God the Holy Spirit, through the dramatic moment of Pentecost, has captured the people’s attention. And the spirit-filled Peter, the Jesus-filled Peter, begins to do what will be the model for the rest of this book: pointing people to the Father through the Son, all in the power of the Spirit.
Read MoreThe flaming tongues, the rushing wind, and more have one aim—to empower us to be disciples of Jesus. To do what Jesus did. What did Jesus do? He led people to the Father, to God through his love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control—and sacrifice.
Read More“But God told me to do it!” Thoughts about how and when God leads:
We’ve all heard the news reports: someone carries out a horrific act, and then claims that God told them to do it. Now we know that it wasn’t God, but somewhere along the way, God’s reputation, and the reputation of the Church, takes a hit. People who don’t believe in God note that we, Jesus’ followers, are crazy and one-step away from making our own horrific news story.
Add to this situation our own real dilemma. How do we make decisions? How do we know when God is leading, as compared to when we are possibly projecting our desires on God?
So, just how do we navigate the big and small decisions of our lives? How do we hear His voice? How do we know His voice?
Read MoreIn the 1984 classic “The Karate Kid”, Daniel suffers at the hands of bullies—that is, until Mr. Miyagi enters the scene. Who wouldn’t want a strong friend standing at your side?
Do you have such a friend? Someone who not only wants you to become all you can be, but someone who walks with you through life.
As we've been reading John together, Jesus has more than hinted at someone who is going to help. In John 3, 4 & 7 he talked about the Spirit, and in chapters 14-17 he has talked about the Helper. I haven't said much...
Read MoreLiving in a flesh and blood world, laboring each day, conscious of our health, finances, and more—naturally results in a “this world” focus. Jesus, while on earth, was very immersed in the physical world. And yet, reading the Gospels leaves a person with the sense that he was also deeply connected to something bigger. Are we Spiritual OR Physical, or Spiritual AND Physical?
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