A Simple Word for Complex People

When Jesus was 12 years old, two things happened that were instructive for us: He chose to go deeper in his faith, rather than just attend the ceremonies; and the teachers with whom He sat listened to Him. Let's talk about it!

We've bought in to a big lie, but it's not the one the media references. It's the lie that says we're not enough, and we need something someone else is selling to measure up to the world's yardstick. Jesus confronts us with the truth -- we're already beautifully and perfectly made. Let's talk about it! 

Malachi understood that God wanted to be appeased. Jesus understood that God wanted relationship. Jesus appeased God, so we could forever relate to God, and in so doing, experience a lasting peace that extends beyond the holiday season. Let's talk about it!

We have lost our common ground, and that's creating a world that is increasingly divided. That divide is fueled by simplistic thinking that reduces complex issues to slogans and bumper stickers. Our source of hope is found in the complexities of life, and the God who remains with us through all of it. Let's talk about it!

This Sunday is "Christ the King" Sunday -- our regular reminder that our proclamation of Jesus as Lord means something, especially in a world full of people and institutions jockeying to command our attention and loyalty. Let's talk about it!

Hannah prayed fervently for a son she planned to surrender. Praying for something you value too much to possess -- those are drunk prayers. They are prayers so fervent they are not constrained by your condition or circumstances. Drunk prayers are reserved for those who want to fulfill their calling. Let's talk about it!

This is a scripture lesson that often gets used to talk about the amount of money a person gives to the church. But this text isn't really about money ... it's about priorities. Let's talk about it!

Naomi was grieving hard, and Ruth walked with her in that grief. Cultural norms at the time would have required that Ruth and Naomi dislike each other. But Ruth refused to let those rules keep her from supporting her mother-in-law, and as a result of her selflessness, the world was changed. Let's talk about it!

Why do good people suffer? Why is there so much pain in the world. Well, the Bible doesn't tell us why, so much as it does how we ought to respond in seasons of struggle. Let's talk about it!

The young man asked, "What must I DO to inherit eternal life." Jesus told the disciples, in essence, "If God has handled it, it's no longer your responsibility." Let's talk about it!