In “Another Man with Two Names” we talked about a guy known as John Mark. Although no one knows why he’s called John Mark, it does distinguish him from other men in the Bible named John.
John
In addition to John Mark, I count four guys in the Bible with the name of John:
Lastly, John Mark (sometimes called Mark) may have been the author of the book of Mark. Wouldn’t it be confusing if we called his book John-Mark, instead?
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Justifying Bible Accounts Through
Human Reasoning Limits God’s Power
As Joshua leads the nation of Israel into the promised land, they defeat Gibeon in a most amazing battle. Though Joshua’s army does its part, God plays an even bigger role.
He orchestrates a hailstorm that pelts the Gibeon army with huge hailstones, killing many of them, even more than Joshua’s army kills.
The Sun Stops Moving
Even more so, Joshua prays for more daylight to enable the fighting to continue. This will allow his army to secure a victory and prevent the remaining enemy forces from scurrying away under the cover of darkness.
Do you know what happens? God stops the sun from moving. Yep. It stays in the middle of the sky for a full day.
Some people read this account and
don’t know what to make of it. It seems too incredible to accept. They attempt
to explain away God’s power with man-made logic.
The Sun Moves Backwards
However, this isn’t the only time something like this happens. Much later we read about King Hezekiah. He becomes deathly ill and God tells him to put his affairs in order.
Hezekiah doesn’t. Instead he prays for more time. God hears his prayer and promises to give him fifteen more years.
To offer proof of God’s power to do as he promised, he makes the sun move backward for a while. Then everything returns to normal.
Again, some people try to explain away this incredible story of the sun moving backward. I don’t know why they try to do this. Yes, this is incredible, but so is God.
Trying to logically dismiss these two accounts and place human limits on God’s power doesn’t make sense.
If God created the reality that we live in, including the sun and the moon, can’t he cause them to stop moving for a couple of hours or to move the sun backward for a few minutes?
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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May My Clothes Never
Keep a Visitor from Encountering God
My parents, especially my mom, taught me to dress up for church. That’s what people did when I was a kid, and I didn’t question it—even though I’m still looking for a biblical command to do so.
Never mind that I’m sure my parents spent money they couldn’t afford to spend so I could look my best.
Dress Up for Church
Into adulthood, I faithfully
followed this practice, even more so when I ushered. One Sunday, wearing my
best suit and a fashionable silk tie, I stood at my station with bulletins in
hand and my most inviting smile beaming from my face.
In walked a visitor. This was good news. We didn’t have many of them. College-aged, his casual attire consisted of torn jeans, wrinkled t-shirt, and tennis shoes. He carried a wide smile. I instantly liked him. We made eye contact.
When he saw a friendly face, his smile brightened, and he walked toward me with intention.
Then he glanced down, scanning what I was wearing. Taking in my three-piece suit and freshly polished black leather shoes, his pace slowed. He looked left and then right. Seeing no one else dressed like him, he made an abrupt U-turn and left.
I should have followed him and assured him that he didn’t have to dress up for church, that clothes didn’t matter. Instead, I took no action, feeling duty-bound to remain at my post.
Indeed, had I abandoned my assignment to talk to him, surely someone would have complained that I was shirking my duty. In that instance, continuing to do my job as usher seemed the right thing to do. But it wasn’t.
Though it may have been the right thing for the people of the church who expected someone to greet them, hand them a bulletin, and seat them, it was the wrong thing to do for a visitor who panicked and left.
I still regret my decision. It haunts me to this day.
Don’t Dress Up for Church
That was the last Sunday I dressed up for church.
If my clothes challenge conventions, I prefer offending those inside my community, not those outside it.
May my clothes never be an obstacle for a church visitor feeling comfortable or faith seeker from encountering God. I never again wore a suit to church—ever.
Though for a while I condescended to wear a tie for special occasions, I soon dismissed neckwear as well. This helped better ensure that my appearance would never be a barrier to visitors and unchurched folk.
Now, when I dress up for church, it’s pulling on a new pair of jeans. Usually I don’t even bother to do that.
I worship God by what I wear on Sunday morning. He doesn’t want me to dress up for church. He wants me to worship him. And one way to do that is being approachable for visitors.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.” Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.
I didn’t know this church existed until my wife stumbled onto this charismatic church during her online research for our adventure. Their Facebook page says they’re “a charismatic, faith-filled, and Bible-believing church.”
I’ve never been to a charismatic church service. However, I have attended charismatic conferences, so I think I have a general idea of what we’ll encounter. I expect I’ll be spiritually stretched, which is the intent of our sojourn.
However, contrary to my anticipations, the service is much like the non-traditional evangelical churches we’ve attended.
A couple of times I faintly hear someone praying in tongues. It’s reverent and not distracting.
As the music set ends, one of the worshipers praises God aloud, which morphs into a prayer and then becomes a prophetic word. It fits in and is a suitable end to our worship time.
Aside from these two things, some of the adults are freer with hand-raising and offering verbal praises during musical interludes, but it’s minimal.
Overall, there are no peculiar supernatural manifestations or bizarre behaviors. I’m not sure if I’m relieved or disappointed with this charismatic church.
My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
In the Bible, there is only one mention of a man named Jude. That lone reference occurs in the opening greeting of the letter that he wrote.
However, Jude is a variation of Judas. Apparently, Judas was a common name two thousand years ago:
Judas Iscariot: who betrayed Jesus
Judas (not Judas Iscariot): another follower of Jesus
Judas son of James
Judas the Galilean
Judas on Straight Street: whose house Saul (Paul) went to after his encounter with God
Judas (called Barsabbas): an early missionary
Judas, a brother of Jesus
We can rule out Judas Iscariot, because he committed suicide before this letter was written, while Judas the Galilean is an historical reference. That leaves five others for possible consideration.
Another clue is that Jude is the brother of James. There are also several James mentioned in the Bible. Do any of those men named Judas have a brother James?
The answer is yes. Jesus had four brothers (technically half brothers): James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas.
It is quite possible that Jude is Jesus’ brother. Regardless of who he is, it is his message—warning against ungodly people in the church—that matters.
Read about more biblical characters in The Friends and Foes of Jesus, now available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
To all my friends and followers living in the United States of America, I wish you a wonderful Fourth of July (Independence Day, if you want to be formal).
While there are certainly reasons for concern, worry, and even complaint, we do live in a wonderful country. We enjoy wide-ranging freedoms, abound in opportunities, and—despite the naysayers—reside in prosperity.
I’m glad to be a citizen of the United States of America and pleased to live in this amazing nation. I thank our forefathers who made this all possible and salute them for their foresight and sacrifices to form our country.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
The End Will Come Unexpectedly Like a Thief in the
Night
John’s epic vision that he records in the book of Revelation includes many perplexing allusions. One is a warning that Jesus will return unexpectedly, like a thief (Revelation 16:15).
Note that this doesn’t say Jesus is a thief, merely that most people won’t be expecting his arrival, as is the case of a robber coming in the middle of the night.
We should give this reference
serious consideration because it also occurs elsewhere in the Bible, not just in
John’s Revelation where so much of the content is figurative and not literal.
First, Jesus implies this about himself, which Matthew records in his biography of Jesus.
Here Jesus says that if a homeowner knew when his house would be broken into, he would have been on the lookout and taken steps to prevent a robbery (Matthew 24:43).
Next, Paul, in writing to his friends in the church in Thessalonica, reminds them that no one knows when Jesus will come back, not the season or the date.
It’s going to be a surprise, much like a thief breaking in under the cover of darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2).
Jesus Will Return Unexpectedly
Again, we must remember that Jesus isn’t coming as a thief to steal—the enemy does that (John 10:10). The point is that Jesus will return unexpectedly.
In Revelation, John advises us that we should be alert and ready for whenever this surprise return occurs.
And what’s the outcome if we aren’t
ready? It isn’t condemnation, and it isn’t being left behind; it’s being
embarrassed.
I don’t want to face embarrassment
over not being ready when Jesus returns. It may be in my lifetime, or it may
not, but that doesn’t mean I’m not on the lookout for the possibility of it occurring.
Are We Ready?
If we follow Jesus, we must be
ready for him when he comes again. We don’t know when it will occur, but we do
know it will happen.
Read more in Peter’s devotional Bible study, A New Heaven and a New Earth: 40 Practical Insights from John’s Book of Revelation.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
We Can Impact Others by
Being Intentional with Our Words
Are we someone who others want to talk to about spiritual matters? Are we open to pursue a meaningful spiritual conversation?
A Timely Phone Call
As I made lunch, my phone rang. Few people have my number—only family and close friends—so I expected another scam call. I prepared to reject the call and block the number. To my utter glee, the caller ID revealed that a valued friend was waiting to talk to me.
My heart leapt for joy. I know this sounds over the top, but it’s the best way I can describe it. Truly, my heart leapt with joy.
I was having an okay day, which was following a really bad day . . . or two, but hearing my friend’s voice changed everything. My day instantly turned from okay to great.
Regardless of what we would say, I knew it would be good for my soul. I knew my spirit would rise and soar.
I forgot about lunch. It no longer mattered. My physical
hunger disappeared. A spiritual delight would soon replace it. I knew it.
That’s what a timely call from a good friend can do.
After we covered the initial reason for the call, we
updated each other on our lives, what was going on, and where God was at work.
We ended by praying for each other. It was a meaningful spiritual conversation.
God was present. We had a holy moment. It was good. So good.
An Intentional Interaction
A few days later, my bride and I were at an open house. We saw a lot of people we knew, waving at or saying “hi” to many of them. We talked with a few others, polite social conversation, talk that’s a challenge for me to maintain for any length of time.
Though it was nice to see them and chat with them, what we said did nothing for my soul and, I suspect, nothing for theirs.
Then another good friend waved hi, surprised to see me. I expected another polite, short, and inconsequential exchange. But he approached me with both a smile and intention.
After a few moments of small talk, we dove into conversation that matters.
He shared his spiritual journey with me. And my spirit lifted as we celebrated God’s work in his life, his family’s, and his church’s. He asked about me and my writing and my spiritual journey.
Although small talk challenges me, having a meaningful spiritual conversation flows with much greater ease. Go figure.
Though I’d approached this social gathering with equal parts expectation and trepidation, I left having told my friend that our time together was, “good for my soul.” And it was.
My Heart Burned Within Me
My reaction to my friends’ interaction reminds me of the Emmaus-bound disciples after encountering the risen Jesus. They said to each other, “weren’t our hearts burning within us when he talked?” (Luke 24:32). That’s how I felt with my friends.
In both instances my friends took the initiative. But I
was a willing participant, embracing their move past superficial exchange and
into a meaningful spiritual conversation.
Other times I take the initiative and pursue meaningful interaction with others.
Sometimes they squirm against this and in other instances they acquiesce with caution, but many times they gladly go in the direction where I lead. We dive into deep, meaningful spiritual conversation.
How to Pursue Significant Spiritual Conversations
I desire to have these deep, meaningful spiritual conversations all the time, but I don’t. I’m not sure why this happens sometimes while other times it doesn’t.
I wish I could naturally move into meaningful spiritual discussions all the time, with ease and without giving it much forethought.
But I’m not there—yet. Until I am, there are steps I can take to recognize the potential for significance and move forward to make the best of it.
Pray for Opportunities: It starts with asking God to provide occasions where I can have a meaningful spiritual conversation with others.
Without him playing a part in opening my eyes to see the opportunities around me and preparing the hearts of others to engage in significant discussions, there’s not much I can do on my own.
And, as a bonus, by praying for the chance to talk with people about spiritual matters, my attention focuses on others and allows me to seize the openings God provides.
Look for People Willing to Engage in Spiritual Discussions: Sometimes people who know me and my heart will approach me, asking for prayer, seeking encouragement, or wanting to share their concerns. However, usually I must be proactive.
This means looking for people to talk to, people who may be hurting, lonely, or in need.
Listen to The Holy Spirit: Most important is to listen to the gentle prompting of God’s Spirit. If I bother to pay attention, the Holy Spirit will direct me to people I should talk to. And often, he will tell me what to say or ask.
The Outcome of Having a Meaningful Spiritual Conversation
When I do this, what happens next is astonishing. We
enter into a holy moment. I attempt to represent Jesus to them, and I hope their
hearts warm when I do, just as my heart burned within me after talking with my
two friends.
This is what can happen when we have a meaningful
spiritual conversation.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.” Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.
It’s Father’s Day and we visit our fourth Baptist church in ten weeks. Like two of the others, this one is both a small congregation and an older congregation. They’re friendly and welcoming, but an absence of younger people points to a bleak future.
Despite efforts to keep the facility nice, there remains subtle reminders of its age and neglect.
At the start of the service, the minister announces things will not proceed as intended. A small technical glitch has large ramifications. The retractable screen over the baptismal is in the up position and refuses to lower.
Three segments of the service rely on overhead projection, including a recorded interview, which, based on the bulletin, I suspect was the focal point of the service.
However, had the minister not mentioned this, I wouldn’t have known the difference; the pastor makes adjustments smoothly, with a meaningful service unfolding despite this problem.
There’s a book for each dad, which we must go forward to receive, but I’d gladly forgo the gift in order to avoid the attention.
The pastor’s message is “a brief tribute to our Heavenly Father.” The minister reads sections of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. “God always responds to our prayers.” Sometimes it’s with a “yes,” sometimes with “wait,” and other times with “no.”
But regardless of the answer, it’s always for our own good.
This is an important Father’s Day message, one that gremlins cannot thwart. We all have a Heavenly Father who is good and perfect, giving us exactly what is in our best interest.
My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
The short, often overlooked book of Philemon is tucked towards the end of the New Testament, nestled between letters to Titus and to the Hebrews.
Philemon and Onesimus
Philemon is a letter written by Paul to his friend Philemon about a man of mutual interest, Onesimus.
The short version is that Onesimus is a slave who runs away from his master, Philemon. Onesimus meets Paul, who tells him about Jesus, mentors him, and encourages him to do the right thing by returning to his master.
To help facilitate the reunion, Paul jots a quick note to Philemon, which has been preserved for us in the Bible.
Philemon and Others
In addition to Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus, there are eight other names mentioned in this brief correspondence: Timothy, Apphia, Archippus, Epaphras, Aristarchus, Mark, Demas, and Luke.
For each there is a story to be told and insight to be gained.
Philemon and Jesus
Of course, Jesus is also rightly mentioned in Paul’s letter to Philemon, a total of six times. Jesus is actually the central character in this story, for it all revolves around him, not Philemon and Onesimus.
Is Jesus the central character in your story? Does your life all revolve around him?
Read about more biblical characters in The Friends and Foes of Jesus, now available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
