The Government and Personal Responsibility
Rex and Mark had some very insightful words to say in discussing the post on being a good citizen of the world. I first wanted to say thanks to everyone in that discussion including Philip and Tammie for discussing it in such a loving and kind manner. Here is what Rex had to say: “Everybody […]
Do You Have to Be A Good Citizen of the World to Be A Good Christian?
I have tried to lay off politics since the election is over. I have had my say and that is the way the process works. I do want to point out one video because it is not so much a Republican vs. Democrat thing and I am interested to get your response to Obama’s comments. […]
Studying Romans – 1:1-17
Paul is writing to the Roman Christians while on his way to Jerusalem with the collection and after having visited Macedonia and Achaia (Romans 15:25-27 and travel narratives of Acts 19:21, Acts 20, 21). Having never been to Rome he gives an introduction to the Roman Christians that is exceptionally long for a traditional Greek […]
Balancing Rest and the Mission of God
When I am writing lessons I find myself often trying to motivate people to be more invested in the mission of God. As I was writing a lesson last week I began to wonder if we don’t often develop a culture of Christian business where people are faced with positive opportunity after opportunity and feel […]
Outreach and Reputation Risking
It never seemed to bother Jesus if his reputation was at stake when it came to reaching the lost: – Speaking with adulterous Samaritan women at a well alone. – Having his feet annointed by a woman with a checkered past. – Eating with tax collectors and “sinners.” – Associating with and even healing Gentiles. […]
God is a Sending God
Sending is at the heart of God’s mission. He sends prophets, kings, priests, and even his own Son. Jesus also did a lot of sending. He sent disciples, apostles (literally means “a sent one”), people home to find healed loved ones, etc. He sent the 12 and the 72. He sent the man formerly known […]
Wake Up Call on Evangelism
I am starting to see a parallel between the last 100+ years of evangelism and Acts 1:8. In Acts 1:8 Jesus tells his disciples that they will be witnesses in Jerusalem – Judea – Samaria – and the ends of the earth. The last 100 or so years of church growth has been a lot […]
Moving From Contemplating the Biblical Navel to Real Application
I am guilty of writing a bunch of thoughts, opinions, and various and sundry other ways of contemplating the biblical navel and end the discussion gaining little more than having thought about something a little more or with a slight nuance. How many of you feel your life has never been the same since reading […]
Complacency in the Kingdom
How often do we get complacent because we think we have to do everything in a big way or not at all and so we opt for not at all? Have we forgotten that sowing seed is never a small thing even if only one plant grows from dozens of seed that were cast upon […]
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ – The Bigger Picture
The temptation when teaching about the crucifixion is to talk about the Romans, Roman courts, Pilate, Crucifixion, and prisoner release customs when dealing with the first 15 verses. Then in the verses that follow to discuss the suffering of Jesus and how he died for our sin (15:16-47). I want to suggest an alternative approach […]