Apprentice 2 Jesus

Translations

  • James 2:1 in the CEB and the NRSV

    I looked at James 2:1 in the Common English Bible and found it to be interesting because the phrase “deny the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ” was not in the NIV or ESV. Is the connotation there? If we are showing favoritism, are we denying the faithfulness of Christ? My brothers and sisters, when you… Read more

  • Comparison of CEB on James 2:1

    Here is James 2:1 in the CEB: 1 My brothers and sisters, when you show favoritism you deny the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has been resurrected in glory. The NIV: 1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. The ESV: 1 My brothers,[a] show no partiality as you… Read more

  • Repetition is Necessary

    In a “been there, done that” world, one of the great habits of the Christian life (and the Church world) is to go back over something. We’re not very good at it, but the habit is built in. In the tradition of the Church world going back centuries there is the repetition of the Lectionary… Read more

  • The Walk of Maturity

    It is so hard to grasp that all truly is ours in Christ. It is learning to realize WE may be lacking, but in Christ we need not lack a thing. We can ASK. (Again I think of Dallas Willard: “The nature of the Kingdom is to ask.”) 2 Peter 1:3-11 is a marvelous passage… Read more

  • Grace, Effort, and Earning

    When I read 2 Peter 1:3-11 I am drawn into the magnificence of God’s character. I am crushed in my own shortcomings, but overwhelmingly I am still blown away by the possibilities of this life in Christ. I always think of Dallas Willard’s quote when I read this passage: Grace isn’t opposed to effort. It’s opposed… Read more

  • All is Ours

    Having the understanding that “all is ours” in Christ needs to be held in balance with the understanding that it is not a life free of obstacles. In fact, the obstacles test that understanding that “all is ours.” Our faith (given to us by Christ, not earned) is then revealed as precious gold. That balance… Read more

  • Anxiety is Spiritual Warfare

    7 Throw all your anxiety onto him, because he cares about you. 8 Be clearheaded. Keep alert. Your accuser, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:7-8, CEB) Anxiety confuses our thinking. We create “what if” scenarios, along with “If only” scenarios. When that happens, the enemy roars. He… Read more

  • Long Haul Christianity

    James 1:2-4 brings us a picture of faith that does not shy away from trials. We don’t go looking for trials, but we also need to understand that trials are not necessarily fearful. Trials produce the ability to stand the test of time. With that comes maturity. Maturity is understand that all we have in… Read more

  • It is a Tough Thing to Understand Authority

    5 In the same way, I urge you who are younger: accept the authority of the elders. And everyone, clothe yourselves with humility toward each other. God stands against the proud, but he gives favor to the humble. 6 Therefore, humble yourselves under God’s power so that he may raise you up in the last… Read more

  • Leading and Pastoring

    There will always be the call to LEAD. It is not a matter of saying it’s either you pastor or you lead. But it is painfully clear that we are putting leadership on steroids these days in our cultural churches. Pastors MUST lead. But in the church, and in being the pastor (or whatever you… Read more