Transformations

John 2 shows Jesus turning water into wine—a sign of His power to transform. But not all change honors Him. How have you or your church drifted from being true witnesses of God's goodness?

Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, but not our teacher?

 Many Christians call Jesus a personal friend while forgetting that He came chiefly to teach (for example Matt 5-7). Do you sidestep His words by appealing to other passages, or do you let His teachings shape your life today?

Happy? New Year

 May the new year inspire us to bear witness to the love of God in our hearts, words, and deeds. John 1

Merry Christmas

May you find the hope and happiness of Christ during this season. 

Song of the Season

 Maybe it's appropriate that we fill our hearts with song during the Advent season. After receiving Elizabeth's prophetic proclamation, Mary can't seem to help but burst out in song (Luke 1). What kind of songs do you find bursting from your lips when you consider the hope that is in Christ?

Awesome Exiles

 During the season of Advent, the church often remembers Bible passages like Ezekiel 37 that were meant to give hope to God's people while in exile. In what ways do you feel exiled? Can you find hope of restoration through humility and by looking to the example of Jesus Christ? 

The Call to Worship?

 We might laugh at the scene of Hebrew people being forced to worship the king's idol, but are we really different (Daniel 3)? Do we also worship our leaders and lust after gold? Do we long for praise parties that rally our emotions with exciting music and dreamy lyrics? Do we love in deed as well as with words? (1 John 3:18)

Thanksgiving 2025

 Thanksgiving might seem a time to consider the fall of Israel (2 Kings24), but as a time of over-indulgence and self-satisfaction, the holiday might remind us of why God allowed the fall of that great nation. Will accept your feast day with humility and share your bounty with your neighbors, or will you simply fill your own desires and consider it your privilege to do so?

I can't wait for Jesus to return, or can I?

Christians often anticipate Christ’s return, but our motives can be murky—are we seeking reward, vindication, or true redemption? If we truly grasped what the second coming entails, our eagerness might give way to humility. Malachi 3

 

Loving the hate

 Jesus often depicted the most hated people of His day, like the tax collector (Luke 18), as exemplars of God's righteousness, mercy, and love. Who do you believe you should hate, or who do you hate in spite of God's commands and examples to love your neighbor?

The funnest king

Daniel describes a lavish party thrown by a dishonorable king, where sacred temple vessels were misused (Dan 5). But beyond the objects, the people—meant for holy worship—were also misused, reduced to props in the king’s spectacle. How do you misuse the sacred vessels called people?

Killing it with the letter of the law

Many Christians focus on Old Testament law to judge others, but Paul knew true life comes from loving ministry, investing in others, rather than in pronouncing legalistic judgements (2 Co 3:6). Are you investing in people with love, or just offering judgment?

Greed covered by nobility

A woman lovingly anointed Jesus’s feet, but the disciples masked their greed with noble-sounding criticism over the cost (Mark 14). When have you used virtue to disguise self-interest?

Awesome labels?

 

The disciples used labels like “leper” (Mark 14) to categorize people, but Jesus challenged those labels—calling His followers to see the person behind them. Oddly, we still use terms like “the harlot” or “the doubter,” do describe biblical characters. What labels keep you from seeing people as people?

Stop the Story

 Jesus's revolutionary act of engaging conversation with a Samaritan woman resulted in a city-wide revival (John 4). How might God's kingdom be promoted if the church followed Jesus's example of receiving and empowering those our society shuns?

If you must perform good works...

Christians reconcile James and Paul by understanding that true faith produces good works (James 2, Eph 2). Yet today, “works” are often reduced to worship, recruitment, or politics—far from James’ call to care for those in need. So, how does your faith show up in action?

 

Prove me wrong, or just eat cookies

 Christians seem to take great pride and pleasure in scoring verbal 'wins' and in 'owning' their competition. When give the same opportunity, Paul refuses to engage in debate and instead supports another preacher who seems to be gaining in popularity (1 Co 3:1-9).  Do you look for 'spiritual fights' or do you follow Jesus's example of seeking peace?

Demoniz-er

Christians seem to 'demonize' each other even though we know that God loves all of us the same way and to the same degree (Titus 2:11). Who do you find yourself 'demonizing' or condemning as excluded from God's love?

 

Shopping for the gospel of your dreams

 

Although we all talk about the 'Good News' or 'gospel' (2 Thes 2:14), it seems like Christians define the gospel as a political affiliation, a set of beliefs, or even a theological position. We all point to the grace afforded us by Jesus Christ, but is it more than just a 'fire escape/' Could the gospel be more than we ever thought it could be? What do you believe the gospel is?

Don't offend Hank

Jesus warned that causing harm to “little ones” who believe in Him, whether children (Matthew 18) or the vulnerable (Luke 17), would bring severe judgment, worse than drowning with a millstone. Maybe Christians should take care not to offend anyone through words, actions, or systemic behavior.