They are two of the simplest, shortest, and most profound of Jesus’ parables. The text comes to us in a chapter filled with parables of the kingdom. In these three verses, two parables hinged together by a common phrase appearing in both. Read it again. … More What is the Value of the Kingdom?
The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not look like it has great power in the culture of North America right now. But ‘what seems to be’ does not always reflect reality. Jesus said so. One of His shortest parables is also one of His most encouraging. So if you are discouraged over what you see … More The Glories of the Gospel
We were the lost, …the forgotten, …the last thought of. For more see: A Modern Parable: They are Outside the Castle.
Monday is for Discussion Questions and Suggestions. “Exegete” the video. What is the point? How does it relate to your church? What are you going to do about it? Update Tuesday: Link now reflects final edits. Update Wednesday: There was a farming accident in the community resulting in a death and we felt that the … More The Sickness of the American Church
A Parable of Castles and Servants Neuschwanstein Castle-Bavaria(not far from my ancestral home in Germany) “The castle was just over the hill off the main highway leading to the city. I lived on its outskirts but I could see its tallest spire. Weekly celebrations were the norm there. We could see the throngs going in … More A Modern Parable: They are Outside the Castle
Sunday Afternoon Musings Working on a new “Parables for a Sleeping Church” this afternoon. The first one is being story-boarded now for release on Youtube.com™ in the Fall (“The Parable of the Forgetful Farmer“). Pray for it and the six others I am working on. This afternoon, before you watch the game (and a bunch … More Something to Pray on Superbowl Sunday
Friday is for Heart Songs “Parables for a Sleeping Church” (Video Version HERE) All of these parables are being story-boarded now and eventually, all of these modern day parables will be made into videos for use in churches who want to stimulate their people to make disciples of the nations.* Hear then, . . . … More Parables for a Sleeping Church: The Parable of the Forgetful Farmer
Sunday Musings Excerpted from the last of my six messages at this weekend’s retreat to the college students of CCUC (Chinese Christian Union Church): Look at the end of verse 44 and 46. Matthew 13:44-46 (ESV) 44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. … More The Incomparable Value of the Kingdom
Sunday Afternoon Musings They wanted a king, an earthly king who would subjugate the Romans, turn the tables, Jews on top, Romans under thumb. They wanted something other than what Jesus wanted. They didn’t have ears to hear. But some did. Some heard Him say that His kingdom was not of this world. Some heard … More The Glories of the Gospel
Weekend Musings Everyone has gone home. I’m exhausted but satisfied in Christ. I’m sitting in my office after four services at our two campuses and six baptisms today at one of them, with clear evidence of the Spirit of God at work in our midst. A thrilling morning. Hearing the word brings faith. And I’m … More Sometimes, All We Need is an Ear.
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