August 15 – Common Ground

We are running around making ourselves outcasts in our attempts to change a culture we do not understand when we should be students of that culture seeking out redemptive analogies, common ground, we can find to point people to Christ.

To See Jesus

Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus. (John 12:20-22) Read: Job 34:1 – 36:33, 2 Corinthians 4:1-12, Psalm 44:1-8, Proverbs 22:10-12 Relate: Sometimes, it is subtle…

John 4:35-36 (Ready)

You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! (John 4:35-36) Read: Judges 1:1 –…

John 4:16-18 (5 Husbands)

Originally posted 3/20/14 “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband – for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!” (John 4:16-18) Read: Deuteronomy 29:2 – 31:29 Relate: What…

Echoing Jesus (John 1:46)

“Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” “Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied. Daily Bible Reading: Job 40:6 – 42:17 Relate: “What do you want?” Then “Come and see.” Later, “Your name is Simon, son of John. But you will be called Cephas.” Finally, “Come, follow me.” These four brief statements are all we…

Sentry Duty (11/16/13)

Read: Ezekiel 33:1-34:31, Hebrews 13:1-25, Psalm 115:1-18, Proverbs 27:21-22 But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn’t sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their captivity. They will die in their sins, but I will hold the watchman responsible for their deaths. (Ezekiel 33:6) Relate: On March 3, 1918, the New York Times carried…