Follow Jesus. Lead the church. Change the world.
Luke 10.38-42 At first glance, this looks like a negative example — one that it is even anti-hospitality or anti-food. But we know that Jesus was definitely not anti-food. Jesus was known to dine with sinners, to feed 5,000 on a hillside, and his first miracle took place at a party, turning water into wine … Read more
Today, we’re talking about conversations. Conversation is one of the primary ways that we relate to others. To get us started, let’s look at a couple conversations that Jesus had with Nicodemus and the woman at the well. These two stories in John 3-4, where Jesus has a conversation with Nicodemus, followed by a conversation … Read more
Mark 1.16-20 “Evangelizing in the church is like fishing in a bathtub: it’s terribly convenient, but you don’t catch much.” (Dr. Roy Fish) Evangelism is hard work! It requires dedication and perseverance! Listen to Paul’s commitment and dedication in1 Corinthians 9.20-27. Stay on task!“Too many Christians are no longer fishers of [people] but keepers of … Read more
"Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens." (James 1.17) One of my favorite images for us is a cup or a clay jar. I am an empty vessel, and I depend on God to fill me. If my cup runs over, it’s only because … Read more
John 20.19-23 We began the year with a series on discipleship entitled “Follow me.” The series was based on Jesus’ calling to the first disciples. But the calling did not stop with “Come, follow me.” Jesus continued with the ultimate purpose of the call: “and I will make you fishers of men & women.” (Matthew … Read more
Psalm 67 I have been saying for since the end of 2004 that I believe these first four months of 2005 are a vitally important time in the life of our spiritual journey together. We began the year talking about “revolutionary discipleship” (what it means to be a Christ-follower). During Lent, we looked at a … Read more
John 20.24-29Hebrews 11.1Deuteronomy 8 Indiana Jones’ Step of FaithIn Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Indiana Jones is involved in a search for the Holy Grail, the cup from which Christ drank at the Last Supper. As the film reaches its climax, Indy must go through three tests in order to reach the Grail. In … Read more