I want to spend some time reflecting on the idea of church, recognizing and celebrating the Lord’s good plan for the church. Jesus was not anti-church, He used the word twice to describe the community He would build [Matthew 16:18], and the community that would support His followers in their kingdom witness and work [Matthew 18:17]. The…
Author: Norm
how Jesus exercises power
SCRIPTURE: Luke 9 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. [Luke 9:1-2] This chapter deals with God’s kind of power and authority, and how the…
warning, church bashing ahead!!!
Please note, I am wrestling with the idea of ‘church’, and some of my reflections may seem overly negative and critical. I include myself in the indictment, I am as much a part of the ‘church’ problem. My intent is not just to bash church, but to rediscover Jesus’ priorities (He only mentioned ‘church’ twice,…
the true church
SCRIPTURE: Luke 8 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife…
God’s radical value system
SCRIPTURE: Luke 7 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” [Luke 7:28] Here we see God’s radical value system. John the Baptist is the forerunner of the messiah, yet in God’s kingdom, even…
loving the wicked?
SCRIPTURE: Luke 6 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. [Luke 6:35] Jesus exposes ‘religion’ (as seen in what the religious…
a letter from Michael Moore
Not sure if you know who Michael Moore is, or if you have seen any of his movies/documentaries. We just watched “Bowling For Columbine” this weekend, which challenges the American love affair with guns and violence. Other movies include “Fahrenheit 9/11” (critical view of George Bush and the War on Terror) and “Sicko” (critical view…
graced
SCRIPTURE: Luke 5 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” … Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. [Luke 5:8,10,11]…
its not about me
October 4, 2009 SCRIPTURE: Luke 4 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns…
return of the King
SCRIPTURE: Luke 3 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” [Luke 3:21-22]…