Apprentice 2 Jesus

Lent

  • The Grace of God Appears

    Part of the reading today was Titus 2. The last part of the chapter refers to the grace of God appearing. He offers salvation to all people. The power of grace is that we learn to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions. Grace, ironically, disciplines us to live self-controlled lives. Lent isn’t about making… Read more

  • Lent Isn’t Just “Giving Up”

    Growing up and not celebrating Lent I had the impression it was a time where Catholics gave up meat or sweets. They could live like the world every other time of the year, but for Lent they had to “give up” something. It was just about the “giving up.” The more I’ve grown in disciplines… Read more

  • Ash Wednesday — Psalm 32

    This is a journey of examination. Psalm 32 starts the journey with tough questions.Without acknowledging sin in my own life I cannot move forward. The journey must begin with confession. The journey is one that is led of the Spirit. Our Scripture for Sunday focuses on Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness.… Read more

  • Purposes of Lent

    In The Liturgical Year by Joan Chittister, there are some helpful insights into the purposes of Lent. This year I want to be more purposeful in my walk through Lent and invite my church to do the same. There is something the Spirit is speaking to us as a body, and I desire for us… Read more

  • Triumph Through Tragedy

    We enter into Holy Week. The triumphal entry is celebrated today. The triumph only seems to be in the people shouting “Hosanna!” that day. Jesus is determined. He looks over the city and weeps (Luke 19:41). He enters the Temple courts and trashed the place (Luke 19:45). People are excited about his zeal, yet he… Read more

  • Reflections for Palm Sunday

    Michael Gorman makes some thought-provoking comments on Philippians 2:5-11. Incredible things to ponder. Some key thoughts: By neglecting the story and confession of Jesus as universal Lord, the Lord who rules as Suffering Servant, the church will substitute the universal Lord for a tribal deity and the Suffering Servant for a conquering king. Sadly, this… Read more

  • The Waste of Worship

    I preached this in this morning’s service. My thoughts come from the challenges of Simon Chan’s book, Liturgical Theology. I am deeply challenged right now in my thoughts concerning the Church and worship. Read more

  • The Wonder of the Cross

    It is about this time of year when a large part of the Church focuses on Lent that another part of the Church will cry out for more attention on the resurrection. The clamor is probably about the misconception of living in the cross without the power of the resurrection. I get that. I understand… Read more

  • Ash Wednesday

    It’s hard, as an evangelical and Pentecostal, to remember these important markers in the Christian calendar. Today, reflection begins for Lent. It is time to come aside with purpose to seek the Lord and prepare our hearts and lives for Resurrection Sunday. 6 Seek the LORD and live, or he will sweep through the house… Read more

  • Lenten Readings This site has a great layout to see all the readings that are possible for this Lenten season. Today’s epistle, Titus 2:1-15, is appropriate because it is part of my text for Sunday. Read more