I don’t typically think of tension as a good thing. The stress of life, throbbing headaches, tight shoulders, difficult meetings, and arguments at home are not my favorite experiences. However, I was recently reminded again that tension is quite important as we teach our people the Bible.
Married life was typical. It was filled with good times and hard times as the challenges of family set in. He was very open about seeking help and exploring new support groups, and so I thought he was progressing. So it came as a complete shock when he said, “There's something I need to talk to you about. Yesterday I did something really bad.”
In the midst of life it’s a constant battle to trust the Bible and build on it and hold to it. Worldly wisdom often contradicts the Bible and pushes us to not trust Scripture. Advice from wise friends and family can sometimes contradict the Bible and push us to not trust Scripture.
We’re preaching through Hosea at our church, and studying it mid-week in our Bible studies and youth groups. My group and I grappled with Hosea 6:6. In the NIV it reads “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings”.
This week: public acknowledgement of media bias against those who don't want marriage redefined; what to say to your spouse when you have nothing nice to say; the advantages of consecutive expository preaching; the intolerance of tolerance.
When the group begins, you and your group members are motivated and keen to make it an excellent year together. This moment is like when you’re about to catch a wave at the beach—if you swim hard just as it’s breaking, you can catch that energy and ride that wave.
I talk easily about my family, my hobbies and my job, but I’m often mute when I have an opportunity to share the gospel.
Once your evangelistic course is over, what happens next?
Unless we are very deliberate and diligent, evangelism will almost always ‘fall of the table’ when push comes to shove in church (or Christian group) practice.
La meta con este estilo de lectura bíblica es de promover la participación de todos.