The House You're Building

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you will everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.  Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV) We’ve come to it at last, the final chapter Hebrews.  Jesus is better.  He is a better priest of a better covenant that God had given the Israelites because it depends on the work of Christ, not the ability of the people to follow the law.  It is grace personified, eternal, unconditional favor and secure relationship for God’s people.  As we close Hebrews, chapter 13 reads like a heavenly to-do list. It’s tempting to read these passages and think, if I act this way, God will be pleased with me. If my life is marked by these habits, I will be able to show God I’m good.  It’s possible that as we read the passage, a false ...

    Orient  John 13:1-38 Starting in chapter 13, we enter the second section of the book of John.  Through chapter 17, we will be in the “Farewell Discourse.”  In these four chapters, readers get an inside look at the service, teaching, and prayers of Christ in the final hours Jesus spends with His followers before His arrest and crucifixion.  Today’s narrative happens the Thursday of Passion week in the Upper Room.  Jesus uses the symbolism of cleansing to show His followers their need for His sacrifice.  The group of disciples are also cleansed as the betrayer, Judas, is removed from among them.  The servanthood of Christ is highlighted as an example for us.    Introduction I’m what you call low maintenance; I can slap on mascara and Chapstick and be ready to go.  The only beauty service I make time for is a haircut every few months.  I typically do my own pedicures and only go to ...

    Family.  It is a word that stirs feelings of affection to some and memories of pain for others.  One of the reasons I love the church is that God has always provided spiritual mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers.  There is a kinship among the gathered body that transcends blood--a bonding that comes when people house the Spirit inside them.  The outside world looking in doesn’t understand why the church must meet, as those who have found joy in fellowship understand the connection that occurs in the physical presence of those who have the same Father.     Unfortunately, just like our families of origin are the cause of heartache, the church can duplicate the experience.  So much division would be avoided if we would live out Peter’s words to the church in chapter 3 verse 8 as we interact with each other.     Unity of Mind To have unity of mind means to be focused on the same goal, be around ...

A few weeks ago I met with my ministry team (don’t get excited, over Zoom of course) and collectively we were at a crossroads.  How do we minister to people we can’t be with?  A lot of our talk was focused on methodology—in a virtual world, how to we make the greatest impact.  Worried about the spiritual strength of those we were shepherding, how to we intervene and encourage their faith?  If you are in ministry right now, you may be wrestling with the same questions and problems.  Though you may not consider yourself “in ministry,” meaning a church body has designated you in a pastoral role over others, you have connections with other believers.  There are some farther along the road of faith than you, and some further behind.  Paul compares the spiritual journey to a race in 1 Corinthians 1:24, a single-minded focus on where we are headed that must be approached with intention.  If you’ve been runn...