We struggle to understand God. The challenge is even more apparent as add another dynamic: God in us. A brief review. Everything begins with God. In the beginning, God. In the beginning, the Word. Eternal existence, no beginning, no end. Above and beyond human concepts of space and time. Above matter, speaking matter into existence. …
Category Archives: Jesus
It All Begins with God–“For” [#2]
God for us. A rich Bible concept not easy to grasp. Summarizing: God is on our side; God wants us to win; God wants us to succeed. From the reverse side: God is not against us. God is for us (Rom. 8:32-39). This alters our understanding of God. God is not a celestial policeman waiting …
It All Begins with God–“With” [#1]
Beginning 2022 with the basics! Four questions. Who is God? Who are we? What was God doing in sending Jesus? How should we respond? If we do not know who God is, we cannot know who we are. If we do not understand God’s purpose, we will fail to understand our appropriate response. The message …
P.P.S.–Jesus lives!
Jesus lives! Jesus lives eternally. That means that he has always existed; he has always lived! He is eternal life; he is the source of life. First, remember that Jesus “was” in the pre-Incarnation. He was participant in the creation. John begins his gospel with the statement, “In the beginning was the Word, the Word …
P.S. — Post-Christmas Thoughts
Christmas has come and gone. Christmas 2021 is in the history books. This year, our family assembled a day early to enjoy sweet conversation, exchange gifts, and celebrate Mom’s enchiladas. Soon the decorations will be stored for another year and the house will return to normal. The Christmas mantel décor will be replaced with the …
An Interesting Compliment: “He brought Jesus back to this church”
In my experience, preachers get a lot of compliments. Maybe some don’t; God bless them! What is the highest compliment a preacher can get? One compliment I think I will never forget. It may qualify for the best ever. A church member said of her preacher, “He brought Jesus back to our church….” Thrilling, encouraging. …
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Knowing Jesus
Do you know Jesus? In seminars, workshops, and weekend appointments, I sometimes use a short sermon series entitled “Do You Know Jesus?” We must never stop helping people come to know Jesus. We must distinguish knowing about Jesus from knowing Jesus! Knowing about Jesus helps us recognize him for who he is but does not necessarily demand …
Becoming More Like Jesus
I have been rereading the Gospels. I want to understand Jesus. I want to know about him. Even more I want to know him well enough that I can imitate him. Jesus came teaching, preaching, and healing (Matthew 4:12; 9:35). Jesus came seeking and saving the lost (Luke 19:10). Jesus came for the ill, not …
Christ is the Answer
Today I will substitute teach an adult Bible class. The assigned text is Colossians. Deciphering the message of the New Testament letters is a lot like hearing one side of a telephone conversation. One can generally understand some of what may be said on the other side of the conversation, but details are lacking. This …
It’s Sunday Again: Acts 29
Last sermon in the series: Do you know Jesus? The rubber meets the road. The answer is not hard, in fact is obvious. What does your life look like? The book of Acts predicts the spread of the gospel to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Through a series of summary statements …