Accept One Another

Romans 15:7ย  ยทย  โ€œOne 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. Andโ€ฆ I wore shorts. I didnโ€™t 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. Hereโ€™s 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 โ€œbiscuits,โ€ and she prunes them faithfully.  And sometimes, sheโ€™ll cut an especially beautiful flower and put it in a vase in the kitchen.  And hereโ€™s 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 Thereโ€™s a specific kind of frustration that comes when you ask someone for directions and they say, โ€œYou canโ€™t miss it.โ€ Diane always says that when someone tells you, โ€œYou canโ€™t 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 โ€œToo 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 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: โ€œIn 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 1:9โ€“13 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 โ€œIt is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than … Continue reading Behold! Your King is Coming!

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, Heโ€™s here.  And here in Luke 2, we get our only inspired snapshot of Jesus between infancy and adulthood.  And weโ€™ll 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, โ€œDoes 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

God Protects Us

             I.      Introduction We all arrived safely at the office today. Raise your hand if youโ€™re not here. We donโ€™t always stop to think about it, but even something as ordinary as getting to work safely is evidence of Godโ€™s care. Scripture reminds us that our steps are ordered by the Lord, and His protection … Continue reading God Protects Us

God’s Plan: A New Year, A New You

             I.      Jeremiah the Prophet Itโ€™s a new yearโ€”time to change the page on the calendarโ€ฆ unless, like me, you use a digital calendar. Then you donโ€™t change the page; you press a button. Either way, it feels like a fresh start. But Scripture reminds us that โ€œnewโ€ isnโ€™t mainly about the calendar. The Bibleโ€™s … 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 donโ€™t 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 youโ€”job 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 Godโ€™s 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 Davidโ€™s life. The historical setting is Absalomโ€™s rebellion, recorded in 2 Samuel 15โ€“18. 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, โ€œLet 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 4:12โ€“19, 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.

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 Christโ€™s 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 lifeโ€™s beauty while remembering their eternal destination, acting as ambassadors of Christ through loving behavior, and adhering to Godโ€™s 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 Christโ€™s 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 isnโ€™t 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 Godโ€™s 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.

Godโ€™s Unfolding Plan for the Gentiles

Introduction: Godโ€™s Unfolding Plan for the Gentiles In Ephesians 3:1-13, Paul reflects on his role in revealing the "mystery" that had been hidden for agesโ€”that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Israel in Godโ€™s redemptive plan. Godโ€™s eternal purpose, beginning with Adam and continuing through Abraham and Israel, culminates in Christ. From the very beginning, Godโ€™s … Continue reading Godโ€™s 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

Readiness for the Lord’s Return

This content delves into Matthew 24, exploring Jesus' teachings on the signs of the end times and the necessity of vigilance and readiness. It discusses the Parable of the Fig Tree, the Unknown Day and Hour, and the Parable of the Faithful Servant, underscoring the importance of preparedness and ethical conduct in light of Christ's eventual return.

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.

From Humility to Forgiveness

Introduction: Contextual Background So weโ€™re going to cover Matthew 18, several parables together, so itโ€™s going to feel like weโ€™re moving quickly.  But thereโ€™s a theme, a purpose to Matthewโ€™s writings, so itโ€™s 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

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 Thanksgiving

I Am the True Vine

   I.      Introduction Jesus made 7 โ€œI amโ€ statement in the book of John.  Do you remember what they were? I AM the Bread of Life I AM the Light of the World I AM the Door I AM the Good Shepherd I AM the Resurrection and the Life I AM the Way and the … Continue reading I Am the True Vine

His Hour Has Come

  I.      Introduction Even though weโ€™re still in the book of John, something is different.  Jesus has demonstrated seven major miracles, each one demonstrating Jesus is the true Messiah.  But He has completed His miracles, and now he will elaborate on His death and what it means for gentiles.  But before we go there, I … Continue reading His Hour Has Come

Bread of Life

ย  I.ย ย ย ย ย  Introduction Who does Jesus say He is? The book of John describes Jesus beautifully, beginning with verse 1, โ€œIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.โ€ย  But I want to skip to verses 9-13 because it gives a nice introduction to our lesson today. … Continue reading Bread of Life

The Unfaithful Bride

I.       Introduction Weโ€™ve been working through the minor prophets, and so far, our common theme is that judgement is coming.  Judgement not just for the world, for the world and everything in it belongs to the Lord, but also for the Jewish people. And while those of us that have placed our trust in Christ … Continue reading The Unfaithful Bride

Willing

             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 … Continue reading Willing

Triumphal Entry

I. Introduction In our bible study lessons, we are getting closer to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Oddly, just in time for Easter. What are the odds? 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 … Continue reading Triumphal Entry

Neighbors

I.ย ย ย ย ย  Introduction Sometimes it's difficult to teach a familiar parable; we have pre-conceived notions, or perhaps previous bible studies left in our heads.  The Prodigal Son, the Lost Sheep, the Faithful Servant, the Ten Virgins, and so on.  Even non-Christians have heard the phrase "good Samaritan."  Letโ€™s see if we can look at this parable … Continue reading Neighbors

Lord of the Sabbath

I. Introduction Weโ€™re in Luke 6 today, and yet again the Pharisees are trying to trip Jesus up, and yet again Jesus sets them straight. Weโ€™re going to read about 2 Sabbath days that the Pharisees because angry because Jesus was doing good. But first I want to talk about who we are, or rather, … Continue reading Lord of the Sabbath

Rejected

I. Introduction I think sometimes we just coast through our own lives without thinking much about it. I got up, I went there, I came back, I ate this, I went back to sleep. But along the way, we constantly make choices. What to wear, what to eat. Who to vote for, who not to … Continue reading Rejected

Matured

I. Introduction Well. Iโ€™m glad thatโ€™s over. I want to put 2020 in the history books. Then I want to take the history book and buy it. Then I want to plant a tree on top of it, just so I can burn it down. Then I want to salt the ground so it never … Continue reading Matured

I AM The True Vine

I. Introduction Weโ€™ve been going through the 7 โ€œI amโ€ discourses of Jesus. I AM the Bread of LifeI AM the Light of the WorldI AM the DoorI AM the Good ShepherdI AM the Resurrection and the LifeI AM the Way and the Truth and the LifeI AM the True Vine Weโ€™ve already covered the … Continue reading I AM The True Vine

I AM the Good Shepherd

  I.      Introduction Sheep arenโ€™t the smartest animals.  Have you ever seen a sheep act at a circus? Now, they arenโ€™t completely dumb.  I read about one study that shows they can recognize faces and voices.  They have excellent hearing but very poor eyesight, so they tend to mindlessly follow wherever the sheep in front … Continue reading I AM the Good Shepherd

I AM the Bread of Life

Introduction Who does Jesus say He is? The book of John describes Jesus beautifully, beginning with in verse 1 โ€œIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.โ€  But I want to skip to verses 9-13 because it gives a nice introduction to our lesson today. The … Continue reading I AM the Bread of Life

Jesus, Lamb of God

  Introduction I think itโ€™s easy to underestimate everything that Jesus has done for us. Iโ€™ll go further โ€“ no matter where you are in your Christian walk, you and I have already underestimated and continue to underestimate everything the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords has done, is doing, and will do for … Continue reading Jesus, Lamb of God

Hope

I.ย Introduction We are continuing our special series of bible studies on Advent, and this week we are going to study Hope. I sort of felt like I made a mistake this week studying.ย  I loved Chrisโ€™ lesson on Joy last week.ย  Chris told us he relied heavily on Bradโ€™s lesson, and he was teaching a … Continue reading Hope

Messy People

I.ย ย ย ย ย  Introduction Sometimes I read the bible and the message is so easy.ย  Just one God, honor your Ma and Pa, donโ€™t take things that ainโ€™t yours, that sort of thing.ย  Other times, the message is obscure and difficult to plow through.ย  Ever sat down to read the bible and read it cover to cover?ย  … Continue reading Messy People

His Presence

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  I.ย ย ย ย ย  Introduction Our scripture for the week was supposed to be Exodus 39 & 40.ย  Itโ€™s starts with these verses, Moreover, from the blue and purple and scarlet material, they made finely woven garments for ministering in the holy place as well as the holy garments which were for Aaron, just as the Lord … Continue reading His Presence

His Faithfulness

I.ย ย ย ย ย  His Faithfulness Weโ€™re going to spend some time in Psalm 146, so letโ€™s get right into it.ย  Verses 1-2, Hallelujah! My soul, praise the Lord. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing to my God as long as I live. God is worthy to be praised.ย  But do we always … Continue reading His Faithfulness

What Is Required?

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  I.ย ย ย ย ย  Introduction Todayโ€™s scripture is a familiar one; Jesus has been teaching and preaching in Judea when He was approached by a rich man, and they had a conversation about sewing and zoo animals.ย  Letโ€™s read the entire conversation and see if I understood it correctly.ย  Matthew 19:16-26: Just then a man came up … Continue reading What Is Required?

My Yoke is Easy

ย  I.ย ย ย ย ย  Introduction Weโ€™re only going to study 5 verses today.ย  How long can that possibly take?ย  Letโ€™s start by turning to Matthew 11. When I just sit down and read the bible, I often just read quickly without slowing to ponder the meaning.ย  But once I stop to examine a passage, often I find … Continue reading My Yoke is Easy

The Faith of the Centurion

ย  I.ย ย ย ย ย  Introduction The Roman Empire conquered by force much of the known world in days leading up to the birth of Jesus.ย  By 37 BC, the Romans placed Herod the Great to rule Judea as a Roman province, with Roman troops stationed in Jerusalem to enforce the peace. After the death of Herod in … Continue reading The Faith of the Centurion

Revelation 12, Jesus Defeats Satan

ย  I.ย ย ย ย ย  Introduction History and prophecy.ย  God uses both throughout time to display to all creation that He alone is in control.ย  There is prophecy that tells what God will do, then, when God fulfills His promise, the prophecy becomes history.ย  And then there is new prophecy.ย  Some prophecies have already come true; others are … Continue reading Revelation 12, Jesus Defeats Satan

Give Everything You Are to the Lord

ย ย  I.ย ย ย ย ย  Introduction A study of Malachi 3 This Spring, we studied the following minor prophets, beginning with Nahum, then Zephaniah, Obadiah, Zechariah, Habakkuk, Haggai, and now Malachi.ย  Many times, these Minor Prophets brought us a repetitive reminder: God is perfect. God is holy. God is awesome. We are flawed. We are rebellious. We deserve … Continue reading Give Everything You Are to the Lord

The Promised Messiah

  I.      Introduction Weโ€™re continuing our study of the minor prophets, and these minor prophets have stark messages.  These messages display Godโ€™s glory and how God communicates both His love and His wrath, and how they are both consistent with His character, that our God is a consuming fire that loves us gently, and He … Continue reading The Promised Messiah

The Wrath of God

A study of Zephaniah 1 ย  ย I.ย ย ย ย ย  Introduction The wrath of God by John Piper: I thank the Lord again for my opportunity to serve Him today, and I pray my words are full of His truth today.ย  Often my lessons have some humor, some lightheartedness because I truly believe that being a child of … Continue reading The Wrath of God

What is Faith?

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  I.ย ย ย ย ย  Introduction Weโ€™ve just spent the last two months studying Hebrews with just a few weeks left to go, but our study of Hebrews has a purpose.ย  Hebrews, as you may recall, was written to the new Christians in trying circumstances and persecutions.ย  The first 6 chapters of Hebrews sought to reassure the new … Continue reading What is Faith?

The Second Coming of Christ

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  I.ย ย ย ย ย  Introduction My first thought, when I was asked to teach from 2 Peter, was, "Whoaโ€ฆ. There are *two* Peters?" Today we'll study 2 Peter 3; this letter from the Apostle Peter was addressed to persecuted Christians.ย  During the first few years after the death of Jesus, Christians were considered a sect of the … Continue reading The Second Coming of Christ

Faith in Action

I. Introduction Living by faith is difficult. It's very easy to have either an over-dependence or under-dependence on God. Does living by faith mean living by a certain moral or ethical code, or adhering to a certain set of religious beliefs? Well... on one hand, living by faith means putting your trust in Jesus, following … Continue reading Faith in Action

Be a Good Neighbor

I. Introduction Sometimes it's difficult to teach a familiar parable; we have pre-conceived notions, or perhaps previous bible studies left in our heads. The Prodigal Son, the Lost Sheep, the Faithful Servant, the Ten Virgins, and so on. Even non-Christians have heard the phrase "good Samaritan." Letโ€™s see if we can look at this parable … Continue reading Be a Good Neighbor

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 Suffering Servant

Image via WikipediaWe've been studying Isaiah and fulfilled prophecy; today we reach the exclamation point of the entire Old Testament. I once recently read that the entire bible points to Jesus. I had a hard time grasping that concept. I knew the New Testament told the story of Jesus, and I knew the Old Testament … Continue reading The Suffering Servant

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 Kill the Christmas Spirit

The message of Christmas is simple: God loved us, so He sent His son to us. We're celebrating His birthday. Ways to celebrate this gift to us are many, and bring peace and joy to us, knowing that God loves us. We can spend time with those we love. We can spend time with those … Continue reading How to Kill 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

Responding to Loss

Weโ€™ve been studying the rise of David as King of Israel. David is an interesting man, full of failures, yet David is a man after Godโ€™s 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

Question for Obama: Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

La Shawn Barber asks Obama, "Who Do You Say Jesus Is?" Obama portrays himself a man of faith. But a man's level of faith is far less important than what he has placed his faith in. If you have a tremendous amount of faith in the Energizer Bunny, it's far less effective than faith the … Continue reading Question for Obama: Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

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 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