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We’re talking about the Holy Spirit. Two weeks ago (Pentecost Sunday) we looked at Acts 2, and specifically, the symbol of fire. Luke 24.13-35 We want to continue to look at the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church, and will do so today by also taking a look at the … Read more
2,000 years ago, Jesus walked the earth. He was a revolutionary, and the world doesn’t like revolutionaries. The world kills revolutionaries! And the world killed Jesus. But three days later, Jesus rose from the dead and walked among people for 40 days. Then he ascended into heaven, but just before left, he told his disciples … Read more
Acts 2.1-4 This is the story of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit in all of his fullness. The Spirit is present throughout the Bible (Old and New Testaments). Recently we looked at Ezekiel and the dry bones, as well as John 20 where Jesus, after the resurrection, breathes on the disciples, saying “Receive … Read more
Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving in 1 Samuel 2 Why the prayer of thanksgiving? Not only has Hannah has just given birth to a child, a wonderful gift from God, a gift in response to a prayer of total dedication to God. Hannah gave all for God! Samuel, of course, grew up to be one of … Read more
The story of Hagar is found in Genesis 16 and 21. Genesis 21.9-21 We have much history together. One would imagine such great people of God would have been good to live with and work for, but it was not the perfect family. And the Bible does not let any secrets untold. Let me tell … Read more
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3.16) Genesis 1-3 — The story of creation and rebellionThe first Gospel promise: 3.15b "he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." God curses the … Read more
Today, we wrap up this series where we have been discovering that we are missionaries to this world — ones who are sent with a mission, the same mission Jesus had — to preach God’s revolution! "As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." (Jesus) Hospitality is hard to teach. Most churches … Read more
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