In my last post I looked at how Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John to follow him and fish for people. I also asked what ways following Jesus changed them. It seems to me that when Jesus called them to fish for people, he radically changed their mission in life. Jesus was willing to … Read more
Note: This Single Question Interview is different from others on this site. Normally I ask a variety of respected followers of Jesus a question. I find the varied responses bring a depth and richness to the Christian faith. Today’s question is too big. Instead, I only asked the question of John Stackhouse to allow him to … Read more
I understand coming to Jesus for grace. I love what Paul writes: ‘it is by grace you have been saved, through faith … not by works.’ Jesus’ Parable of The Prodigal Son highlights God’s grace for us. We are the son. We come before God ready with our excuses and deals but before we even … Read more
Living missionally didn’t come easy for me. I struggled with it. Maybe it was because I’m an introvert. Just the thought of having to engage with people often left me feeling emotionally drained. I just didn’t believe I fit in the missional sphere. Finding Myself You know how people in their 20’s often need to … Read more
The angels sang because the everlasting Father had come to extend arms of redeeming grace to all who would give their hearts to him. It is a wonderful, mysterious, hard-to-grasp, and beyond-the-scope-of-our-normal-reasoning story. But when you get it, when you come to fully understand the purpose and implications of this story, you will sing too. … Read more
As a child, our church would have the Christmas Day service inside a big tent. Why? Because the church building wasn’t big enough. Christmas is like this. It’s the time of year when we think missionally. We look for ways to serve people and invite others to church. Making Christmas Missional I was going to … Read more
I used to believe the month of December lasted longer than all the other months put together. I was hard-wired to look forward to Christmas Day as a child. The waiting was nearly impossible. Waiting is never easy. It doesn’t matter whether you’re waiting for Christmas, a baby to arrive, or medical results, time slows … Read more
‘Sadly, many of us aren’t gripped by the stunningly magnificent events and truths of the birth of Jesus anymore. Sadly, many of us are no longer gripped by wonder as we consider what this story tells us about the character and plan of God. Sadly, many of us are no longer humbled by what the … Read more
“How is it that music can, without words, evoke our laughter, our fears, our highest aspirations?” ― Jane Swan Lesslie Newbigin’s description of the church’s mission to be a sign, instrument and foretaste of the kingdom of God is beautiful. In this series I’m looking at each of Newbigin’s images to see how they enlighten … Read more
I want you to consider a principle: faith makes you a canvas upon which the Redeemer can paint the beauty of his grace. What do you think this principle means? And how does it apply to the situations, locations, and relationships of your everyday life? Take a moment to meditate on these questions, and when … Read more