What is the primary task of the disciple of Jesus? When one enrolls in the school of Jesus, or receives the call to give one’s life to following after him, what is the first step? Let’s play fill in the blank. (No cheating or reading ahead for the right answer.) When Jesus chose his twelve … More Enrolled in the School of Jesus (Mark 3:13-15)
Being a Christian today means many things to many people. Going to church. Praying. Reading your Bible. Serving others. Giving generously. But it’s all boiled down to one thing: Walking by faith. I was reading Heb 11:8-12,19 today about Abraham and taking some notes. The DNA for being a radical Jesus follower today can be summed … More It’s Not Rocket Science, Just Faith
Here’s a young Lutheran preacher I found, well, entertaining and sharp — Jonathan Fisk. Tell me what you think about his exposition of Luke 21 — especially the last 5 minutes. Warning: If you’re a Dispensationalist or Tim LaHaye fan, you won’t appreciate this viewpoint.
Jesus was not seeker sensitive. He was not after the crowds. Obviously, his signs and wonders, and authoritative teaching naturally drew crowds. But in the scene below we find Jesus trying to escape the clamoring crowds and find a moment of solitude. Even more shocking, when his disciples tell him of a crowd of people … More The Day Jesus Skipped Church (Mark 1:35-39)
A Cliffhanger And It’s Sequel Take a survey sometime of Bible reading Christians and ask them if they’ve spent more time reading the Gospels or the Book of Acts. The answer is will always be the Gospels. And it’s not even a close contest. But why is this? I think the answer is quite obviously … More Divine Summons 4
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the … More Adventures in Mark 6 (4:35-41)
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. (Mark 4:35-36) Every phrase counts in Mark. There are powerful lessons in the most minute … More Adventures in Mark 5 (4:36)
On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. (Mark 4:35-36) When you follow Jesus, he always drags you to the other side. The … More Adventures in Mark 4 (4:35-36)
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby … More Adventures in Mark 3 (1:35-39)
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they … More Adventures in Mark 2 (1:14-20)
Today we begin an ongoing series of reflections on Mark’s gospel. Saddle up for a discipleship adventure! At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him … More Adventures in Mark 1 (1:9-13)
“…Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like … More PARABLES: Sower, Seed & Soil 3
“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, … More PARABLES: Sower, Seed and Soil 2
“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, … More PARABLES: Sower, Seed and Soil 1
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry” (Matthew 11:28-30). … More “Yoked” for the New Year (Matt 11:28)
I have spent the past 3 months leading our senior high youth group through the first three chapters of Romans. It has been a dismal time sitting in the dark, godless, idolatrous world of sin painted in Romans 1:18-32 in particular. I knew very well that the good news would arrive in chapter 3 but … More Rewriting Romans 1:18-32
Here’s an oldie but goodie from the earliest DI archives written to the Revolutionary teenagers in Mound a few years back. Always a good reminder of how radically loving and inclusive our Lord and Savior is. Peace, JB “When you host a dinner or a banquet, don’t invite your friends or your brothers or your … More Who’s at Your Table? (Luke 14:12-14)
The book of Romans doesn’t mess around. Paul is shooting straight and going to the heart of things. Our senior youth group is plowing through portions of Romans this fall and winter. We’re still bogged down in the swamp of chapter 1 and Paul’s description of the fallen human condition is growing darker verse by … More Sin & Monopoly (Rom 1:18-32)
As I prepare my Romans “The God Report” messages for our senior high group each week I will be posting some reflections and insights along the way. Let’s begin with the way Paul introduces himself to the Roman church. One of the small group “mixer” activities we like to do is called “Myself in 10 … More ROMANS: Meet Paul (1:1-7)
Everyday we are inundated with messages that shape and influence our view of the world. The Information Age provides us with many sources of information and news, cultural commentary and political spin. We are taught what to think but not how. We are given much to chew on but little advice on what we should and should not … More New Romans Series: “The God Report”
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Phil 4:8-9). … More PHILIPPIANS 32: Think On These Things (4:8-9)
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds … More PHILIPPIANS 31: Don’t Worry, Be Happy (4:4-7)
“Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at … More PHILIPPIANS 30: I Plead with You Whom I Love (4:1-3)
“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their … More PHILIPPIANS 29: Follow My Example (3:17-21)
“Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.” (Phil 3:16). There is a lot going on in this single verse. Paul is summing up a long, sustained … More PHILIPPIANS 28: Growing into Spiritual Adulthood (3:16)
Kingdom Harbor 