What did I learn about Jesus? Jesus rises from the dead! And can walk, speak, and eat in his resurrected body. All the Old Testament scriptures make sense when seen in the light of Jesus, God in the flesh (verse 27). What did I learn about disciple-making? It is Jesus who opens our minds to […]
What should we expect of our leaders?
You don’t have to read very far to discover examples of behavior on the part of pastors and church leaders that brings reproach to the Lord and embarrassment to the Church. In recent conversations with denominational leaders, I learned of several mega-churches across the country in which the pastor is accountable to no one within […]
Luke 23
What did I learn about Jesus? Jesus died with criminals (verse 32). Even at his crucifixion, Jesus cried out to God for forgiveness for the people (verse 34). What did I learn about disciple-making? Forgiveness is available to us in Jesus, even in a final, desperate cry (verses 42-43). Extended thoughts and observations from Pastor […]
Luke 22
What did I learn about Jesus? Jesus created a new covenant—a new way of being in relationship with God—through his blood (verse 20). Jesus expected his disciples to be tempted as with Judas and Peter, and rather than prevent it, he prayed that their “faith may not fail,” (verse 32). What did I learn about […]
Luke 21
What did I learn about Jesus? Jesus is more concerned with the motivation of the heart than the quantity (verses 1-4). Jesus would not have us be surprised by the global assault on the Church that we are seeing; this IS the present for our brothers and sisters around the globe (verses 10-28). What did I learn about […]
John 2
What did I learn about Jesus? Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding celebration without great fanfare. We need to serve God humbly without expecting great recognition. What did I learn about disciple-making? Jesus showed others the importance of giving their best. We must give our best in service to the Lord. Extended […]
Luke 20
What did I learn about Jesus? Jesus cleverly responds to those who would try to trap him not with condemnation but with questions that unlock their motives. What did I learn about disciple-making? I could better utilize the art of returning a question with a question. Beware of those who are prideful and like having […]
Luke 19
What did I learn about Jesus? “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (verse 10). Jesus is a highly sought after man—both positively by those who will hang onto his words and those that seek to have him destroyed (verses 47-48). What did I learn about disciple-making? There is an […]
Luke 18
What did I learn about Jesus? Jesus is looking for faith—in the persistent pray-er, in the beggar, and in us. His message continues to be about the “kingdom of God” and its coming to earth (verses 17, 29-30). What did I learn about disciple-making? Disciple-making is not for the proud but for the humble (verses […]
Luke 17
What did I learn about Jesus? He has the power to heal—I just don’t want to forget that! (verse 14) He teaches often about the coming of the Kingdom—this is important! What did I learn about disciple-making? People are watching us, and we better live consistent lives of humble and witness that lead people toward […]