Digging Deeper
The Training Ministry of Jesus
I (Steve Kinnard) teach at the Rocky Mountain School of Ministry and Theology. Not only do I teach there, but I also learn from my students. One of my students, Don Downs, turned in an excellent contribution about the ministry of Jesus training his disciples in Galilee. I asked for his permission to share his article with all of you, and he graciously gave me permission. Here is Don's article:
A Tour Through John
Every since 2008, we've had a special series designed to propel us into a spiritual new year. These are audio lessons with notes that are designed to be used for personal quiet times. The 2018 series entitled "A Tour Through John" takes a 50-day journey through the book of John as well as 1-3 John. The units average about 20 minutes, just right if you have to go to work early, or want to listen as you commute (each lesson can be downloaded).
Lessons from Elijah
The Indianapolis Church of Christ recently completed a three-part series entitled "Lessons from Elijah." Each class is approximately 50 minutes with the first two classes containing a downloadable handout.
When a life event triggers Elijah's emotions, what was his journey and how did God restore him? "Elijah was a man just like us." --James 5:17
When You Give to the Needy
A Study Of Matthew 6
Introduction:
We find ourselves at the beginning of the holiday season. First we commemorate Thanksgiving, where we focus on our blessings. Then we celebrate Christmas, where we rejoice that God sent his Son into the world. During this season of the year, our minds are often drawn to people who are less fortunate than us. That's a good thing. But, as disciples of Jesus, healing the hurts of people ought not be a seasonal activity. It ought to be a daily mindset.
Covenant Relationship Series on Video
Proverbs 18:24 states, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
Life is better with friends. We all need relationships, and we long to be known within a safe framework of one or more close relationships. Yet many of us are settling for less. We may be surrounded by a relationships within our church community, our immediate and extended family, our work environment, or social network. But loneliness can occur even in the midst of being "connected" to hundreds and even thousands of people.
Right or Righteous?
Editor’s note: This article has impacted my own walk with God as much as any other. As editor, I first published it in the Boston Church of Christ Bulletin and in Discipleship Magazine in 1991. DPI also published it in The Revised Disciple's Handbook. The challenge remains: Am I more into being right or righteous?
Who Should Be a Christian Teacher?
I have been serving as a teacher in one role or another for more than 30 years. It is my career, as a professor of chemistry and physics, and it is my vocation as well, as a teacher for churches. I have taught the hard sciences as several universities and colleges, as well as teaching for more than 150 churches in more than 70 countries.
One of my passions is to help to raise up teachers who can take on the unending task of helping both the saved and the lost to come to understand the Christian gospel. In my travels and in my efforts to mentor teachers around the world, I have made a number of observations, both positive and negative, of what makes for an academically and spiritually well-qualified teacher which I would like to share. I will make these comments, more or less in order as to relative importance as I see it.
Is Muhammad Prophesied in the Bible?
I watched a video by a Muslim apologist. He claims that the Comforter mentioned in John 14 is Muhammad, and that he is also mentioned in Song of Solomon 5. How should I respond? -- David
The short answer: the Comforter to come in John is the Spirit, not the prophet Muhammad. This is clear when we read the passage in its entirety -- to understand it in context. Anyone can pluck out a few words that seem to relate to one subject, while in fact they have nothing to do with it. So let's zero in on the passage in question. At the end of his ministry, several years of working with his disciples, Jesus said:
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate [or Counselor: Greek paráklētos], the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" (John 14:25-26).
Church History: Why?
This blog leads into a class I'm teaching on church history with the New York School Of Mission on January 13-14. These will be short readings that will prepare us for the class. If you aren't participating in the class, I believe you will still benefit from this series of blogs.
Let's begin with the question that lies behind our motivation--WHY? Why study church history? Here are a few reasons that any disciple (especially those who want to serve in the full-time ministry) should be a student of church history.
Life Changing Worship Bible Word Study: "Patsach"
"Patsach" is a powerful Bible word, describing in a very animated way, how our expression of worship to God ought to be! Dave Eastman brings it to life for us by looking at a natural phenomena in the South Pacific.