I. Free to Serve We are working our way through seven โone anotherโ commands. We began with โlove one another,โ because love is the command behind all the others, and then we looked at โaccept one anotherโ โ love at the front door. Still ahead of us are bearing one anotherโs burdens, encouraging one another, … Continue reading Serve One Another
Tag: Bible
Accept One Another
Romans 15:7ย ยทย โOne Anotherโ Series, Lesson 2 The Command I. Love Comes to the Front Door Let me begin by telling a story.ย Many years ago, when I was still in college, I attended my first church retreat; it was in the Hill Country of Texas. Andโฆ I wore shorts. I didnโt know there … Continue reading Accept One Another
Love One Another
I. Introduction Most organizations want to be recognized. Companies spend millions of dollars to create logos so you can recognize them. Hereโs a quick quiz โ how many of these company logos can you name? Answers: Row 1: Marriott, Shell, Nike, Popeyes, Pepsi, Atari, Union 76, ToyotaRow 2: Prudential, AT&T, Chevrolet, Adobe, John Deere, McDonald's, … Continue reading Love One Another
I AM The True Vine
I. Introduction Diane is a wonderful gardener. Our backyard is an oasis โ flowers grow everywhere. She tends the roses and the hibiscus, which she calls her โbiscuits,โ and she prunes them faithfully. And sometimes, sheโll cut an especially beautiful flower and put it in a vase in the kitchen. And hereโs the thing … Continue reading I AM The True Vine
A Response to “The Protestant Reformation Was a Total Failure. Period.”
I don't usually delve into discussions of apostasy or church authority. My own personal feeling is to pursue unity where possible โ Paul puts it well in Ephesians 4:3: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." But I recently read an article on Catholic Share by Godwin … Continue reading A Response to “The Protestant Reformation Was a Total Failure. Period.”
I AM The Way, the Truth and the Life
I. Introduction Thereโs a specific kind of frustration that comes when you ask someone for directions and they say, โYou canโt miss it.โ Diane always says that when someone tells you, โYou canโt miss it,โ you are now guaranteed to miss it. You can always miss it. I have missed things that multiple confident people … Continue reading I AM The Way, the Truth and the Life
I AM The Resurrection and the Life
I. Introduction โ The Moment When โToo Lateโ Arrives There are different kinds of "too late." Some are annoying. Too late for the early-bird special. Too late to return that purchase without a receipt. Too late to get the good seats. Some are heavier. Too late to apologize. Too late to say goodbye. Too late … Continue reading I AM The Resurrection and the Life
The Word Was Enough
I. Introduction Think about the last time you asked someone for help and they couldn't come. Maybe a repairman said he'd be there Wednesday โ he wasn't. Maybe a doctor said "we'll schedule something" and meant three weeks from now. Maybe a friend said "I'll be right there" and you were still waiting an hour … Continue reading The Word Was Enough
I AM The Good Shepherd
Our Shepherd knows His sheep. Do you know Him? Listen for His voice. #Jesus #Shepherd #BibleStudy #Sunday
I AM The Door
I. Introduction Think about all the doors you passed through today. You probably didn't think about a single one of them. You just walked through. That's what doors do when they're working correctly โ they're invisible. You don't think about a door until it's locked and you don't have the key, or someone slams it … Continue reading I AM The Door
I AM the Light of the World
Introduction - Light Changes Everything Legos are evil. I'm convinced of it. Step on one in the dark and it's an incredibly painful experience. In fact, some theologians believe the thorn in Paul's side โ the one he begged the Lord three times to take away โ was actually a Lego. If you step on … Continue reading I AM the Light of the World
I AM The Bread of Life
ย I.ย ย ย ย ย Introduction Who does Jesus say He is? The Gospel of John describes Jesus beautifully, beginning with John 1:1: โIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.โ But for our lesson today, I want to begin a little later in John 1:9โ13 because it provides … Continue reading I AM The Bread of Life
Behold! Your King is Coming!
I. Introduction Jesus has been making His way toward Jerusalem for His final Passover. Along the way, He has been telling parables and teaching in synagogues. He has been describing the Kingdom of Heaven, sharing difficult wisdom such as โIt is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than … Continue reading Behold! Your King is Coming!
Halleluiah! Praise the Lord!
I. Introduction Sometimes when I study, I get a plot, like in the Book of Jonah or Exodus or Acts. I enjoy studying it, the plot, the life lesson, the historical significance, the miracles, and the fishing lessons. But Psalms is usually hard for me. I read todayโs scripture and thought, โItโs a … Continue reading Halleluiah! Praise the Lord!
The Temple
I. Introduction โ The Temple In our class last week, Tommy taught us that we should be prepared for the coming of the Lord. Well, Heโs here. And here in Luke 2, we get our only inspired snapshot of Jesus between infancy and adulthood. And weโll see in just a few short verses something … Continue reading The Temple
Finding Wisdom
I. Introduction An old friend once told me a story that every married man understands. His wife tried on a new dress and asked, โDoes this dress make me look fat?โ He answered with complete honesty. It was true - and it was also unwise. Later he said something I have never forgotten: truth and … Continue reading Finding Wisdom
Confession, Reconciliation, Celebration
I. Icebreaker โ Stories of Reconciliation Before we turn to Nehemiah, let me connect us to where weโve been the past couple of weeks. Two weeks ago, Tommy used home renovation showsโthings like Property Brothersโto help us think about rebuilding. That fit Nehemiah well, because Nehemiah quite literally asks the king for permission to rebuild … Continue reading Confession, Reconciliation, Celebration
God Protects Us
I. Introduction We all arrived safely at the office today. Raise your hand if youโre not here. We donโt always stop to think about it, but even something as ordinary as getting to work safely is evidence of Godโs care. Scripture reminds us that our steps are ordered by the Lord, and His protection … Continue reading God Protects Us
Esther: Queen of the Darkest Night
I. Introduction Israel had long been warned that disobedience would lead to captivity. Jerusalem fell, many were exiled, and empires changed hands. Daniel not only foretold the rise of Persiaโhe also lived through the transfer of power as Godโs people remained in exile. Esther takes place in the Persian Empire after Babylon fell, when many … Continue reading Esther: Queen of the Darkest Night
God’s Plan: A New Year, A New You
I. Jeremiah the Prophet Itโs a new yearโtime to change the page on the calendarโฆ unless, like me, you use a digital calendar. Then you donโt change the page; you press a button. Either way, it feels like a fresh start. But Scripture reminds us that โnewโ isnโt mainly about the calendar. The Bibleโs … Continue reading God’s Plan: A New Year, A New You
The Gifts of the Magi, the Gift of Our Savior
I. Introduction: How Did the Magi Know? Back in 2015, I traveled a lot more than I do today, and in December 2015, I found myself in the grand metropolis of Otley, UK. Now in the UK, I donโt know if they know what a warm sunny day is, but that weekend, the rain had … Continue reading The Gifts of the Magi, the Gift of Our Savior
Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving
I. Introduction The air is filled with the warm aromas of a hearty feast, families gather around tables laden with dishes like roast turkey, sweet potatoes, and green bean casserole. Expressions of gratitude echo through the air during this festive season, as traditions like cranberry sauce and dressing bring family and friends together. Beyond … Continue reading Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving
God Knows Us Intimately
I. Introduction Psalm 139 Today I want to take a moment to reflect not on headlines or controversies, but on the foundational truth that every life is known and loved by God. In Psalm 139, David meditates not on theological jargon, but on the overwhelming reality of God's personal involvement with His creation. Psalm … Continue reading God Knows Us Intimately
Blessings for Those Who Fear the Lord
The content reflects on Psalm 128, emphasizing that true success is found in reverence for the Lord, rather than societal measures like wealth or titles. It illustrates how blessings extend from individual faith to family and community, advocating for a life focused on God's guidance. Happiness arises through obedience and faithful living.
Trust in the Lord
I. Introduction Initial Discussion: Do you ever get discouraged? What situation have you been in that discouraged youโjob loss, health issues, family matters? When my last company a few years back started downsizing, the days were discouraging. I said goodbye to co-workers daily. They stop by my office, shake my hand, say it's been … Continue reading Trust in the Lord
Forgiveness
The content discusses the profound nature of forgiveness as exemplified in Psalm 32, highlighting the contrast between Godโs unconditional forgiveness and human reluctance to forgive. It shares tragic stories, notably the Amish community's response to a shooting, emphasizing how true forgiveness is a choice that leads to healing and joy.
Security in God
I. Introduction Psalm 62 is not written from a place of comfort, but from the middle of one of the most turbulent seasons in Davidโs life. The historical setting is Absalomโs rebellion, recorded in 2 Samuel 15โ18. By this point, David is no longer the young shepherd-king who defeated Goliath or the newly enthroned … Continue reading Security in God
Our Creator
I. In the Beginning In the Beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. And God said, โLet there be light,โ and there was light. And God saw the light was good. God separated the light from the darkness, and there was evening, and there was morning, and there was the first day. And … Continue reading Our Creator
Does God Exist?
I. Introduction "God is Dead." -Nietzsche, 1882. "Nietzsche is Dead." -God, eternal. We're working through various Psalms for a few weeks, and this week we'll explore how God reveals Himself to us. In other words, How do I know God exists, and how does that affect me? Does God Exist? In 2009, journalist John … Continue reading Does God Exist?
Enduring Trials
Enduring Trials for the Glory of Christ How Suffering Purifies, Strengthens, and Prepares Us for Eternal Glory I. Introduction In 1 Peter 4:12โ19, Peter speaks tenderly but urgently to Christians facing trials. Last week in 1 Peter 4:7-11, Peter had called believers to stay focused on prayer, love, hospitality, and service. Now, he turns directly … Continue reading Enduring Trials
Pray, Love, Serve
In 1 Peter 4:7-11, Peter emphasizes living purposefully as believers, urging spiritual alertness, deep love, and faithful service in light of Christ's imminent return. He encourages prayerful living, selfless love, and the responsible use of spiritual gifts to glorify God, highlighting the importance of community and unity amidst challenges.
Living for God
Let us live for God, because God died for us.
Submission and Suffering
In 1 Peter 2:18-25, Peter instructs believers to submit to their masters, emphasizing respectful conduct even in harsh situations. He advocates for enduring unjust suffering as a commendable act of faith, mirroring Christโs example. Ultimately, such trials lead to spiritual strength and divine recognition, reaffirming God's purpose in believers' lives.
In the World, Not Of the World
Christians are temporary residents in this world, called to live righteously and submit to authorities as a reflection of their faith. It encourages believers to appreciate lifeโs beauty while remembering their eternal destination, acting as ambassadors of Christ through loving behavior, and adhering to Godโs will above all.
Love and Obedience
We explore Peter's teaching in 1 Peter 1:22-25 about the significance of obedience, purification, and sincere love among believers. It highlights that true love, stemming from a transformed heart, is rooted in the eternal Word of God, contrasting the fleeting nature of human life with the permanence of God's promises and the transformative power of the gospel.
Be Holy
1 Peter 1:13-16 emphasizes the call to holiness for believers, highlighting the importance of mental preparedness, sobriety, and hope in Christโs grace. Peter encourages followers to shed past ignorance, embrace moral purity, and embody God's holiness in all aspects of life, ensuring that their conduct reflects their identity as God's children.
Christlike Submission
I. Introduction Bill had the honor last week of telling wives to submit to their husbands. I think Bill made it clear that whatever misogynistic and sarcastic comment I was probably going to make isnโt supported by scripture. So last week, after emphasizing mutual submission in the latter half of Ephesians 5 and addressing husbands … Continue reading Christlike Submission
Imitate God: Walking in Love, Light, and Wisdom
Ephesians 5:1-21 emphasizes living in reflection of Godโs character through love, light, and wisdom. Paul encourages believers to embody Christ-like love, reject immoral behaviors, and make intentional, Spirit-led choices. This transformation fosters community unity and a distinctive witness in a morally ambiguous culture, underscoring the significance of intentional Christian living.
Unity and Maturity
In Ephesians 4:1-16, Paul emphasizes believers' unity and spiritual maturity. He calls for humility, gentleness, patience, and love to maintain this unity, which is the Holy Spirit's work. Each believer has unique gifts for church edification, aiming for Christlikeness and stability in truth, fostering a healthy church community.
Godโs Unfolding Plan for the Gentiles
Introduction: Godโs Unfolding Plan for the Gentiles In Ephesians 3:1-13, Paul reflects on his role in revealing the "mystery" that had been hidden for agesโthat Gentiles are fellow heirs with Israel in Godโs redemptive plan. Godโs eternal purpose, beginning with Adam and continuing through Abraham and Israel, culminates in Christ. From the very beginning, Godโs … Continue reading Godโs Unfolding Plan for the Gentiles
Ephesians 2:1-10 From Death to Life
In Ephesians 2:1-10, Paul emphasizes the transformative journey of believers, highlighting humanity's past spiritual death and need for salvation. God's rich mercy and grace lead to renewed life through faith in Christ, free from boasting. Believers are created for good works as evidence of their faith and God's purposeful design.
Ephesians 1:1-14: Understanding Our Identity and Spiritual Blessings in Christ
Paul's letter to the Ephesians unveils spiritual wisdom and blessings in Christ. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and the believers' identity as saints, apart from worldly achievements. Paul discusses grace, predestination, redemption, and the Holy Spirit's seal, contrasting with secular views. This comprehensive understanding directs believers towards eternal and spiritual realities.
The Last Hours: Part 3
Under pressure, Christians often struggle to openly demonstrate their faith. The denial of Jesus by Peter, driven by fear and pride, exemplifies this. However, Peter's restoration by Jesus reflects God's forgiveness and the transformative power of grace. This serves as a reminder of our need for humility and dependence on God in our journey of faith.
The Last Hours, Part 2
This week's passage in Matthew 26:26-56 showcases significant events in Jesus' life. It includes the institution of the Lord's Supper, Peter's denial prediction, Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, and His subsequent arrest. These events emphasize fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus' obedience to God's will, and the symbolism of the Lord's Supper elements.
The Last Hours, Part 1
I. Introduction Over the next three weeks, we will study Matthew 26, focusing on the last hours of Jesus, His arrest, and the trial events. Today, we begin with Matthew 26:1-25. This passage covers the events leading up to Jesus' arrest, marking the beginning of the Passion narrative. It includes Jesus predicting His crucifixion, the … Continue reading The Last Hours, Part 1
The Signs of the Times
The Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24 explores the signs preceding Christ's return and stresses the importance of understanding biblical prophecy. It begins with Jesus predicting the temple's destruction, symbolizing the end of an era. The passage discusses signs like deceptions, wars, famines, and earthquakes as indications of the approaching end times, emphasizing the need for endurance. It also highlights the significance of the "abomination of desolation" and the great tribulation, culminating in cosmic disturbances heralding the Second Coming.
The Rich Young Ruler
The passage from Matthew 19:16-26 delves into the interaction between Jesus and the rich young ruler, offering insights into wealth, discipleship, and reliance on the Lord. It explores the challenges of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material abundance, emphasizing the role of divine grace in achieving true discipleship and entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus Blesses Little Children
In Matthew 19:13-15, Jesus blesses children despite disciples' rebuke, highlighting their importance in the kingdom of heaven. This contrasts with the metaphor of childlike humility in Matthew 18.
Marriage and Divorce
Is it lawful to get a divorce? Jesus teaches us that's not even the right question. #Marriage #Matrimony #Wedding #BibleStudy #bliss
From Humility to Forgiveness
Introduction: Contextual Background So weโre going to cover Matthew 18, several parables together, so itโs going to feel like weโre moving quickly. But thereโs a theme, a purpose to Matthewโs writings, so itโs important to understand before the study how this chapter fits within the larger story of Jesus' ministry. Matthew's Gospel is organized in … Continue reading From Humility to Forgiveness
God’s Word Endures Forever
The culture around us doesn't wish to hear the Word of God, but it is eternal. His Word will endure, and His protection surrounds us while we live in His Word.
Sword of the Spirit
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย I.ย ย ย ย ย Introduction The wall is built around Jerusalem.ย Chris taught us last week that we are all on the winning Superbowl team, even though not all of us are recognized.ย We have a great quarterback, great coaches, and one awesome owner. Soโฆ weโre done, right?ย The wall is built.ย Whatโs left to do? How … Continue reading Sword of the Spirit
Praying About Difficult Decisions
I. Introduction From time to time, we all come to a big decision in our lives. I've lost my job; what should I do now? I have a medical issue; how should I treat it? Is this person right for me? Should I compromise, or should I stand my ground? We are faced with decisions … Continue reading Praying About Difficult Decisions
Security in God
I. Introduction I visited a coworker in the hospital this weekend. He told me he was at home watching tv when the doorbell rang. When he opened the door, there was a 6 foot cockroach standing there. Before he could say anything, the cockroach punched in the stomach and ran off. The next night, he … Continue reading Security in God
Christian Carnival CCLXXVIII
Welcome to the CLXXVIII edition of the Christian Carnival. Whoa, CLXXVIII. That's a lot of Roman letters just to say it's the 278th edition. My apologies for the late edition. Real life, as always, got in the way. No excuses, I'm just late. This week's best Christian writing is presented for your intellectual perusement and … Continue reading Christian Carnival CCLXXVIII
The iBible
Act on Revealed Truth
Image via WikipediaIntroduction Last week, Michelle taught from Isaiah 6. This week, the lesson covers Isaiah 7-23. When I first started studying, I though, whoa, we're supposed to cover 16 chapters? I spoke to Fred about this last Saturday; he said there was no problem covering all 16 chapters, he would enjoy a thorough lesson. … Continue reading Act on Revealed Truth
Christian Carnival CCLXV
Welcome to the CCLXV edition of the Christian Carnival, this week's collection of the best Christian writing on the planet. Prolific writing this week, too! There are a huuuge number of submissions. Grab a cup of coffee and sit back and enjoy. Richard H. Anderson presents Shalom for the shepherds posted at dokeo kago grapho … Continue reading Christian Carnival CCLXV
How to Gain the Christmas Spirit
The best way to give wings to the Christmas Spirit is to give gifts to people who need them. My wife and I exchanged few gifts this year, opting instead to give to charities instead. Instead of giving somebody a trinket they didn't need, we'd ask them what their favorite charity was. Then we'd give … Continue reading How to Gain the Christmas Spirit
Christian Carnival CCLIV
I could call this the "Day After Trying to Recover From What Might Have Been a Minor Flu Edition," but I won't. Christmas Season and Flu Season accompany each other every year, like Hansel and Gretel, or Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum. I had just enough aches and pains to baby myself to prevent a flu... heck, … Continue reading Christian Carnival CCLIV
Smile
Genesis 1:1. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. And God saw that it was good. And sometimes, He smiles. ๐
Responding to Loss
Weโve been studying the rise of David as King of Israel. David is an interesting man, full of failures, yet David is a man after Godโs own heart. What makes David different? How is David different than Saul? As we studied in 1 Samuel, the people of Israel demanded a king and God gave them … Continue reading Responding to Loss
Christian Carnival CCXLIV
Image via WikipediaIt's National Bailout Day, seeing as how our illustrious US Congress has allocated $700 billion for Wall Street bankers. As Christians, I think we probably could put $700 billion to better use, don't you? But I got to thinking that our lives are not ours, we have been purchased at a cost. How … Continue reading Christian Carnival CCXLIV
Yike, it's Ike
I refuse to be caught up in the regularly scheduled hysteria brought on by the Death and Destruction news teams. I will place my faith and trust in the Lord, and He promises to give me peace. The Lord doesn't tell us to be stupid, though. Hurricane Ike is coming; where I am, they say … Continue reading Yike, it's Ike
Folks Haven't Been Reading Their Bible
PBS and the Separation of Church and State
When the US Government funds anything remotely Christian in nature, all sorts of "separation of church and state" groups get upset. The ACLU files a lawsuit and the "offensive" Christian material is removed. So why is it ok for US tax dollars to be used to oppose Christianity? Shouldn't the same standard be used? PBS, … Continue reading PBS and the Separation of Church and State
Fruitcake Interpretation of the Bible
Go get'em, James Dobson. Obama had some very liberal interpretations of what the bible says, and simultaneously tried to minimize Christian influence in politics *and* say that all religious discussions are welcome. James is firing back against what he called a "fruitcake interpetation of the bible." I love that phrase. News sources come from here … Continue reading Fruitcake Interpretation of the Bible
Christian Carnival CCXXVIII
This week, Chasing the Wind is honored to host the 228th edition of the Christian Carnival, a collection of this week's best Christian blogging. This week is Father's Day - so let us remember this week that it is our Father in heaven that gives us Life in Him! Would you like to participate in … Continue reading Christian Carnival CCXXVIII
Empowered to Witness
The book of Acts was written approximately 60AD; the strongest evidence is that Acts closes with Paul in a Roman prison. We also know that Paul was martyred in 63AD or 64AD, and this would surely have been mentioned by the author. Who knows who the author of Acts is? Most scholars believe it's written … Continue reading Empowered to Witness
Double Espresso, Hold the Sermon
Our church offers free coffee during bible study, and if you park off-campus and take the shuttle buss, they offer doughnuts, too. Now there's a church that goes one step further and has converted into a coffeehouse. DENVER รขโฌโ Connection Metro Church, which used its foyer coffee bars to attract visitors to its eight satellite … Continue reading Double Espresso, Hold the Sermon
When All Hope Seems Lost
This week we follow Joseph into prison. If we're headed to prison with him, let's recap how we got here. We know that Joseph was born into a family that was trying to follow God's will but at the same time was highly dysfunctional. Joseph had eleven other brothers, born to four different women. His … Continue reading When All Hope Seems Lost
Christian Carnival CCXIX
Chasing the Wind is honored to host the 219th edition of the Christian Carnival II, the blogosphere's best Christian writing. My comments on the post in italics after each entry, but I left the author's original thoughts when he or she provided them. I included almost all posts I received; I excluded two from the … Continue reading Christian Carnival CCXIX
Categorizing People
I was idly going through the contacts on my handheld PDA the other day while returning from a business trip, and I decided I needed a better system to file people. I have roughly 400 people in my PDA under the following categories: 65 "Business - Home" 130 "Business - Work" 30 "Faith" 150 "Personal" … Continue reading Categorizing People
Muse
Muse. I need a good muse. I spent so much traveling time at the end of last year, I just couldn't really take the time to post anything. On the road it's hard enough since internet access and free time is limited. When I got back, I sort of decompressed and didn't write anything. Just … Continue reading Muse
Christian Carnival 208
Welcome to the 208th edition of the Christian Carnival, a weekly amalgomation of this week's best Christian writing. Chasing the Wind is humbled to host such a fine collection of postings this week; I suggest picking a few titles below and clicking them; you won't find a finer collection of Christian thoughts anywhere on the … Continue reading Christian Carnival 208
Choices We Make
Weรขโฌโขre reading Genesis 13 and 14 today and following Abram, Sarai, and their nephew Lot around the middle east. Lotรขโฌโขs father had died in Ur in the land of the Chaldees, and Abram had taken Lot in with him on his journey with God. Last week, in Genesis 12, the Egyptian Pharoah asked Abram to … Continue reading Choices We Make
Tower of Babel
Even though lunch today is at Fajita Flats, I brought along a suggestion from a restaurant I was recently visiting called La Place in Hengelo, The Netherlands. Hereรขโฌโขs also a list of todayรขโฌโขs specials; I can highly recommend the voorgerecht. (Other handouts go here: the complete menu, shopping flyers, German newspaper, Dutch newspaper, French airport … Continue reading Tower of Babel
I Just Remembered
I just remembered I had a blog. This one. I have a bible study to post, probably tomorrow. It's on the Tower of Babel. Work. Travel. Study. Same old. Perhaps some blogging inspiration will come to me soon.
Christian Behavior in God’s Church
Iรขโฌโขve discovered how slow to understand I must be. Weรขโฌโขve been remarking that when Chris or Fred teach, they get large amounts of text to cover. Chris had the entire Beatitudes plus half of the New Testament to teach in 30 minutes. Fred gets, like, the entire Old Testament when he teaches. And when I … Continue reading Christian Behavior in God’s Church
Review: 3:16. The Numbers of Hope
Max Lucado writes as only he can, with insight and brevity, packaged in powerful imagery. His latest book, 3:16, is packed with delivious observations and challenges, and he does it by focusing on 27 simple words. For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son so that whoever believes in … Continue reading Review: 3:16. The Numbers of Hope
Jesus and Money
Jesus and Money Recently in a comment, I was challenged regarding posting my stock selections; the concern from Chris was that such financial considerations were incongruous with the teachings of Jesus. Chris Says: September 18th, 2007 at 11:03 am I find it somewhat ironic and mildly amusing that your blog contains articles of spirituality along … Continue reading Jesus and Money
Resisting Temptation
Iรขโฌโขm sure youรขโฌโขve all heard the prayer that goes, Dear God, So far today, I've done all right. I haven't gossiped, and I haven't lost my temper. I haven't been grumpy, nasty or selfish. But in a few minutes, God, I'm going to get out of bed and that is when I'm going to need … Continue reading Resisting Temptation
Michael Vick: Where is Jesus?
Michael Vick, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback, has been all over the news recently. Indicted for dog-fighting, his friends turning witness against him, loss of his quarterback position and the millions of dollars in signing bonuses and advertising deals, Michael Vick has certainly learned a hard and probably one-way lesson. And given the atrocious stories about … Continue reading Michael Vick: Where is Jesus?
Christian Carnival CLXXXVI
Christian Carnival #186 is up... here! Chasing the Wind is humbled to host the Carnival this week. Without further ado, here are this week's best Christian blogging. Oh wait, here's a little more ado. I've divided this week's post in sections with a brief description about how this relates to Christian living. Ok, *now* we're … Continue reading Christian Carnival CLXXXVI
Love Wholeheartedly
Our next minor prophet is Malachi. In Hebrew, Malachi means "messenger of Yahweh" or "my messenger." Was Malachi the name of the man who wrote this book? Some scholars believe "Malachi" was simply the title of the book, as in "my message" to the people. We don't know anything about the man himself, but it's … Continue reading Love Wholeheartedly
America's 50 Most Influential Churches
The Church Report has released America's 50 Most Influential Churches survey. Hey, my church, Second Baptist, is #24. Interesting that Ed Young's son's church made #3. And I listen to MP3 sermons from McLean Bible Church which comes in at #49. Saddleback Church is the second most influential; I'll vouch for that. Between his "Purpose … Continue reading America's 50 Most Influential Churches
Dependence
Iรขโฌโขm going to be honest about my struggles this week to study for Zechariah books 4-6. Zechariah is full of symbolism and things difficult to explain and interpret. When I started studying it, I was lost. It was like trying to understand the book of Revelation using only a Julia Childs cookbook for interpretation. Things … Continue reading Dependence
Silence!
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know I haven't posted much. Been really, really busy. I still owe Jennifer my answers to The Eight. I'll get to it, soon, I hope. I wanted to blog about how the Democrats are findng religion. Apparently it's ok with The Media if the Democrats talk about their faith, but if … Continue reading Silence!
Christian Carnival 179
This week's best Christian blogging has been posted at Christian Carnival #179. Y'all have a terrific Independence Day, y'hear?
Christian Carnival CLXXVIII
Christian Carnival 178 is up at ... Chasing the Wind! I have the honor of hosting this week's carnival, affectionately known as Christian Carnival 178, 2^89th, hexadecimal B2, or binary 10110010. Whew, and I think there were almost that many entries. ๐ They're presented here in roughly the order submitted; if you're a blog author … Continue reading Christian Carnival CLXXVIII
Paris Hilton Finds God
Paris Hilton finds God. Or so she claims. I first saw this story popping up over a week ago when Paris Hilton made a show of carrying a bible. That doesn't impress me. All that shows me is that she can carry a 1.5 lbs book. But now she's openly confessing her faith. My attennae … Continue reading Paris Hilton Finds God
Christian Carnival CLXXV
Christian Carnival #175 is up with this week's best Christian blogging. Some highlights - The personally customizable, downright accommodating and tolerant Jesus Every as[ect of our lives is touched by faith The emptiness of atheism
Christian Carnival CLXXIII
The 173rd Christian Carnival is up at Pseudo-Polymath and contain this week's best Christian blogging. Some highlihts - Are you treating the bible like Cinderella? Love covers a multitude of sins. God can do what He says He can do.
Painted Churches
Nothing in the news worth blogging about today that I haven't blogged about before. Kind of quiet. Something's bound to burp and cause a ruckus cuz it's too quiet. Saturday we drove out to Schulenburg with some friends from bible study to see Painted Churches. I had no idea such pretty churches existed in Texas … Continue reading Painted Churches
Mid-Week Links and Oddities
In no particular order - Building the ark: Greenpeace activists are building an ark on Mount Ararat. Amusing. Of course, Greenpeace isn't a Christian organization (they don't seem to be anti-Christian, as far as I can tell) but they border on Christian mockery to make a point about global warming. Obscene bible: In Hong Kong … Continue reading Mid-Week Links and Oddities
Bits and Pieces
The news isn't interesting yet again today. Republicans admire the Democrat's desire to surrender. I don't disagree that the Iraq war must end eventually, I just don't think Congress should be dictating it. But I'm alone on that point, I think. Tammy Faye Bakker is preparing to die, but aren't we all. I don't spend … Continue reading Bits and Pieces
Bringing the Gospel to Your Heathen iPod
It's free, one of my favorite numbers. You can get the ESV bible to load on your iPod for free at Podbible.org. Put some God in your Pod. If you'd like an audio version for your iPod instead, you can get that at Podbible.com.
Can I Be Saved And Become Unsaved?
If you're interested in additional thoughts on the "Once Saved, Always Saved" discussion, there's a similar discussion going on at the Bible Archive called Can I Be Saved And Become Unsaved?
Monday Morning
My brain is still stuffed with sand. I feel awake early in the morning, but I know I'm not. It becomes abundantly clear to me later if I reread my early morning posts. i'm repetitive, I make spelling misakes, I leave out entire words. An hour later, I'll think, "man, there's something not quite right … Continue reading Monday Morning
The Organic God
Oh my goodness what a fabulous book that was. It's not a deeply theological book, it doesn't get into controversial issues, it simply describes the joy of loving God. The author, Margaret Feinberg, doesn't delve into religious issues that can separate Christians today. Instead, she challenges us to strip away our pre-conceived notions of who … Continue reading The Organic God




















































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