We started a new series at The Ave spiritual called "Takin' It Easy." Last week, I was talking about one of the most challenging concepts in the Bible: Sabbath. Now, when I think of the word Sabbath, I tend to think of something legalistic and rigid or something just plain out of touch with my …
Cynicism Toward My Christian Neighbor
Now, when we spend time talking about loving our Christian brothers and sisters, I think we may all have to make a confession.It is popular in the church today to be cynical about the church. So much of contemporary writing and speaking within Christian circles in America reflects the value that it is cool to …
Love for My Christian Neighbor
Hear Jesus’ words:A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35) Note three things that are happening in Jesus' words.First off, Jesus is specifically addressing those who …
My Christian Neighbor
Now, I want to do something a bit artificial for a minute.I want us to divide everyone into two groups, no matter how hard this goes against the grain of my thinking. I want us to consider our love for other Christians and for those who are not Christians.This is not because there is an …
Who is My Neighbor?
In the Gospel of Luke 10:25-37, as Jesus expounds on the two greatest commandments, to love God with all of who we are and to love our neighbor as ourself, we encounter an amazing story.Jesus unveils the great truth that we are to love our neighbor as ourself and he gets this unique response:“But the …
Matthew Erickson 