Category Archives: Theological Reflections

Article on Roman Households

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Jesse

I’m preaching about household life this week – how the Bible’s rules for community (ethics) transformed an empire and  still transform us today.   I found a great little article by a guy named Michael  Kruse summarizing Roman Household life. … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog, Sermon, Theological Reflections | Leave a comment

How The Apostles Died

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Jesse

During Holy Week, we often focus on how Jesus died.  Here’s a reminder regarding how his disciples died.  Their death and sacrifice serves as a powerful testimony to the truth of the story of Jesus, for it is truly rare … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog, Feature, Theological Reflections | Comments Off

We Are Called To Be Easter People

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Jesse

Are you an Easter person?  Easter fell on March 31 this year.   But the season of Easter follows for the next fifty days. All of April and most of May are in of Easter this year.  If you are an … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog, Feature, Theological Reflections, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

DINNER and DISCUSSING “FLIGHT” and ADDICTION

Posted on February 16, 2013 by Jesse

NEXT MENS GROUP DON JUANS MARCH 21 6:00 PM Our next conversation is more than a month away – but you may just want to put it on your calendar.  We are going back to Don Juans – but we … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog, Outreach, Theological Reflections | Comments Off

Christmas Eve Message – The Good Shepherd

Posted on December 27, 2012 by Jesse

The Good Shepherd (Christmas Eve Message) Luke 15:1-7  NRS  Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.  And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog, Sermon, Theological Reflections | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off

Responding to the Tragedy in Newtown

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Jesse

Derek Maul has given offered some hopeful words in his blog entry. “First off, I need you to know that I do not want to write about Friday’s shooting in Connecticut. Instead, what I want to write about is Christmas, … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog, Feature, Theological Reflections, Uncategorized | Comments Off

Jesus Loves You

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Jesse

Jesus loves you. Jesus died on the cross for you.  Jesus loves you sacrificially. Jesus became fully human for you.  Jesus was born.  He grew up.  He had a family, friends, enemies, and a tough job.   He knows what … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog, Feature, Sermon, Theological Reflections | Comments Off

Don’t Let Unforgiveness Can Weigh You Downr

Posted on September 1, 2012 by Jesse

Back in seminary, I spent one January working as afull time hospital chaplain in Austin, Texas.  One day I met a woman I’ll call Esther.  Esther was well into her seventies.  She and her husband were both in the hospital.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog, Feature, Sermon, Theological Reflections | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off

A Thought About Education and the Bible

Posted on August 18, 2012 by Jesse

The Bible commands the education of children in Deuteronomy 5.   It has inspired literacy movements and educational missions all around the world because people who loved this book believed that what was in it would make all the difference in … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog, Feature, Sermon, Theological Reflections | Tagged , | 1 Comment

How Can I Resist Evil, Part 2.

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Jesse

(For Part 1,  click here.  Much of this is drawn from Nicky Gumble’s very accessible book, Questions of Life). So what is a Christian to do?  Ephesians chapter 6 offers great instruction.  First, there’s the belt of truth (v14).  Get to … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog, Theological Reflections | Comments Off