[I am late posting the discussion starters this week because I am not in a good location for access to the Internet. Apologies to Joyce Griffith and to our readers. Maurice Ashton] “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You;” Does that sound like an insurmountable challenge? Yes, … Continue reading –>
Unified, one and all. Aren’t you glad you grew up in a home and always worshiped in a church where all was peace and harmony? Where everybody agreed with everybody else? You didn’t? You’ve witnessed arguments and disagreements at church and at home? You’ve heard criticism of the way your church–local, regional, national or worldwide–operates? … Continue reading –>
Count the stars. Imagine how Abraham felt when God told him about the number of people in his inheritance. “Count the stars,” God said. Back then, with far less to block the view from earth to sky, the sky was the setting for billions and billions of heavenly bodies. Abraham was to be a key player the … Continue reading –>
Journey to Rome. Paul, overflowing with God’s love to his Christian friends in Rome now faces the consequences of being arrested in Jerusalem and living under Roman custody. Not what he wanted, was it? Then he hears these words in vision, “Do not be afraid. You must stand before Caesar.” Caesar? “I’m going to Rome after … Continue reading –>
Before Felix. Imagine you are Paul, called to face an attorney hired by people who don’t like anything you’ve been doing. In short, they hate you. The attorney, Tertullus, is also a Roman governor and is the first to take your case to make you appear to be in obvious violation of customs in Caesarea. Imagine … Continue reading –>
What to do with those Gentiles. Do we ever disagree as a church about issues that confront us today? Or are we in total agreement about topics such as the ordination of women, the wearing of jewelry, Sabbath observance, diet, appropriate dress, and modern music in the church service? How did feelings–and beliefs–about Gentiles threaten … Continue reading –>
Part 1 Back in Lystra “Keep on speaking. Do not be silent” How many times have you been admonished like that? Or are you more likely to receive–or hear others receive–messages to “stop talking so much” or “be quiet”? Are Paul and Barnabas angry with each other? Why couldn’t Paul agree with Barnabas to take his cousin Mark with him … Continue reading –>
What group of early Christians arrived on the scene in Antioch and caused immediate problems in the early church? Where did they come from? Were they circumcised or not? Do you think they were just Pharisees who accepted Christ or did they have some other religious background as well? True or false: Paul, being the strong … Continue reading –>
The first missionary. The resurrection of Jesus is still a recent memory, but early Christians of Jewish background were rapidly joining Gentile Christians to establish a worldwide mission. What is most amazing about the zeal of our early Christian ancestors? Imagine listening in on an early Christian who is excited about answering the call. What was … Continue reading –>
First Paul, now Peter. Peter loved Jesus all of his career, didn’t he? Well…What about the scene when Peter announced, “I do not know Him”? Why do you think this incident is featured in the Bible by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John? What qualifies “Peter the betrayer” to be remembered as a faithful believer and follower of Jesus? Should that experience … Continue reading –>
