The Bible is teaching us more than we think. Sometimes we learn things because they are told to us directly. “Love your neighbour” is just one of many examples. We also learn things that are less obvious. We have to look a bit more closely to find them. Paul’s letters are an example. Let’s take … Continue reading Discipleship isn’t a competition
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Casual and casualty sound so much the same
“Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position” (2 Peter 3:17) It’s no coincidence that casual and casualty sound so much the same. Let me explain what I’m getting at. Casual … Continue reading Casual and casualty sound so much the same
Going to worship is good for you, study says
Let’s put what I’m about to say in the category of ‘news you won’t hear on the news.’ A Harvard study says that participating in religious services once a week or more is correlated with greater longevity, lower levels of depression, more optimism, and lower suicide rates.* Um, pardon? Yes, that’s right. Participating in religious … Continue reading Going to worship is good for you, study says
Growth with depth
Ephesians 4:11-13 is held dear by many pastors and church leaders. In fact, it’s often read at ordinations. But it is of significance to all Christians, not just leaders. Let me share it with you, and then I’ll explain why. “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to … Continue reading Growth with depth
This is how we know that we love the children of God
The apostle John wrote: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen” (1 John 4:20). As we can see, loving other people in the church is clearly important. … Continue reading This is how we know that we love the children of God
Perseverance is possible
Some of you will notice that your calendars say “All Saints Day” on November 1st. But what is it? It’s also called All Hallows Day, which is why Halloween is called Halloween; it is the eve of All Hallows Day. But yes, we’re all still confused! Something or someone who is “hallowed” is something or … Continue reading Perseverance is possible
Jesus prayed for unity among believers
In John 17, Jesus prayed for his followers, both then and now. It’s important for us to remember that these aren’t just the prayers of some random guy. Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God! Therefore, what Jesus prays for you IS God’s will for you. Hopefully that perks up your ears and heart. … Continue reading Jesus prayed for unity among believers
The bride whose life was changed
Martin Luther provided an illustration about who we are as God’s people. Imagine a king marrying a poor girl who was also a prostitute, he said. Her life had been filled with poverty, regret, sin and shame. But all of a sudden, things are different because of the marriage. Her status is now changed—she is … Continue reading The bride whose life was changed
Increasing winds outside the church
We’ve been exploring Jesus’ new command: “Love one another: As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). That statement is jam packed with meaning and possibility. Here’s something else which is easy to miss. We are to love “one another.” He was speaking to his disciples. Our love is expansive, … Continue reading Increasing winds outside the church
We all benefit, we all contribute
In 2021 Megan Hill gave a talk titled, “Teach your kids to love the local church.” [You can link to it below.] At her church, volunteers sign up to take turns cleaning the church every Saturday. Each family signs up for two slots each year. When they showed up for their first turn, they brought … Continue reading We all benefit, we all contribute
