Jesus makes what must have seemed to his disciples to be an odd choice. After quitting his fledgling, but successful, baptism ministry in Judea, because he wants to keep out of the watchful eye of the enemy, namely, the Pharisees, he decides to travel right into different enemy territory. Jesus goes to Samaria. In thatContinue reading “Why Jesus walked straight into enemy territory – John 4:1-26, Part 2”
Tag Archives: worship
That time someone said, “You’re not ready” about my church’s worship service – John 4:1-26, Part 1
A few years ago, a community family visited Faith Church, and after that visit they told me they would not be returning because in their words, “You’re not ready.” They weren’t saying I personally wasn’t ready. They were saying that Faith Church wasn’t ready. Not ready? What were they saying? By declaring that Faith ChurchContinue reading “That time someone said, “You’re not ready” about my church’s worship service – John 4:1-26, Part 1″
The greatest worship experience of my life wasn’t in a church? – John 4:1-26, Preview
Bono, the lead singer of my favorite band, U2, recently came out with a memoir (which Michelle already ordered for me, and which I am excited to read!). In the meantime, I’ve been reading articles reviewing the book, reading interviews with Bono, and watching videos of him talking about the book on news and talksContinue reading “The greatest worship experience of my life wasn’t in a church? – John 4:1-26, Preview”
The important difference between Tom Brady and John the Baptist – John 3:22-36, Part 3
At 45 years old, it is astounding that NFL superstar and living legend, Tom Brady is still playing professional football at the highest level. Just last year (2021), also in his 40s, he was a Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the 7th time. As I write this in fall of 2022, though, Brady seems to beContinue reading “The important difference between Tom Brady and John the Baptist – John 3:22-36, Part 3”
Are we allowing anything to block our worship of God – John 2:12-25, Part 5
John tells us his disciples would remember this day. Look at verse 22. The disciples remember Jesus’ cryptic statement after Jesus rose again on the third day, and they finally understand what he meant. The temple was his body. He died and rose again! The disciples remembered what he said, and they believed that ScriptureContinue reading “Are we allowing anything to block our worship of God – John 2:12-25, Part 5”
Did Jesus really tell you to do that? – John 1:43-51, Part 1
This past week a Pew Research released research data suggesting that if trends which began in the 1990s continue, by the year 2070 Christians will only be about 40% of the American population. Obviously, it is very hard to make good predictions about what will happen in 50 years. Things can change. Our nation couldContinue reading “Did Jesus really tell you to do that? – John 1:43-51, Part 1”
What’s so special about Palm Sunday? – Mark 11, Preview
We observe Palm Sunday every year, but did you ever wonder why? I get why we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and of course his death and resurrection. Those are, by far, the three most momentous events in his life. But why Palm Sunday? It’s not nearly as important as Christmas and Easter, right? WhyContinue reading “What’s so special about Palm Sunday? – Mark 11, Preview”
Worship: Cry Out Together – Psalm 77, Part 5
This week I welcome guest blogger, Clint Watkins, as he shares with us how his personal experience of loss and pain led him to learn how to seize hope through lament. If you want to learn more about Clint, please visit his website. As we conclude our study of Psalm 77, did you notice thatContinue reading “Worship: Cry Out Together – Psalm 77, Part 5”
3 pitfalls of Evangelical Christian worship – Ezekiel 45-48, Part 4
In this week’s study of Ezekiel 45-48, we have been following a map to God’s heart. We now study chapter 46 which includes more detail about Israel’s sacrificial system. What do we learn in chapter 46 about God’s heart? The sacrificial system teaches us that God desires worship that is gathered, consistent, and orderly. InContinue reading “3 pitfalls of Evangelical Christian worship – Ezekiel 45-48, Part 4”
God’s heart for worship: participation and…atonement? – Ezekiel 45-48, Part 3
As we continue seeking for descriptions of God’s heart in Ezekiel 45-48, we notice that the next section, Ezekiel chapter 45, verses 13-25 is a retelling of the Jewish sacrificial system. What would that show us about God’s heart? That God wants us to sacrifice animals at a temple? No. Remember that famous saying ofContinue reading “God’s heart for worship: participation and…atonement? – Ezekiel 45-48, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 