Offenses come

Jesus warned that offenses are inevitable (Luke 17), and as sinners, we both cause and endure them. As Christians, we must reflect on how our words, actions, and systems may harm others—especially the vulnerable. How do you protect the “little ones” from stumbling through your influence

Protected?

 Like many modern Christians, the ancient Israelites became convinced that God was obligated to provide divine protection. (Ez 22:1-12). Just as Ezekiel warned Israel that they could not manipulate God, we should remember that God may also require an accounting from the Church. How are living out Christ's commands to love God and to love your neighbor?

Rating our mental gymnastics

 In spite of Jesus's clear warning to the rich that they are already reaping their rewards and should not expect to have rewards in Heaven (Luke 6), Western Christians expend great effort to dilute the warnings of Jesus and to advocate the wealthy in their congregations (James 5). How do reconcile your wealth with these warnings?

Uncle Sam has an ugly bit of nationalism showing

God condemned Jehu for his excessive violence in defending his nation (Hosea 1). Christian Nationalism and other movements that falsely claim Christ while inciting or enacting violence on 'others' betrays the name, message, and cause of Christ. #Christians Against Christian Nationalism

Is God still working on you?

In Revelation 21, God creates again. Throughout Scripture, God is always doing something new—often when least expected. How is God creating something new in you? Have you stopped growing and become proud of never changing?
 

Still Room at the Table

 Jesus told a parable about a feast with no guests (Luke 14). In the parable, the host is disgusted by the way his invitation is disregarded that he uninvites them and extends an invitation to those with the least social standing and power. We might notice that even after opening the table to everyone, there was still room for more. Who would not want at your table that Jesus would still invite?

The great repentance performer

 The Apostle Paul declared that God was now calling everyone, from every place to repent. However, Paul's sermon didn't focus on new restrictions or actions. Instead, Paul pointed to the love of Christ, and how we are now called to emulate that love (Acts 17). How do you demonstrate the love of Christ?

Are you?

 

Many have commented on how quickly the Palm Sunday (Luke 19) crowd turned on Jesus, but maybe their turning was no different from our willingness to reject Jesus's teachings and instead adopt a mob mentality that demeans empathy, charity, and understanding. Are you willing to live like Jesus for Jesus?  

Awesome's Treasures

 When the Israelites entered the promised land they found an abundance of food (Josh 5). This provision reminds us of the grace God extends to us through Jesus Christ (Eph 2). Perhaps we should consider how much has been given to us and how having received gifts, we should give to others (Matt 8).

Respectable Sins

 Jesus corrected a group that believed their countrymen were punished by God because they died horrible deaths (Luke 13). Jesus often warned us against believing our sins are less offensive than those around us, and later James reminds us of this truth (James 2:10). Which of your sins do feel proud to own, or consider 'respectable?'

Fear and Darkness

 When God made a covenant with Abraham, the Bible describes a "horror of great darkness" falling on him (Gen 15). During this time of fear and darkness, the covenant of blessing was established. Where can you find hope in your time of fear and darkness?

Looking Back

 The story of Joseph seems to show God using evil and hurtful actions to accomplish His ultimate goal (Gen 45).  It's great when we can look back at hard times in our lives and see God's hand, but it isn't a justification to hurt others.

Team Awesome requirements

 Jesus chose 12 men to serve as apostles (Luke 6:13), but among those not chosen were many people who followed Jesus and contributed greatly to His story. If you feel rejected, you are in good company and are still an important part of the story. 

What would Jesus do with a Jehu bracelet?

 While Christians seek to be 'Christlike' or to live out Christ's teachings, we might find ourselves redefining Christ to make our actions more seem legitimate or 'good.' 1 Peter 2

Would Jehu let you read that?

 Which Bible character do you emulate?

Big Guy...Big Jacket

Nehemiah 8 tells of a spontaneous celebration following the finding and reading of God's Law. One of the unique features of this party is that those who had provisions gladly shared with those who did not. Do you rejoice when others receive sustenance, or do you declare those gifts are unfair and unearned?

 

Big Guy and the Baptistry

 When Jesus was baptized, God testified who Jesus was (His Son - Luke 3), and so Christian baptism provides an opportunity for the candidate to say who Jesus is and state their faith in Christ. While this is a beautiful picture of Christ's work in us, it is only the beginning. Saved by faith through grace, Christians are now called to live out the gospel in our communities by demonstrating the love and care of Jesus.

Jesus GPS

 The universal nature of the gospel was demonstrated when wise men came from the East to worship Jesus (Matthew 2).  While they were not part of the national, ethnic, or religious backgrounds associated with Jesus or His family, they learned of His coming and how to find Him by following the light of a star. Are you a light that demonstrates the love of Christ and draws strangers to Jesus?

Christmas of Me

This Christmas season, it might be easy to see our friends and family make the holidays all about themselves. But all of us tend to tend to rewrite Christ's story (Luke 2) in ways that support our political or social views. We may even do this without realizing it. How do your presuppositions tailor Christ's life and teachings to better support your own views on society and politics?

Turkey Time 2024

Christians use Bible verses like Rev 1:6 to act claim ownership of lands they 'conqueror' forgetting that the Christ they are trying to follow taught us not to love this world's riches more than the souls we encounter. While we might see the cracks and faults of the holiday we call Thanksgiving, we might also consider this a time to show gratitude and seek forgiveness for our sins.