When I was in seminary, one of my professors had us read Ezekiel 34 as a potent warning of the responsibility of ministry. If you’re not familiar with that passage of Scripture, God, through the prophet Ezekiel, decries the so-called “shepherds” of Israel, who were not really shepherds at all. A sample: “Ah, shepherds of […]
Matthew 24
What did I learn about Jesus? Jesus knew what to look for in the Day of the Lord. Jesus wants us to pay attention to the “signs of the times.” What did I learn about disciple-making? There is still a lot I don’t understand. Our job is to be on alert for Jesus’ (the Son […]
Matthew 23
What did I learn about Jesus? Jesus saved his most cutting words for the religious leaders. Jesus cares deeply that we do acts of justice, mercy and faithfulness. What did I learn about disciple-making? The disciple-maker needs to be more imitatable by what he/she does than what he/she says. No disciple is greater than another. […]
Matthew 22
What did I learn about Jesus? He could spar with any religious or intellectual leader. Jesus did not refuse any question asked of him—he engaged the inquisitor. What did I learn about disciple-making? Allow the curious to ask questions—don’t be afraid they’re too big for Jesus. Extended thoughts and observations from elder, Gregg Colbo:In Matthew […]
Matthew 21
What did I learn about Jesus? Jesus was given the titles by the crowds, “the Son of David” (in answer to the prophecy that the Messiah would be from the line of David) and “prophet.” Jesus has a brilliant mind, and worthily discusses and debates with the smartest religious and political people of the day. […]
Matthew 20
What did I learn about Jesus? He is a generous God, full of grace (verses 1-16). Jesus gave his life as payment for many (verse 28). What did I learn about disciple-making? The plan has to be reiterated—here Jesus lets his disciples in on the end goal- his death and resurrection- a third time (verses […]
Matthew 19
What did I learn about Jesus? Jesus has something to say about marriage and divorce, and it’s radical to our current world culture (verses 3-12). Jesus has something to radical to say about money, too (verses 20-30). What did I learn about disciple-making? Don’t be afraid to address the difficult stuff of life, especially sex […]
Disciple-maker?  Me?  You’re CRAZY!
It is such a simple idea… and it seems to have taken hold of our church community. The 90 Day Challenge to read one chapter of a gospel every day and answer two questions: What do I learn about Jesus and What do I learn about disciple-making? This morning I will ask once again how […]
Matthew 18
What did I learn about Jesus? It is natural for Jesus to leave the 99 to search for the 1 who is lost (verse 12). Jesus is concerned that we practice forgiveness. What did I learn about disciple-making? Jesus gave plenty of practical instruction, including how to deal with sin-related conflict (verses 15-17). We need […]
As if joy itself made them speak….
As if joy itself made them speak. I felt a bit out of place walking into the Women’s Correctional facility in Bangkok. Beyond dealing with the typical third culture adjustments, it was further overwhelming to pass by hundreds of women dressed in the light blue and pink as they assembled Adidas shoeboxes and Banana […]