John

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A Thunderclap and a Thin Silence

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Early in his letter James teaches Christians how important it is to suffer well. But the question remains: how do I become the type of person who suffers well? This morning we consider the contemplative spiritual practice of listening. Do you even recognize the voice of God in your life? Are you listening for it? And when you hear it, do you have the courage to follow his voice?

One Flock Following One Shepherd

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How do we understand the church in a post-pandemic world? The Bible offers a series of metaphors to describe the church’s role in the world. This morning we examine Jesus’ description of a shepherd and his flock. “I am the good shepherd,” Jesus claims. “The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.” How does the description of a shepherd and his sheep color our role and calling in our world?

Marinating Prayer

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Spiritual practices are gifts God gives us that help us to know him better and become more like him. This morning we spend some time thinking about prayer. Jesus teaches us, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you.” (John 15:7) But we have all asked God for things and not gotten them. What did Jesus mean? What is the true purpose of prayer? And how can we pray better?

The Week After Easter

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The week after Jesus rose from the dead his followers were in disbelief. Some had seen him, but most hadn’t. They were tentative. Afraid. Unsure what to think. Thomas famously insisted, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.”

“Doubting Thomas” often gets a bad rap, but don’t we often feel the same way? When we have to see something to believe it, what happens when Jesus shows up? Can doubt and belief coexist?