“’He sitteth on the right hand of God the Father’—the summit has been reached, the perfect tenses lie behind us and we enter the realm of the present. That is what we have to say of our time—that is the first and the last thing that matters for our existence in time. At its basis… Read more »

Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 3:16-21), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion… [16] This most familiar verse could (should?) be translated, “God thus [or in this way] loved the world, that he gave his only Son…” In other words, this is what the love of… Read more »

Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 3:1-15), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion… [1-4] Nicodemus has put Jesus into a manageable category: “teacher.” A teacher is someone who helps you to do something; a savior is someone who does something for you. Have you… Read more »

Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 2:23-25), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion… [23] Biblically, “to believe” and “to trust” are the same thing (Greek, pisteuō). Faith or trust is “confident dependence upon another for your good,” a personal-relational concept. Many believed/trusted in Jesus… Read more »

Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 2:13-22), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion… Jesus brings distorted religion to a violent end. How is Jesus’—and therefore God’s—righteous anger actually a feature of his love? What are some examples from the Bible and/or your life where love… Read more »

Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 2:1-11), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion… The bridegroom is unable to provide what’s necessary to keep his party going (3a). Jesus’ mother subtly tries to boss him around (3b). The master of the feast is cynical about human nature… Read more »

Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Psalm 67), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion… [1] Read Numbers 6:22-27. This is not a prayer for generic blessing, but a priestly prayer for the blessing of a special relationship with God. (Ultimately, in his role as our… Read more »