THE STORY OF JESUS: 1 John 1-5 “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) As I read through this letter, the theme of love comes through clearly. Not syrupy emotional love, but an active radical love that sees past our sin. A love that humbly denies self to restore sinners, to forgive and bless. God is…
Followers of the Jesus way!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 24:1-16 “I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way.” (Acts 24:14) Paul is saying that he is Jewish, and yet with a difference. A follower of the Way – or Jesus follower since Jesus is the Way. This emphasis on the Jesus Way is…
What the world sees?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 23:23-35 “The accusation had to do with questions about their law…” (Acts 23:29) How does the world react when they see believers fighting among themselves. I’ve been through seasons when churches were fighting and dividing. Questions about “their law” (their views) led to some nasty words and actions. “By this everyone will…
In God’s Name?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 23:12-22 “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul.” (Acts 23:14) In the name of the Lord, these men vow to murder Paul. And the religious leaders join in by being accomplices to the ambush. How is it that religious people can turn violence into…
My faith on trial!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 23:6-11 “I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” (Acts 23:6) Is Paul being shrewd, dividing his opponents with the resurrection topic? It certainly did have that result, but it also reflected Paul’s faith. Paul knew how important Jesus’s resurrection was (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). As a Jesus follower,…
Being someone who disciples others
“Being someone who disciples others does not mean that you are perfect, and because of that you show them how to live. It means making yourself available to be observed at all times by your students, showing them what your relationship with Jesus looks like. It means showing them what it looks like to apologize…
I vote for Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 146 “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” (Psalm 146:3) Which political system is best for establishing world peace and blessing? Communism, Socialism, Capitalism, Democracy… Conservatives, Liberals, New Democrats? Religion doesn’t do much better – Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Atheism? Every religious leader and politician believes their…
Fixing our minds on Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Peter 2-3 “Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard.” (2 Peter 3:17) Peter is warning Jesus followers about false disciples and dangerous times. I find myself wondering whether we are facing the same dangers. Are there people secretly introducing destructive heresies among us? Are we supposed to be suspicious…
Making EVERY effort!!!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Peter 1 “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life…” (2 Peter 1:3) We were made – and saved – to live God-like (godly) lives (Genesis 1:26-28). God equipped us with His Spirit to fully equip us for living with, like and for Him. The fall into sin ruined our…
Our leaders need grace and mercy!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 22:30 – 23:5 “For it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’” (Acts 23:5) Jesus followers should not be disrespectful, they should speak the truth in love. If Paul was disrespectful for calling the high priest a ‘whitewashed wall’, what about Jesus? Jesus called Pharisees “whitewashed tombs…