Jesus was about to physically leave them. Could they continue his message and mission even though they were deeply flawed? Yes. And so can you. This sermon on John 21 explains why and how.
Tag: discipleship
Put your finger in my side, receive the Holy Spirit, and go! (Growing Deeper with John 20:19-31)
Jesus’ followers were locked in a room, afraid. He appeared… alive with nail marks in his hands! This episode is a Bible study on John 20:19-31 and includes the story of doubting (believing) Thomas, the giving of the Holy Spirit, and a lesser-known commission.
How to get the most out of a sermon
If you follow Jesus, listening to sermons is a significant part of your discipleship. They are called a “means of grace” (i.e. they can be a channel of God’s generosity, guidance and help in your life, even via imperfect preachers). So don’t you want to understand, make the most of, and engage with them? This talk provides practical assistance. It’s about being proactive, not passive.
8 book recommendations to grow your faith
I was recently asked for book recommendations that would help grow someone’s faith. Here are 8 that I believe are accessible-yet-meaty.
Making margin in your life for discipleship – a talk with Sarah Han
You want to follow Jesus and even share him with others. But you’re so busy. Your “margin” is nil. This podcast is a talk with the Rev. Dr. Sarah Han, a professor at Tyndale who is writing a book on the importance of creating margin in our lives to be faithful disciples of Jesus.
Looking within and spiritual disciplines as we seek to love God – an interview by Chris Pullenayegem
I was recently interviewed by Chris Pullenayegem from the Vancouver School of Theology about looking within, spiritual disciplines, and encouraging an ethos of discipleship in a congregation. This podcast is a recording of our talk.
Tarrying with a Lord you cannot see [Sermon]
It doesn’t make the headlines like the apocalypse or the last social justice issue. But “abiding in Christ” is something we’re told to do, shapes us over the long haul, and gives us joy. But what is it? How do we do it? This sermon on John 15:1-17 answers these questions.
Desperate times call for loving measures [Sermon]
Jesus lived in desperate times. Life was hard. He was about to be betrayed, tortured and killed. With that in mind he gave a new command. To run for the hills? Nope. This sermon explores John 13:31-38.
Love one another as I have loved you: the meaning of Jesus’ new commandment (Growing Deeper with John 13:31-38)
Love. It can change things. A lot of things. Bonhoeffer wrote: “Love asks nothing in return, but seeks those who need it.” The command to
Downward Mobility [Sermon]
How would you define success? Is it accumulating money, influence, beauty or power? Well, of course not. We wouldn’t admit that — at least not
Costly, whole-hearted devotion [Sermon]
If you follow Jesus you are different. In 1961, 96% of people in our country identified as Christian. No longer. “No Religion” is now the
Thom Rainer on the difference between church consumers and church members
It’s a new time – with challenges and opportunities. So we need to be honest about who we are in the body of Christ: consumers or members? This podcast is a talk with Thom Rainer, president of Church Answers and former CEO of LifeWay, and author of “11 signs you are becoming a church consumer instead of a committed church member.”
Listening to and walking with The Good Shepherd (Growing Deeper with John 10:22-42)
This episode is a Bible Study on John 10:22-42 and explores the idea of listening to (and following) the Good Shepherd when we can’t actually see or hear him.
“Lead us not into temptation.” Would God lead us into temptation, so that we need to ask him not to?
In this episode I answer a question in a Q & A Forum about temptation from the Lord’s Prayer.
Freed to serve [Sermon]
“The truth will set you free.” So said Jesus. Aren’t we already free? Not necessarily. Good things are both now and in the future. This sermon on John 8:31-38 explores just these things.
The truth will set you free (from what?), and why standing on the shoulders of giants isn’t enough (Growing Deeper with John 8:31-38)
Free from what? For what? Why was this famous statement so controversial and why can we miss it’s meaning? This episode is a Bible study on John 8:31-38.
Follow the Light [Sermon]
“I am the light of the world. Whoever WATCHES me…” Oops, nix that. “Whoever FOLLOWS me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Let’s talk about why and how in this sermon on John 8:12-30. The light might not always take you where you want to go; but it takes you where you need to go.
Following the light of the world and pillar of fire into a dark uncertainty (Growing Deeper with John 8:12-30)
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” So said Jesus. What did he mean? What does uncertainty, darkness and danger have to do with it? That’s what I explore in this episode which is an in-depth look at John 8:12-30.
In a new and uncertain era, what is our stronghold and purpose? [Sermon]
Is it the dawn of a new, uncertain era? Are we in the ‘gray zone’? This sermon explores Jesus’ words at the Feast of Tabernacles in John 7:25-52 and some guidance for the road ahead.
Jesus as the source of living water at the Feast of Tabernacles, and into an uncertain era (Growing Deeper with John 7:25-52)
Jesus said: “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” What did he mean, and how does that shape who we are in the coming era? That’s what I explore in this podcast episode which looks in-depth at John 7:25-52.
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