THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Samuel 18-20 “You don’t have any news that will bring you a reward.” (2 Samuel 18:22) Ahimaaz hoped to bring good news to David; Joab knew David wouldn’t be happy. For it was difficult good news, good news that included bad news. As Jesus followers, we are also bearers of good news that includes…
Does the church need to be silenced!?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 3:7-12 “But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him.” (Mark 3:12) Jesus silences the impure spirits, even though what they say is true. He knows that they are not good press, that they cause more harm than good. They want to whip up the crowds into rebellious frenzy,…
Restored to goodness!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 3:1-6 “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil….” (Mark 3:4) Do any of God’s laws prohibit doing good for others? Goodness is God’s original plan, the ‘very good’ of creation restored. (Genesis 1:31) Jesus saves us SO THAT we can live good lives again; with Him, like…
Following Jesus — changes everything!
Actually, I think I disagree. Yes, hollow worship is harmless and risk free. But true worship, in spirit and truth, actually changes everything too. I would argue that worshipping Jesus and following Jesus are the same thing. But we have too narrow a definition of worship; we think of singing songs. Paul spoke of offering…
Living in the gift of Sabbath
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 2:23-28 “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27) God’s rest on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3) was for humans, not for Himself. His work was complete (Hebrews 4:4), now humanity could live and work in that rest. In creation Sabbath was not one day in seven, but everyday…
Jesus calling!
“Trust me, and don’t be afraid. Many things feel out of control. Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable. Let me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances. Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are…
Religion or Jesus?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 2:18-22 “No one pours new wine into old wineskins.” (Mark 2:22) The wine is the object of desire… not the wineskin, which is just a container. Religious practices are containers that lead us to Jesus, our object of desire. God gave the Law of Moses as a container to one day deliver…
“Resurrection” by Rob Bell
Resurrection hope!
Spirit-inspired mourning!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 43 “Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” (Psalm 43:3) This psalm continues Psalm 42 (some Hebrew manuscripts combine them). The psalmist still battles depression, wondering why God has rejected him! It’s important for us to see how God includes and inspires doubt in the bible. If anyone challenges you…