Rating our mental gymnastics

 In spite of Jesus's clear warning to the rich that they are already reaping their rewards and should not expect to have rewards in Heaven (Luke 6), Western Christians expend great effort to dilute the warnings of Jesus and to advocate the wealthy in their congregations (James 5). How do reconcile your wealth with these warnings?

High Steppin

 Christians have long received hope from passages like Luke 6:17-26. Perhaps we should be reading the passage as an indictment on our self-interest driven lives instead of as a secret password for entering paradise. What do you want to be doing when Jesus returns? Will you be loving in Word or deed (Jn 3)?

When will God fix 'them'

We all feel the pain of sin and cry out to God, “When will You act?” (Habakkuk 1). Yet Christians often disagree on which sins matter most, using vague language and overlooking systemic wrongs like racism, and laws that mistreat immigrants and children to starve. What sins do you long to see end—and are you willing to name the ones you or your institutions still commit, not just those you wouldn’t?

Get Over Here!

 Colossians 2:8 warns us of being taken, like spoil by the world's way of thinking, instead of following the teachings of Jesus Christ. Many Christians believe that they have not been taken captive by the world's way of thinking, but still hate their neighbors, block aid to the poor, and fail to care for the immigrant. In what ways have you come to adopt worldly thinking instead of clinging to the teachings of Christ?

THOSE PEOPLE...

 Jesus urged His followers to show unusual courage when it comes to dealing with people (Matt 10:28). Are there groups of people you fear? Do you find yourself shying away from certain people groups? How can trust God to care for you when you are confronted with a representative from a group you fear?

Big Guy to the rescue - maybe?

 In Luke 13:34-35 Jesus relates His love for Jerusalem, even though the city had a history of killing God's prophets. The statement is even more striking when we consider that Jesus knew that he too would soon be killed by the political and religious leaders of the city. How do you respond to your enemies?

Breaking News - I want attention

 When feeling helpless during difficult times, we often look for 'signs' of a great change. We cling to hope based on unique interpretations of current events and passages like Luke 21 to foster a belief that we will soon be saved. Maybe if we spent less time trying to interpret the news, we would have more time to look for ways to be Jesus to those around us. How do you spend your "Jesus" time?

Uncle Sam has an ugly bit of nationalism showing

God condemned Jehu for his excessive violence in defending his nation (Hosea 1). Christian Nationalism and other movements that falsely claim Christ while inciting or enacting violence on 'others' betrays the name, message, and cause of Christ. #Christians Against Christian Nationalism

Is God still working on you?

In Revelation 21, God creates again. Throughout Scripture, God is always doing something new—often when least expected. How is God creating something new in you? Have you stopped growing and become proud of never changing?
 

Jesus makes the unseen seen

When the disciples argued over who was to be the greatest, Jesus pointed to the one least likely to be heard, thought of, or even seen (Luke 9). By pointing to the most powerless, Jesus made the unseen seen, and reminded us all that the path to greatness is actually found in humility. Who do you ignore? Could they be the greatest among you?

Still Room at the Table

 Jesus told a parable about a feast with no guests (Luke 14). In the parable, the host is disgusted by the way his invitation is disregarded that he uninvites them and extends an invitation to those with the least social standing and power. We might notice that even after opening the table to everyone, there was still room for more. Who would not want at your table that Jesus would still invite?

Pastor Awesome's Cardboard Pentacost

 Jesus promised His disciples that they would do greater works than Jesus Himself (John 14). Rather than thinking of impressive miracles, we might remember that the Spirit Jesus demonstrated was love and care for others. How does the Holy Spirit work through you to demonstrate even greater love than Jesus?

The great repentance performer

 The Apostle Paul declared that God was now calling everyone, from every place to repent. However, Paul's sermon didn't focus on new restrictions or actions. Instead, Paul pointed to the love of Christ, and how we are now called to emulate that love (Acts 17). How do you demonstrate the love of Christ?

Who needs the Holy Spirit?

 After spending three years listening to the teaching of Jesus Christ, the disciples were still not ready to begin ministry. While they may (or may not) have gained a greater understanding of scripture and its application, they still lacked the guidance and direction of God's Holy Spirit (Luke 24). When have you leaned on your head-knowledge without consulting God's Spirit?

Memorial Day 2025...More to say?

 Each year the United States of America sets aside a day to remember those who sacrifice their lives for us. Their selfless example also points us to Jesus Christ, who also gave His life for us. How are we giving our lives to help others? John 15:13

Sinners in the Temple of God

In Luke 15 Jesus tells of three lost things. His audience was filled with 'sinners' who likely felt lost themselves, because of their exclusion from Temple life. Jesus's parables make it clear that the religious leaders were actually the ones who were not only lost but were stubbornly remaining lost. Are the people you think of as 'lost' as lost as you are?

 

Aftershame

 Jesus confronted those who opposed His healing on the Sabbath day and left them feeling ashamed (Luke 13). Although the Church has caused a lot of harm by using guilt as a weapon, guilt does serve a purpose. When you feel guilty, it might be an opportunity to either repent, or to better understand where the guilt is really coming from and learn to move past it.

Awesome Sword of Fire

 

Christians have used Christ's teaching from Luke 12 to maliciously defend attacks on non-Christians. By skewing what Jesus tells us is inevitable to say that these divisions are desirable, we miss Christ's central teachings on humility and self-sacrifice. Do you create divisions to serve others and defend the persecuted, or do you divide by persecuting others?

How much doubt can one cartoon panel hold?

Sometimes we confuse faith in God with a complete lack of doubt. But many faithful Christians have found that expressing their doubts has given them the opportunity to expand their faith. Maybe this is what Thomas experienced when he met the resurrected Christ (John 20).  

Honest Doubt

Jesus provided Thomas the visual and tangible proof he needed to find faith in the resurrection (John 20).  While Jesus doesn't commend the Thomas' doubts, he still uses this doubt as a doorway to increase Thomas' faith. Tradition tells us that Thomas' life after the encounter demonstrated unyielding faith and commitment. How has doubt increased your faith?