It’s a made-to-order object lesson--the fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 5--and it even comes with its own ice breaker (Fruit Basket Upset). It’s also a worthy subject to consider as we move toward the start of another school year (yes, the back-to-school displays are going up as we speak). It’s likely you’ve taught on … [Read more...]
God’s Profile Update: How He Wants To Be Known
It was a tense moment. The golden calf incident had just happened. (Aaron: I just threw in this gold and a calf came out. Really, Aaron? That's all you got?) Moses had shattered the two stone tablets. God had told Israel He could no longer be in their midst because He couldn’t trust Himself. He might just wipe them … [Read more...]
Wasting Time with Jesus
You’ve probably heard of the word “Sabbath.”And you may have a good idea of what it means. But as much as that word shows up throughout the Bible, it actually gets very little play in Christian circles today. You’ve probably heard that God rested on the Seventh Day after six days of work on Creation. You probably know that … [Read more...]
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not?
It’s easy to get caught in the game “He Loves Me; He Loves Me Not” with God. Things go well: He loves me. Things go not so well: He loves me not. The events we celebrate this week should settle this game of back and forth. But why hasn’t it? In all honesty, it’s an innocent and natural reaction to not feel loved by … [Read more...]
Our Need for Resurrection Peace
The first word, according to the gospels of Luke and John, out of Jesus’ resurrected mouth to His disciples was simply “peace.” In John, Jesus said it first to the group (twice) then later to Thomas. While “peace be with you” was a common greeting, there is no other record of Jesus using these words at any time. It’s like He … [Read more...]
Serving Up a Big Peace
Imagine the disciples’ situation that first Easter weekend. They’d followed Jesus for three years. They depended on Him for guidance, even for daily things like food. They found His teaching irresistible. They were moved by His mercy and compassion. And they’d just watched Him die—at the hands of an angry mob they thought might … [Read more...]