THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 138 “Before the “gods” I will sing your praise.” (Psalm 138:1) If there is only one God, who are these “gods”? In ancient cultures, the rulers of the lands were considered “gods”. They were either the “gods” themselves, or sons of the “gods”. But according to Psalm 82, God is above all the…
Do not shun sinners!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Thessalonians 2-3 “Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed.” (2 Thessalonians 3:14) Some Jesus communities through history have practiced shunning. Someone that does not follow the communities ways are ignored, avoided. Paul is writing about how to relate with idle, disruptive people. He suggests that the community not associate…
Desiring the kingdom!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Thessalonians 1 “You will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.” (2 Thessalonians 1:5) Jesus preaches the good news of the kingdom of God (Mark 1:14-15). The kingdom of God is this world as God created it to be (see Genesis 1-2). A world of goodness, which God declares ‘very…
Drink it in by faith!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 15:1-11 “He purified their hearts by faith.” (Acts 15:9) Is faith the reason we are forgiven and set free from sin (purified)? Faith is the way we receive God’s grace, it is not the cause of grace. If I receive an amazing gift by hand, it is not my hand that gifted me….
Strength to stay true to the dream!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 14:21-28 “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22) I have often focused on the blessing of the kingdom of God. I’ve presented it like a dream, like Martin Luther King Jr’s dream. A vision of life where everyone belongs, everyone matters, everyone cares. But I…
No less and no more!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 14:8-20 “We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news!” (Acts 14:15) Unlike Paul, I have never seen a lame person be healed. But I am no less than Paul, and he is not greater than any of us. He is only Paul, but he is also a…
Just talk about Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 14:1-7 “The Lord confirmed the message… by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.” (Acts 14:3) Paul is in Iconium (Konya, Turkey) and has an effective time of speaking. All he does is speak, but the Lord adds miraculous signs to his words. It is Spirit power, not Paul’s persuasiveness, that leads…
How will this madness end?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 137 “Happy is the person who pays you back according to what you have done to us.” (Psalm 137:8) This psalm writer is a victim of horrific abuse, dreaming of revenge. I get the anger, but the imagery of killing babies is sickening. How could God inspire the psalmist to write these…
A church where this happens!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 1 Thessalonians 4-5 “Encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) The ‘normal’ way of life in this world is immoral, selfish, godless living. As a Jesus follower, I am committed to living ‘abnormally’, like Jesus, like God. Living the Jesus-life ought to make us stand out, to feel out of place….
God’s mission is where you are!
“God’s mission of drawing wanderers into his family always takes place in the midst of ordinary places and relationships. This can take just as much energy, finances, and careful planning as a trip across the ocean. In some ways it might be more uncomfortable than sleeping on a dirt floor and eating strange food. Our…