John Ortberg wrote a book titled Everybody’s Normal Until You Get To Know Them. Wow, what a great title! Anyway, it refers to a study on relationships that tracked the lives of seven thousand people over nine years: “People who had bad health habits (such as smoking, poor eating habits, obesity, or alcohol use) but … Continue reading Twinkies or broccoli
fellowship
Borrowed light
This past Sunday at church, several people shared video statements about being part of a small group. [Link below.] A small group is where people get together to study God’s teachings in the Bible, to discuss and learn, to get to know one another, and to pray. I am so thankful that they took the time … Continue reading Borrowed light
Avoiding spiritual collapse
In 2019 a house collapsed in Salt Lake City. It seems that during some renovations, load-bearing walls were removed. Load-bearing walls carry a lot of weight and support the floors and roofs of entire houses. Some walls you can remove; some you can’t. Fortunately, no one was injured. Let’s imagine that you and I are … Continue reading Avoiding spiritual collapse
An idea to draw closer to God
A few months ago our church memorized James 4:8: “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” It’s one of my favourites, and I’ve quoted it many times. Writing about this very verse, biblical commentator Matthew Henry said: “If there be not a close communion between God and us, it is our … Continue reading An idea to draw closer to God
Opportunities to connect
One of the things COVID-19 has made me appreciate—even more than before—is the importance that other people play in our faith. I miss having our church family all together at the same time. When we would go to a worship service, we would primarily worship God, of course. But we would also talk, encourage one … Continue reading Opportunities to connect
Fellowship revisited
What comes to mind when someone mentions the word “fellowship”? Coffee at church? Small talk? In the New Testament, “fellowship” was a robust, meaning-soaked word. In the original Greek it’s koinonia. In Acts 2:42 we read, “They [believers] devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship [koinonia], to the breaking of bread and to … Continue reading Fellowship revisited
A wall you build between you and God
Your ego is a wall you build between you and God. Let me explain. Ego is an inflated sense of self; a disproportionate love of self; and a me-first approach to life which reeks of superiority. By focusing on how great you think YOU are, you neglect how great God is, and how other people … Continue reading A wall you build between you and God
Not alone (in these 3 ways)
This week we’ve been talking about facing trouble and persecution as a follower of Jesus. Most overt persecution happens in other parts of the world. But I’m convinced that it’s going to be more and more common here in North America. It’s a big deal. And we’re naïve to ignore it. And we’re super-naïve to … Continue reading Not alone (in these 3 ways)
Does the Spirit make you “feel” different?
This week I’m addressing some of the questions people have about the Holy Spirit. I think it will help clarify our thinking, and encourage us for living. The Holy Spirit is the third Person in the Trinity. He is the Person, power and presence of God active and alive in the world today. In Acts … Continue reading Does the Spirit make you “feel” different?
They went to the gunman’s parents’ house
In October 2006, a gunman took hostages in a one-room Amish schoolhouse in Pennsylvania. He shot ten children. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Then he shot himself. Five of the children died, and people around the world were horrified. But get this: Just hours after it happened, people in the … Continue reading They went to the gunman’s parents’ house
