As we have seen, Jesus had provided some critical information to help combat the disciples’ confusion as to what comes next after the tumultuous days of the Cross, the Resurrection, and the Ascension. And, ultimately, the awaited empowering brought a sense of direction amidst a Pentecost celebration like no other. The promise of “You shall
Month: February 2016
What is the Church? – Part 4
There are three moments among Jesus’ final days with His disciples that we would call formative for the Church. Without these, the initial confusion among the disciples as to what to do might have continued to this day, or more likely derailed the mission from the outset and led to horrid failure. The first, at
What is the Church? – Part 3
Our titled question stirs something in me. If we could somehow begin to grasp the potential…heaven’s intent for the Church… A quick glimpse of the analogies used in the Bible to describe the Church reveals amazing insights into that potential. Jesus, himself, started the conversation by insisting that the “gates of hell” would be unable
What is the Church – Part 2
So how did Jesus original band of followers turn their uncertainty into a world-changing movement? Some years ago, I had the opportunity to “tour” the battlefield at Yorktown–the site where American revolutionaries secured Cornwallis’ surrender and the autonomy America enjoys to this day. I use the term “tour” quite loosely for the site is little
What is the Church? – Part 1
One may walk into Sunday’s vast auditoriums or quaint country chapels and feel a connection to centuries of those before us who’ve given themselves in worship to God. Indeed, it’s truly extraordinary to see how the kingdom of a single historical leader from a simple moment in time has exploded in worldwide reality, spanning hundreds of generations
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