Posts by Bob Lepine (Page 13)

Dear Friends, Our study of Esther this fall has had us exploring the question of what it looks like to live lives of faithfulness to God in a pagan culture.  I think you’d agree that the subject is relevant in our day. A few weeks ago, I referenced what I think is a key New Testament text on this subject.  It’s from the Apostle Peter, who told believers in his day (and in our day as well) to “abstain from the passions…

Dear Friends, “But some doubted.” That phrase jumped out at me this week as I heard someone reading the familiar “Great Commission” verses from the end of Matthew’s gospel. Usually, people will start reading at vs. 19, where Jesus declares to His disciples that “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (a comforting reminder on the day after an election). But on this occasion, we backed up and read the verses that set up Jesus’…

Dear Friends, Most people today who are visiting a local church come with a consumer mindset or orientation. They make decisions about where to worship based on the amenities and the services offered. Is the nursery well staffed and clean? Check. Do they have a good youth group? Check. How’s the worship team? Check. Is the preacher a good speaker? Check. Do I like the color of the carpet in the sanctuary? Check, check, check. Years ago a former pastor…

Dear Friends, Eugene Peterson’s father was a butcher. He had a shop right off of Main Street in Kalispell Montana, just a few blocks from where the family lived. Eugene used to accompany his father to the shop, and as he tells in his book The Pastor, he learned much about ministry by watching how his father cared for his parishioners. They never congregated for corporate worship, but the local butcher shop was a part of the Kalispell community. “I…