THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 15:1-7 “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:2) Jesus is getting in trouble for being gracious to sinners. Notice what Jesus does not do, He does not join in with them in their sin. Jesus treats them as real people who need God’s grace to return home. Yes they…
Leadership in the early church (1)
ARTICLES IN THIS SERIES 1) The early church worked out their leadership based on the mission and method of Jesus. 2) The elders were the pastors in the early church. 3) The elders managed the tasks they were responsible for through delegation. 4) The elders delegated ministry to all disciples, also known as servants (diakonos,…
The cost of following Jesus!?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 14:25-35 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate… cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26) How can Jesus want us to hate anyone, most of all our family? But then He adds “even our own life”, which gives us a clue what He means. Jesus is using hyperbole – an extreme…
Trying to find a church on vacation
How to be a friendly church?
I’ve been thinking about whether guests would consider our church a friendly church. Often times members are quick to say that their church is friendly, but would visitors feel the same way? A friendly greeter at the door may or may not help (Walmart has these too). A time of mutual greeting may or may…
Attending church less often!?
I recently read a post by Carey Nieuwhof on declining church attendance: 10 Reasons Even Committed Church Attenders Are Attending Church Less Often. Although attendance is not the goal or mission of our church, it is an important part of who we are and what we do as a church. The reasons he suggests below…
Time to reconsider how we do church?
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24?-?25) I have heard this verse used to encourage people to go to…
Invited to join in the festivities!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 14:15-24 “Not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.” (Luke 14:24) In this parable, those who were first in the invite list make excuses. They are not interested enough in the banquet, their own lives matter more. And so the invite goes out to the needy,…
Two hands…
Do what Jesus says… too radical???
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 14:7-14 “Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.” (Luke 14:13?-?14) As Jesus followers, we march by the beat of a different drum. The people we focus on are the weak, the outcasts, those who struggle. We see them as God sees them, as His much…