When we see in the news where a gang member kills a rival gang’s member, we are saddened by the depravity of our world. When a man beats a preschool child to death in an uncontrolled fit, we are outraged and demand justice. Taking the life of one whom seems innocent and incapableContinue reading “Unimaginable Suffering in Gethsemane (The Physical Weight of the Cross)”
Category Archives: theology
Unimaginable Suffering in Gethsemane (Intro)
What was the closest Jesus came to death prior to the cross? In the wilderness temptation, Jesus nearly starved to death (See Matthew 4:2). At the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus was nearly killed in His hometown of Nazareth (see Luke 4:29). Before retreating to Perea, Jesus was almost stoned toContinue reading “Unimaginable Suffering in Gethsemane (Intro)”
Joy. That’s What It’s All About (Four Levels of Followship)
The “Hokey Pokey” got it wrong. In fact, just the terms “hokey” and “pokey” make me quite uneasy. Fortunately, joy is what “it” is all about. That is what Jesus said in John 15:11. “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (ESV) That’sContinue reading “Joy. That’s What It’s All About (Four Levels of Followship)”
The Ultimate Relationship (Four Levels of Followship)
Jesus offers His disciples an intimacy that is deeper and more fulfilling than any other relationship can provide. Intimacy is a word we struggle to use in the church realm. We think too much in human terms, where the romantic honeymoon becomes the less than perfect adventure in mediocrity. The “knight in shining armor” becomesContinue reading “The Ultimate Relationship (Four Levels of Followship)”
What’s In It For You (Four Levels of Followship)
There are personal benefits to following Christ. The disciple of Jesus looks forward to Heaven. The disciple also thanks God daily for providing salvation in Jesus. The primary focus of the Level Two follower is a deep and authentic gratitude for what the Lord has done for him or her. The focus is personal, butContinue reading “What’s In It For You (Four Levels of Followship)”
How to Walk…in Christ
When I used to run (competitively), I purchased special shoes from a “running store.” I have weird feet that match the rest of me. Therefore, when I was trying on a shoe, the sales specialist wanted to see me walk. With an eye close to the floor, the specialist would analyze my stride and selectContinue reading “How to Walk…in Christ”
How to Walk…Pleasing to God
Do you walk with a purpose? I am one of “those people.” I prefer to walk up the escalator at the mall. On occasion (just for fun), I have even run up the escalator, surely catching the attention of the “mall cops.” Part of the reason is impatience and the other part is the sensationContinue reading “How to Walk…Pleasing to God”
How to Walk…
Watching a toddler learning to walk can be great fun. From sitting to pulling up, there is a great anticipation and build of parental excitement to see a child bravely take his or her first step. We even carry a video camera in our pocket for months, hoping to capture the first moment. Walking isContinue reading “How to Walk…”
The Prayer of a Sheep
Psalm 23 has been a long-time favorite. Years ago, I committed this to memory as a reminder of God’s care and provision. I would like to revisit this chapter, which the Holy Spirit inspired King David to write over 3000 years ago. I also would like to offer each point as a prayer to God.Continue reading “The Prayer of a Sheep”
Could You Become an Ordinary Superhero? – a book review
Heroes are ordinary people, but they are not normal. Superstars, talented athletes, the famous and wealthy are normal but not ordinary. They are normal in that, for the most part, they are self-indulgent people who live for temporal pleasure and hedonistic pursuits. Apart from their circumstances, they are quite normal and, therefore, should not beContinue reading “Could You Become an Ordinary Superhero? – a book review”
Shepherding Well 