a chair at a pool party at a place I didn’t recognize. At the party were some of my kids’ friends andContinue reading “An embarrassing dream told me the truth about my life [How God feels about our fear – Deuteronomy 31-34, part 1]”
Engaging Scripture 