What is the church supposed to be doing? How are they to worship and serve? Are there any clues or patterns in Scripture to help us answer these questions and others that follow?

A Samaritan is a hated enemy. Jesus was called a Samaritan and not in a good way. What is going on with this trapping Torah expert? Is he the clean cut Jew with his ducks in a row or does he represent the problem Israel faces in the world in the midst of the nations? What should this passage teach the Church today?

Two major visions for Israel’s way forward meet on the road. One asks who is a neighbor to Israel. The other asks who Israel should be a neighbor to. Jesus, as usual, reframes the Messianic mission for a Torah lawyer. How does he do it? Parable, of course…

What do we say is important about real estate? Location. Location. Location. For the real estate of the Church in the world it’s all about Reputation, Reputation, Reputation. These Virtues the Apostle Paul speaks of in 1 Timothy 3 aren’t spoken of in a vacuum as if he preferred some believers over others. Paul is concerned about the future witness of the Gospel and King Jesus in a world that will look for light as well as love darkness. How should we understand these lists of Paul?

Luke 15 - Are we choosing ourselves over God’s mission?

World institutions have created a culture of insecurity and a deterioration of public and private trust. This is a perfect opportunity for the church to create security in Jesus. Who is wise and has understanding among us? Who is capable of leading us to the light of God?

Should the leading of a nation be left to professionals only, where mature but unpaid leaders need not prioritize the development of culture? We all know the answer to this. …In Moses, in Jesus, and in Paul the priority of developing the Word of God remain the top priority.

What does “able to teach mean”? Does it mean “the most able to teach”? Of course not. Paul wouldn’t have sent Timothy to Ephesus if he felt that the priority was to create eloquent speakers. Apollos or another candidate would’ve been more useful. Paul sent Timothy because Timothy was able to reproduce Paul’s kingdom teachings. Timothy wasn’t perfect and didn’t need to be, but Timothy steadily improved and was able to effectively help many. Today, should the priority be better style or more believers reproducing kingdom content?

What is a trustworthy saying? If one aspires to the office of overseer. One who really cares about the brethren, like the apostle Paul cared for the churches…this is what develops in Timothy’s mind as Paul writes regarding proper leaders.

What is an elder anyway? Why are they needed? And what’s the difference between elders and deacons?