I recently heard a person in my church family claim that it is wrong for the rainbow to be used by those who promote gay pride. I suggested to this person that the Scriptures do not delineate how the rainbow can be used as a symbol. They agreed, but still felt it was wrong. IContinue reading “The first movement to bring peace – Jesus’ love and peace, Part 4”
Tag Archives: unity
Preachers are not Holy Spirit robots? – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 3
So far this week, we’ve studied what Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:20, when he says, “Do not hold prophecies in contempt.” But what do we do with the fact that the person is teaching something or prophesying about something that might be incorrect doctrine or teaching? Paul addresses that important concern in what heContinue reading “Preachers are not Holy Spirit robots? – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 3”
Question-asking and kissing in the church – 1 Thessalonians 5:13–15, 26, Part 6
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”
How Christians can respond to division in our society – 1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:13, Part 6
This week I once again welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk is a retired pastor of 35 years who now works in international fair trade. Do you like Taylor Swift? Would you buy a Tesla? Did you get a COVID shot? Are you going to be kind to the lesbian couple that lives down theContinue reading “How Christians can respond to division in our society – 1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:13, Part 6”
David’s example of waiting the right way – 2 Samuel 4—5, Part 2
The twelve tribes of Israel are embroiled in civil war. It is one tribe versus the other eleven. David is king of the one tribe, Judah. Ish-Bosheth is king of the other eleven. We learned in the previous post that assasins take Ish-Bosheth’s life, cut off his head and bring it to David, claiming thatContinue reading “David’s example of waiting the right way – 2 Samuel 4—5, Part 2”
Was David right or wrong to make a peace deal contingent on getting his ex-wife back? – 2 Samuel 2:9-3:39, Part 3
In the previous post, Abner, the top general of the eleven tribes of Israel, has just been dishonored and shamed by his king, Ish-Bosheth. Deeply angered, Abner not only threatens to reach out to David, who is now king of the other tribe Judah, but also Abner begins organizing a massive defection to David. HowContinue reading “Was David right or wrong to make a peace deal contingent on getting his ex-wife back? – 2 Samuel 2:9-3:39, Part 3”
When I played a Beatles’ song for youth group, and it failed – Meeting together, Part 2
In the spring of 2003 I had been in my role as Faith Church’s Youth/Associate Pastor for less than 12 months when a nearby sister church approached us with an idea: could we combine youth groups? They were renting space at a local school, and not only did they not have easy access to additionalContinue reading “When I played a Beatles’ song for youth group, and it failed – Meeting together, Part 2”
Introducing a new blog series: Relationships in the church
This past fall, in front of the whole class, I had to disagree with one of my students. I was teaching Early Church, covering the New Testament books of Acts through Revelation. In that class session, a student remarked at how unified the early church was. It was early in the semester, so this studentContinue reading “Introducing a new blog series: Relationships in the church”
Why it is so good to be wrong – How to interact with people who view the world differently from you, Part 4
So what does it look like to do all to the glory of God when we are interacting with people with whom we disagree? It is clearly putting God first. But how? In 1st Corinthians chapter 8, verse 9, Paul writes, “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumblingContinue reading “Why it is so good to be wrong – How to interact with people who view the world differently from you, Part 4”
The important difference between unity and uniformity – How to interact with people who view the world differently than you, Part 1
A couple years ago, I think it was in 2020 or 2021, I proposed the idea that some members of my extended family listen to the podcast, Seeing White. The goal was to listen to one episode per week, and then discuss it together on a group text message chat. I suggested this idea becauseContinue reading “The important difference between unity and uniformity – How to interact with people who view the world differently than you, Part 1”
Engaging Scripture 