A father dragged his college-aged son into the office of one of his professors, Dr. Campolo. The father was angry. It turns out that the son had spent his time at college in a different way than the father had intended.The father said: “I sent him to college to get a good education, to make … Continue reading Being Christian—up to a point
discipleship
If you’re sitting on the fence
Have you ever heard the expression that someone is “sitting on the fence”? It’s about being neutral, or perhaps being slow to make a decision about something. With that in mind, let me say this: You can’t follow Jesus if you’re sitting on the fence. The exact expression “follow me” occurs twenty times in the Gospels. For example, … Continue reading If you’re sitting on the fence
Loving people when you don’t “feel” very loving
We’ve been spending some time thinking about love. Makes sense. After all, it comes up in the Bible—a lot.Truth is critical. So is doctrine. Related to these is love. It is an outward expression of the faith that God has given to us.Today I want to share a word of encouragement to those who don’t … Continue reading Loving people when you don’t “feel” very loving
Christian is also a verb
When we call ourselves “Christians” what do we think that means?The earliest followers of Jesus were called “disciples.” That word is used about 269 times.In those early days, the followers of Jesus were also called the people of “the Way.” That phrase occurs five times. So, when did the title “Christian” come into use? We first … Continue reading Christian is also a verb
Oblivious of self
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” So said Jesus in Mark 8:34. We’re spending a few devotionals unpacking the meaning of this enigmatic statement.Denying yourself has to do with denying that sinful, selfish part of you. Our computers and phones have a default factory … Continue reading Oblivious of self
Take up your electric chair
A man was walking through a Tokyo department store in the Christmas season. He noticed something strange, even offensive. It was someone nailed to a cross. But the person wasn't Jesus, it was Santa.*At first perhaps we might think that this is the ultimate sign of the horrid commercialization of Christmas. However, it might be … Continue reading Take up your electric chair
From observation to participation
In Mark 6 Jesus fed a crowd of 5,000 men with only five loaves and two fish. Before he did so, the disciples had wanted to send the people away so they could get some food. That’s when Jesus looked at them and said, “You give them something to eat” (verse 37). In the Greek, … Continue reading From observation to participation
Loyalty, love and a lifestyle
Mark 5:1-20 contains one of the most startling—and perhaps even confusing—stories in the Bible. It’s where Jesus casts out a legion of demons from someone. They go into a herd of pigs who subsequently drown. As a result, some people were filled with fear. Others were filled with amazement. I know, pretty dramatic, right? If … Continue reading Loyalty, love and a lifestyle
God doesn’t expect us to grow on our own
Spiritual disciplines. According to Jeff Loach, they are “historically and biblically rooted ways to deepen your relationship with God.” Although some people can get tripped up by the word “discipline,” they needn’t be. These are faith-based practices which form you to be more like Jesus. (Have you ever noticed that the word “discipline” looks a … Continue reading God doesn’t expect us to grow on our own
Actual power in the name
Today I invite you to think about the name of Jesus. And how it has power. Actual power. A person’s name represents that person. Think of a royal messenger in the days of old. A herald would proclaim: “In the name of the King…” Everything that followed was as if the King himself was saying … Continue reading Actual power in the name
