Text: Romans 8:28 | Listen to Message One of the most common questions in pastoral counseling (a.k.a. friendship) goes something like this: If God is so good, then why did he allow this bad thing in my life? As soon as the question is asked, many Christians act as if they’ve said something wrong – almost blasphemous – and they try to backtrack. I mean, I know this is actually good but I just don’t understand how. It sure seems bad. And it hurts. Let be clear: bad is bad, and good is good, and we don’t have to pretend like...
Text: Matthew 18:20 | Listen to Message Jesus told his disciples, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst.” If ever there were a promise to be claimed by every poorly-attended prayer meeting, small group, and Christian marriage, this would be the one! Jesus is right here with us, amen? It’s commendable that we want a God who’s near, and not far off, whenever we gather in his name. But is that what this verse is really saying? Think about this: What are you unintentionally saying about one believer praying alone, whether by choice...
Text: Jeremiah 29:11 | Listen to Message Got a Christian friend graduating from college, getting married, or interviewing for a new job? Then you’ve probably seen this verse dropped into a greeting card, email, or social media meme, wishing them well: I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Let me make three quick observations about this verse: One, we read this as if the “you” here is us. Two, the health and wealth, “prosperity gospel” interpretation of this verse simply doesn’t hold...
Text: Proverbs 29:18 | Listen to Message It’s a popular verse at pastor’s conferences around the globe: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” It’s a little melodramatic, right? Pastors, if you don’t cast vision for your churches, people are literally going to die! Well, no, they’re not. But leaders love making sensational claims that sell books and that sell out conferences. Even if it means taking the Bible out of context. Now, I’m not against vision; I’m all for it. I’m a big believer in leaders setting the vision for the people and organizations they lead. People need a...
