[Overview verses 1-15] This is reminiscing in retrospect: 4 phases of John’s life.  

John ended up in jail (v. 1)

John cried out for help from Jesus (vv. 2-6).

John was found in the wilderness (vv. 7-8)

John was the forerunner of Christ (vv...

[Overview verses 1-15] This is reminiscing in retrospect: 4 phases of John’s life.   John ended up in jail (v. 1) John cried out for help from Jesus (vv. 2-6). John was found in the wilderness (vv. 7-8) John was the forerunner of Christ (vv. 9-15)   The shift is from Jesus vindicating himself to...

“Have you ever felt isolated?”

Isolation causes despair and depression, causing people to lose a grip on reality.

Ukrainians are suffering under siege now at war with Russia.

Our dear family the Bondars feel this; family preparing bomb...

“Have you ever felt isolated?” Isolation causes despair and depression, causing people to lose a grip on reality. Ukrainians are suffering under siege now at war with Russia. Our dear family the Bondars feel this; family preparing bomb shelters. I taught outside of Kiev [Irpin]. A strategic city being bombed.   News media early highlights...

Making disciples is taking the long haul.

By no means a brief journey.

Not a sprint.

With that, temptations for discouragement!

Jesus’ predictions (Matt 10) define the mission:

Grand and lofty while fraught with danger and...

Making disciples is taking the long haul. By no means a brief journey. Not a sprint. With that, temptations for discouragement! Jesus’ predictions (Matt 10) define the mission: Grand and lofty while fraught with danger and loss. Mixed with triumph and victory. “What is gained from this?” Life in your soul, embarking on the only...

Jesus continues his reasoning from verse 33 raising the stakes.

Not garnering a 100% commitment is uninspiring.

Half-measures.

In sports, friendships, work assignments, marriages, parenting.

When a half-measure commitment...

Jesus continues his reasoning from verse 33 raising the stakes. Not garnering a 100% commitment is uninspiring. Half-measures. In sports, friendships, work assignments, marriages, parenting. When a half-measure commitment, discouragement Full commitment is not temperament or personality. “This person is pell-mell on whatever he or she sets his or hand to do!”   Self-motivated (high-performers)...

Jesus continues his reasoning from verse 33 raising the stakes.

Not garnering a 100% commitment is uninspiring.

Half-measures.

In sports, friendships, work assignments, marriages, parenting.

When a half-measure commitment...

Jesus continues his reasoning from verse 33 raising the stakes. Not garnering a 100% commitment is uninspiring. Half-measures. In sports, friendships, work assignments, marriages, parenting. When a half-measure commitment, discouragement Full commitment is not temperament or personality. “This person is pell-mell on whatever he or she sets his or her hand to do!”   Self-motivated...