Creative Space for Wanderers
The NIV translation of Romans 12:13 is quite appealing: Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. I love the idea that we are to practice hospitality. Years ago, I wanted to publish a magazine with the title, Practicing Parents. I kept the domain name for years, but alas, I never followed …
Read 2 John The book of Second John contains a mere 13 verses as labeled by those who divided the Bible neatly for us around 500 years ago. This short epistle manages to expose some controversy for some in the church these days. I’m not going to try to stir the pot intentionally. Instead, I …
Read 1 John 5:5-12 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Have you ever considered the idea that you should overcome the world? In just a few verses, John plants the seed that we can move beyond worldly vices and issues. Perhaps that’s …
Read 1 John 4:7-21 We frequently hear reference to the “love chapter” as 1 Corinthians 13. This may be true, but after re-reading this passage, we might think differently about this assertion. The overwhelming theme of John’s thoughts here is love. Here are some phrases that grab my attention in today’s reading: God is love. …
Continue reading “1John: Whoever Does Not Love Does Not Know God”
Read 1 John 1:5-2:2 John set the stage in the preamble to his brief letter; now he dives right into the problem of sin. While the topic is undoubtedly timeless, it is essential to consider those who would be reading this letter in the first century. Their view of God is probably a lot different …
Continue reading “1John: Light, Darkness, Sin, and Forgiveness”
Read John 21:15-25 Breakfast on the beach with Jesus continues from the previous story. The early morning fishing expedition that seemed like a rout turned out to be fantastic because of Jesus. That shouldn’t be surprising. When Jesus is in the middle of anything we do, we should expect amazing results. This time is no different. …
Read John 20:1-10 The pain of the events leading up to the mock trial, the insanity of Jewish leaders and the crowd they mustered, Pilate’s capitulation, and the soldier’s mechanical actions that led to the death of their beloved. Three years went by in a flash. Now He was dead and buried. Early on the …
Read John 19:16-42 If you think my previous post regarding Pilate’s problem exonerated his actions, make sure you read the first part of this passage carefully. 19Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place …
Read John 16:16-33 The disciples still don’t quite understand what Jesus is telling them. While they have faith that one day it will all make sense, at this point in the story they are following without knowing what will come next. Jesus explains that He will go away and come back in “a little while.” …
Read John 16:4-15 In the previous post, we made a special note about the timing of the message. Jesus waited until the time was right to tell the Eleven this important revelation. The disciples have to know something significant is going on. We don’t have such caveats elsewhere. I have told you this, so that …
Continue reading “John: Unless I Go, the Advocate Will Not Come”