THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 129 “May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame.” (Psalm 129:5) For the Jews, the hill called Zion symbolized all God’s promises. Not only their capitol, it was the city of David their king. And the location of their temple, where God lived with them. To hate Zion is to…
Focus on Jesus!!!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Corinthians 3-4 “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers…” (2 Corinthians 4:4) Satan is only the ‘god of this age’ through deception. Ever since Genesis 3, he has been deceiving God’s image-bearer rulers. We are deceived, confused, lost, far from paradise, restless wanderers. Our world would have been a glorious kingdom,…
YES in Christ!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Corinthians 1-2 “Our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) No matter what happens, God is working affirmatively in our lives. God is not fickle or contrary; God always loves us, and wants the best! But we make that hard, for we are constantly ‘yes’ and ‘no’. Humans are inconsistent…
Love and grace cannot be stopped!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 5:33-42 “If their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.” (Acts 5:38) This is wise advice, but it is also wise advice for Jesus followers. When new movements or religious ideas arise, many Christians attack. We need to agree with everything, but we shouldn’t be mean or aggressive. The…
A gentle, gracious witness!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 5:27-32 “God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior…” (Acts 5:31) The word for prince is ‘archegos’, which means ‘founder’ or ‘pioneer leader’. We believe that God has initiated a new movement on earth in Jesus. That movement involves transforming the world through humility and grace. “That he…
About this new life?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 5:17-26 “Go… and tell the people all about this new life.” (Acts 5:20) As a Jesus follower, I claim to have new life in Christ. And I am encouraged to tell other people about this new life. Do I tell others about the idea of new life – the facts of Jesus?…
The shadow of Jesus in me!?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 5:12-16 “That Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.” (Acts 5:14) In many parts of the world, the church is experiencing dramatic growth. Except for some reason in North America and Europe (maybe a few pockets). Many churches are shrinking, or dying, or barely holding on. What…
The Jesus way of blessing!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 128 “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.” (Psalm 128:1) God is the center of all life, all reality. God made us free to choose, to partner with Him in ruling the world. But our choices need to be wise, to line up with the way…
Motivated by the good news!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 1 Corinthians 14-16 “Christ died for our sins…, was buried, was raised…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) This good news cannot be understood apart from the Big Story of Creation. God creates everything and places His Kingdom under God-like Humans. God-like Humans are deceived, and bring sin and death into God’s kingdom. Jesus is the promised God-like…
Applying the way of love!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 1 Corinthians 11-13 “When you come together as a church, there are divisions…” (1 Corinthians 11:18) Paul is dealing with issues causing division in the Corinthian church. They are divided on how women should dress in the church. They are divided in how they celebrate the Lord’s Supper. They are divided in how they think…