Chasing After the Wanderers
Have you ever felt like you're just not good at being a Christian? Like you're stumbling through your spiritual journey, unsure of your footing? You're not alone. In fact, Jesus himself described his followers as "little ones," vulnerable and needy, much like children. This isn't a criticism but a profound truth about our spiritual lives. We are all weak and in need of guidance, and that's exactly where Jesus meets us.
Navigating the Election with a Christ-Like Heart
In Matthew 22:17-21, Jesus masterfully navigates a political trap set by the Pharisees. His response to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's," provides a profound insight into how we can balance our earthly responsibilities with our heavenly citizenship. This isn't just about paying taxes; it's about understanding that our ultimate allegiance is to God. Jesus makes the surprising statement that Alignment with God and some form of participation in corrupt earthly societies are not inherently at odds.
Trusting Jesus' Authority
Have you ever felt like your faith is falling short? Like you're trying to do everything right, but nothing seems to work? You’re not alone. In Matthew 17, we see the disciples facing a similar struggle. They had been following Jesus, witnessing His miracles, and even performing some themselves. But suddenly, they hit a wall. They couldn’t heal a boy suffering from seizures, and they were left wondering why.
Jesus the Son of God: Embracing the Comfort of His Presence
If you’re like many of me, the idea of connecting with a perfectly holy God can be downright terrifying. I often consider the weight of my own sin and just assume that God is either angry or disappointed with me. But what if I told you that Jesus, God’s Son, makes this connection not only possible but also comforting?
Jesus is the Victor: Embracing True Victory in Christ
On Sundays at Immanuel, we’ve been going through a series asking the question “Who is Jesus?” This last Sunday we latched onto a major truth in the exploration of Jesus’ identity: Jesus is the victor, and in Him, our victory is assured. This victory isn’t just about Jesus; it’s about you and me and how we live our lives.
Who is Jesus? Understanding the Messiah in Matthew 16
In Matthew 16, Jesus says: "Who do you say that I am?" This question is not just an interesting scene in Jesus’ story but rather a personal challenge that each of us must confront.
Finding Your Seat at Jesus' Table
You ever feel like you don’t belong? Like you’re out of place, even at church? Like maybe those people just have their life figured out better than you do? If you’re nodding your head, you’re not alone. Many of us have felt that way at some point. But here’s the good news: Jesus’ table has open seats for all who come to Him in faith.
Over Our Heads, But Not Alone
You ever feel like you're in way over your head? Maybe it's a new job, a tough class, or a broken relationship. We all have those moments where life throws us into a situation we feel totally unprepared for. If you're nodding along, you're not alone. Matthew 15 that speaks directly to this feeling and offers a powerful reminder of where our true help comes from.
Some Tips to Take Your Bible Reading to The Next Level
So you’re reading your Bible more and want to keep the momentum going. That’s great! I say this often, but Bible reading is the single most influential spiritual practice you can engage in. But even though that’s true, there’s always more to learn.
Different Kinds of Bible Reading
sometimes Christians fall into the trap of thinking the Bible is just above their heads. And again, this is understandable. The Bible is complex and it takes work to understand it. Beyond this, if you’re a part of a healthy church, than you’re hearing sound and theologically rigerous preaching regularly from your pastors.
The Three Islands of Biblical Interpretation
So you’ve been reading your Bible more, but are struggling to understand it. That’s actually really normal. The Bible is a complex and ancient book. It was written in a different language than what you’re reading today. It speaks from a cultural perspective foreign to us. To top it all off, it speaks to the deepest aspects of the human experience.
Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible
So you’re struggling to see the bigger picture in your Bible reading. That actually makes a ton of sense. Depending on how you go about your Bible reading, it can be easy to jump into certain passages and just wonder why they are there or how they relate to each other.