Do You Love Me? – John Chpt. 21

Do you remember the song 'Do You Love Me?' from 1962? It's kind of a fun song from a musical standpoint. Lyrically, it's kind if dumb: "Do you love me now that I can dance?" But think about it. We human beings have this bad habit of trying to impress…

Another Chance to Believe – John Chpt. 20

In the 2004 film 'The Polar Express', the main character is on a train headed for the North Pole. He and all his traveling companions are kids who are beginning to doubt the existence of Santa Clause. The train ride represents an opportunity to see for themselves. One of the…

Back to the Basics: Believe – Jn. 14:1-14

Over many years of pastoring, I have counseled a lot of people struggling with how to line up their faith with whatever issues they were dealing with. And so often, those discussions go back to one of the most basic principles of faith: believe. Before one can exercise faith, one…

Betrayal or Loyalty: Your Choice – Jn. 13:18-38

In Star Wars Episode 1, the dimwitted and clumsy Jar Jar Binks is saved from certain death by Mater Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn. The tradition of his culture dictates that he now owes Qui-Gon a life debt. Jar Jar pledges loyalty to him forever. It's a theme found in plenty of…

For Whom the Cock Crows – Lk. 22:54-71

Seventeenth century poet John Donne wrote a series of prayers and meditations while recovering from a near fatal illness. They were mostly reflections of a near death experience and what it had taught him about the meaning of life. One of the most famous quotes from this collection states, "And…