Apprentice 2 Jesus

Culture

  • Please Try Another Religion

    Following Christ is not the cream puff, cotton candy, all sugar stuff we’ve seen promoted in our current culture. It is not about just “hangin’” with the “crew” (or whatever slang is being used in this 24 hour period). Following Christ is not a hangout. He is LIFE. He does not lie to you about… Read more

  • We Are Consumed on Ourselves

    20 “The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved.” 21 Since my people are crushed, I am crushed; I mourn, and horror grips me. 22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people? (Jer. 8:20-22, NIV) I have… Read more

  • Being Prepared to Lose

    I was asked yesterday about the church and influencing society and culture. When will the church be the “go to” place for a culture to come? When a society is failing and they are looking for answers, when will the church be the place they turn? Having just finished the series on Daniel and knowing… Read more

  • Did You Hear the One About the Awful Waiter?

    If we’re going to beat up on how awful Christians are for bad tipping, which is why half of America is not Christian, by the way, is there not a case to be for awful service? Let me tell you about a couple of THOSE incidents…. Just kidding. You know why? Because I’ve never had… Read more

  • You’ve Heard the One About the Bad Tipper

    Okay, ENOUGH ALREADY! We’ve heard time and TIME AGAIN about the waitress at Applebee’s that posted the receipt from a pastor. The receipt had a note that said, “I give God 10%. Why should you get 18?” Bad Christian! BAD CHRISTIAN! Then, the blogs and comments on blogs, and comments on Facebook fly: “See? This… Read more

  • Blessing Those With Whom We Disagree

    I butchered that title somehow, so I can’t wait to have the English major jump in and correct me. 😉 The series I have been preaching on Daniel has been incredibly challenging. The continuing thought through this whole study has been how to live in blessing toward those who are “enemies.” Walter Brueggemann preached a message on… Read more

  • Bible Reading and Bible Living

    A new Barna poll is out regarding “Bible Minded Cities.” My own metropolitan area (the Twin Cities) ranks 81. That’s not very high, if you’re keeping score. In Lutheran land, where people don’t actually carry Bibles because they’re in the pews at church, is this really “surprising?” What is the great mystery, of course, is… Read more

  • Roe

    Today is the 40th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. A decision that came on the end of over a decade of intense upheaval in our nation as we battled over civil rights, the Vietnam War, and crooked politicians. It has been an ongoing symbol of division that in many ways was a capstone… Read more

  • MLK.2

    This is an excerpt from a sermon of Dr. King’s. You can find the full transcript HERE. But I have a message that I would like to leave with Alabama this evening. (Tell it) That is exactly what we don’t want, and we will not allow it to happen, (Yes, sir) for we know that… Read more

  • Inauguration

    This prayer for the president is a good one, and one I am praying this morning. We pray at the urging of Scripture: I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and… Read more