Reading with the Pastor Mark 9 and Psalm 45 Today’s reading comes back to a continuing theme in Jesus’ discipleship of the twelve (and of us). This wasn’t the only time that the disciples were caught arguing over which of them had more honor and prestige in the eyes of Jesus. Even on the night before he … More Striving for Power and Prestige
Friday is for Heart Songs Reading with the Pastor Matthew 12 and Psalm 18:1-30 The disciples and Jesus both fall under the criticism of the Pharisees. The Pharisees think they can battle Jesus with interpretations of Jewish law. Bad idea. Jesus turns the tables by quoting the example of David against their legalistic forbidding and then puts … More He is Able
Kingdom Life, Church Hopping and Grace Years ago I heard a short radio spot on John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”, the point being that authentic relationships among believers are the greatest evangelistic tool of all. I would also add, they are the greatest … More Kingdom Life, Church Hopping and Grace (Guest Post by Pam Bush)
Something we definitely need right now with the heavy assault of the media on Christians, is a real show of Christian charity and love. Bonhoeffer can help us see what the Spirit desires for our age. The reality is that without some challenge, our love for one another remains superficial and unremarkable. But what we … More Bonhoeffer’s Take on Christian Unity
Meditations and Exhortations on Discipleship A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 ESV) In these two … More Unbelievers Have a Right to Judge Christians
Monday Discussion We live in the age of the resurrection. We have always lived in the age of the resurrection, but like the disciples who forgot that Jesus said he would rise from the dead, we too quickly forget that the fact of … the knowledge about … the belief in … … the resurrection … More Resurrection Day +1
Thursday is for Discipleship Have you ever noticed that some Christians are annoying? Of course you have. Have you ever noticed that sometimes you are that annoying Christian? I hope you have. I used to tell people (jokingly) in our church that we purposefully put one annoying believer in every small group, just to give … More Bonhoeffer’s Take on Christian Unity
Monday is for Heart Songs Mark 14:26-31 (ESV) And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before … More A Stunning Scene from the Night Before He Suffered
Thursday is for Discipleship Authentic Christian living in community is radical. It is radical but it is needed and it is powerful. Around A.D. 200, Tertullian wrote that the pagan world was being stunned by the love that Christians had for one another. For they [Christians] are not [given to] … drinking-bouts, and eating-houses, but … More Be Bold in Your Love: The World Needs Your Bold Love
Monday is for Discussion A day after Easter is a good time to think not just about resurrection joy, but Christian faithfulness in light of the extraordinary lavishness of God’s grace and love for us. Evangelism is not only done by individuals, but is a function of the body working together to show the beauty … More Loving People Enough to be Hated
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