Biblical References
Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages are from the NIVArchives
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Category Archives: the invitation
Jesus Says, “I Will Give You Rest” not “I Will Give You More Burdens”
Many say the foundational passage of the New Testament is John 3:16. Even young children can quote it: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish … Continue reading
Posted in faith, Jesus, legalism, the Good News, the invitation
Tagged burdens, following Jesus, I will give you rest, John 3:16, Matthew 11, sinner's prayer
21 Comments
Homeschoolers, I Need Your Help!
As some of you know, I am writing a short series on problems within fundamentalist homeschooling circles. However, I know that criticism of a segment of the homeschooling community is sometimes seen as a reflection on homeschooling in general. I … Continue reading
Has Some Believers’ Focus on ‘Getting Saved’ Replaced Jesus’ Message of the Good News?
When we are attracted to Jesus and want to follow him, how do we go about doing that? Many believers would answer, “Get saved by responding to a salvation presentation and praying some form of the sinner’s prayer admitting you … Continue reading
Posted in God, hell, Jesus, Kingdom of God, the Good News, the invitation, witnessing
Tagged Mark 1, Matthew 11, sinner's prayer
37 Comments
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty
During the entire year of 1976 (the bicentennial), my denomination used a special logo in its publications. Recently, I came across a book mark from that campaign while cleaning out a storage space. It depicts George Washington crossing the Delaware and … Continue reading
Posted in legalism, Paul, the invitation
Tagged 2 Corinthians 3, Constantine, Matthew 11, Matthew 5, politics, Washington crossing the Delaware
22 Comments
Gays and the Inclusiveness of Jesus
When I began to consider whether God accepted gays, I started studying. One advocate stated definitively that Jesus himself accepted gays. This was very encouraging and I listened eagerly for the evidence because I couldn’t think of any scriptures to … Continue reading
Posted in Bible, gays, Jesus, Pharisees, sinners, the invitation
Tagged 1 Samuel 18, homosexuality, LGBT, Luke 11, Luke 5, Luke 7, Matthew 11
67 Comments
What is the Good News of Jesus?
In the New Testament are four books that tell about the life and message of Jesus. They are called the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The word ‘gospel’ simply means good news (εὐαγγέλιον)—the good news of Jesus. The English … Continue reading
Posted in eternal life, God, Jesus, legalism, love, The Father, the Good News, the invitation, witnessing
Tagged gospel, Matthew 11, resurrection
40 Comments
The Hope of Theologically Progressive Evangelicalism: Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow
Progressive Christian Blogs issued an invitation for bloggers to write posts on the hope of progressive Christianity. I chose to write on the hope of theologically progressive evangelicalism. In preparation, I posted articles on 19th century evangelicalism, fundamentalism, and current … Continue reading
John 3:16 Reconsidered
John 3:16 is often considered the jewel of the Bible—a synopsis of the entire message of the Good News. I agree! It is a beautiful passage: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, … Continue reading
Posted in God, Jesus, the invitation
Tagged alienation, John 3:16, Nicodemus, the Good News
25 Comments
You Are Invited!
When Jesus was in the upper room with his disciples, just before he was arrested and killed, he shared with them about his relationship with his Father. In John chapter 14 he said, ‘No one comes to the Father except … Continue reading
Posted in God, Jesus, The Father, the invitation
Tagged alienation, burdens, Jesus and the Father, Matthew 11, prodigal son
8 Comments
Why Do We Share the Good News of Jesus?
There is a lot of pressure among believers to share Jesus with unbelievers. One good reason is that we feel the importance of telling people about him so they can know peace, love, and eternal life. Another is that the … Continue reading
Posted in Jesus, the Good News, the invitation, witnessing
11 Comments
Making the Good News of Jesus Your Own
If you are attracted to Jesus and want to appropriate his good news to your life, how do you do that? What steps must you take? What commitments must you make? It is Less Complex than Many People Think Many believers … Continue reading
Posted in eternal life, Jesus, love, the Good News, the invitation
20 Comments
What Does Jesus Think of Sinners Today?
The picture of Jesus in the Gospels indicates that he was harsh with religious believers who looked down on the common people, whom they called sinners. In fact, Jesus loved ‘sinners’ and spent much of his time and energy with … Continue reading
Posted in Pharisees, sinners, the invitation
21 Comments
Why is Jesus so Harsh and Judgmental?
In the New Testament, does Jesus seem harsh and judgmental to you? Many think so. On this blog, I maintain that Jesus’ attitude toward us is loving, accepting, and inclusive. Then why do passages in the Gospels seem to portray … Continue reading
Posted in Jesus, Pharisees, sinners, the invitation
8 Comments
Jesus Answers Our Suffering and Alienation
Do you experience fear, suffering, and alienation? I think we can all agree that something is wrong. We all suffer and feel alienated. Jesus came to bring an answer to our suffering and alienation. He tells us how we can … Continue reading
Posted in alienation, eternal life, suffering, the invitation
3 Comments
I Will Give You Rest—Not More Burdens
Many say the foundational passage of the New Testament is John 3:16. Even young children can quote it: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish … Continue reading
Posted in Jesus, legalism, the Good News, the invitation
Tagged I will give you rest, John 3:16, Matthew 11
20 Comments
Jesus Without Baggage 