[This religion column appeared in section B-3 of the Sunday Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette (2/17/2013). Currently, the paper does not include their local columnists pieces on their website. With their permission, here it is.]Don Follis February 17, 2013 column: “Reading the Bible can lead to some major remodeling”One day when I was a student at Kansas StateContinue reading "Reading the Scriptures can lead to some major remoding"
A Sunday morning service centered on Lectio Divina
This morning at the Mercy Vineyard church in Minneapolis, MN, they kicked off their Lenten series called "Leap of Faith."Christena Cleveland from their preaching team shared a beautiful and thoughtful message on the Beatitudes and then in the final 15 minutes she led the congregation back through the passage (Matthew 5:1-10) using Lectio Divina, theContinue reading "A Sunday morning service centered on Lectio Divina"
Do you dare open up and tell the truth to an audience of one?
I coach and mentor people. I ask this question every day: "What is going on?"Occasionally, particularly if I just can't seem to pinpoint what is going on, I ask some form of this question: "Who are you, anyway?" or "Who is that guy in there?" Those are pointed questions. I know that. But sometimes IContinue reading "Do you dare open up and tell the truth to an audience of one?"
The Beginning of Lent
The sign of the cross, received by millions on Ash WednesdayTonight Jennifer and I joined about 100 community members and University of Illinois students at an Ash Wednesday service at Twin City Bible Church in Urbana, IL. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the 40 day period leading up to Easter.After gathering inContinue reading "The Beginning of Lent"
So who caused this conflict?
His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither…” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” John 9:2-3God uses conflict to stretch and challenge us. Author Ken Sande says, the ABCs of spiritual growth are "AdversityContinue reading "So who caused this conflict?"
Coming up with what works, at least until I change my mind
So here's a very short explanation of how I approach Bible study. I've done some version of this since about 1985. Obviously, I've put it to the test. It works for me. It may not for you. And yes, I constantly am tweaking it and no, not worrying if I deviate from it. It servesContinue reading "Coming up with what works, at least until I change my mind"
How should we study the Bible, anyway?
I've studied the Bible for 35 years for lots of reasons: information and knowledge, to figure out a crisis I'm going through and to help me defend the faith. But without doubt the best thing I try and do daily (if possible) is to study for the purpose of encountering the living God.Bible reading hasContinue reading "How should we study the Bible, anyway?"
Come to me, son … I am coming, Lord
When I want to connect with Jesus I often turn to some of my favorite verses:Matthew 11:28-30New International Version (NIV)28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you willContinue reading "Come to me, son … I am coming, Lord"
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