John Stange

Nothing surprises me anymore

Nothing surprises me anymore

I don't want to sound cynical when I say this, but I seem to be getting to the season of life when nothing surprises me anymore. I'm not surprised by the latest cause of panic. I'm not surprised by trends. I'm not surprised by depravity. The more you read Scripture, and the more familiar you become with the history of humanity, the more you realize there really is nothing new under the sun.

The difference it makes to live with hope

The difference it makes to live with hope

Living with hope has a huge impact on our daily demeanor. It fosters an optimistic perspective. It contributes to our ability to keep trials and setbacks in proper perspective. It helps us avoid getting "stuck in a moment" or mistakenly believing that things won't improve. Our futures are secure in Jesus, and He has given us everything good to look forward to.

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Will believers in Christ experience the Rapture?

Will believers in Christ experience the Rapture?

One of the hot-button topics many Christians debate is addressed in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. In this passage, we read the description of an event that we typically call "the Rapture." The Rapture is the carrying away of believers to meet Jesus Christ in the air. The term "rapture" isn't actually in the Bible, but it comes from the Latin word "rapio" which means "to catch up" or "take away." In essence, it's the nickname Christians have given for the event described by Paul in this passage.

Four aspirations of people who have their life together

Four aspirations of people who have their life together

From time-to-time, the Lord will allow you to meet or observe some people who really seem to have their act together. The best examples tend to follow a pattern that demonstrates the fact that Jesus is on the forefront of their lives. There also seems to be a general way in which their faith in Christ is lived out. That's precisely what Paul describes in 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12.

Are you pursuing a life that pleases God?

Are you pursuing a life that pleases God?

In 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Paul speaks with the church about the concept of pleasing God through obedience that is produced as the byproduct of a relationship of trust in Jesus Christ. Are you pursuing a life that pleases God? This passage can help you answer that question.

Four ways a healthy church will express its faith

Four ways a healthy church will express its faith

In 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Paul makes it clear that the young church at Thessalonica was healthy, and growing even healthier. In this passage, he shows us four specific ways a healthy church tends to express its faith in Christ. If we value church health, this is a portion of Scripture that can help us understand what we need to remain focused on.

Can we demonstrate love from a distance?

Can we demonstrate love from a distance?

The Apostle Paul expressed great love for the Thessalonian church. Though he was distant from them at the time he wrote this letter, he wanted to know how they were doing, and it pained him greatly to be forced to wait and wonder about their spiritual welfare. In 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5, Paul shows us what it's like to demonstrate genuine love from a distance, as well as some of the challenges that can come with doing so.

How can we walk in a manner worthy of God?

How can we walk in a manner worthy of God?

In 1 Thessalonians 2:9-16, Paul talks about the importance of walking in a manner worthy of God. Faith is what pleases the Lord. He makes that clear throughout Scripture. In this passage, Paul speaks about the manner in which we choose to live, and whether or not we're showing our faith in Christ to be genuine.

Are you living for God's approval?

Are you living for God's approval?

When Paul and Silas were preaching in Thessalonica, they dealt with opposition. Their ministry, however, still produced converts, and there were plenty of people in that city who disliked that immensely. In an effort to discredit Paul and Silas, their critics worked diligently to slander them. I'm assuming that they thought they could discredit the message of the gospel if they were able to cast doubt on the messengers of the Lord who came proclaiming it.

Who are you imitating, and who is imitating you?

Who are you imitating, and who is imitating you?

Most people underestimate the level of their influence. I think it's more likely than not, that each of us have several, if not many people who are imitating us. We may not realize they're doing that, but they absolutely are. Have you ever tried to figure out who might be imitating you? Are you comfortable with them doing that, or does that create a sense of pressure that feels a little intimidating?

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Jesus said, "I am he."

Jesus said, "I am he."

When I read what Jesus said in John 18, I can't help but wonder what His voice sounded like. Did He speak softly? Did He raise His voice? Did He simply state the obvious in a tone that would have been at a standard volume?

Jesus said, "I am the true vine."

Jesus said, "I am the true vine."

As Jesus spoke of Himself by saying, "I am the true vine," He was trying to help us understand the value of being connected to Him by faith. A deep and growing relationship with Him will result in peace in all circumstances, hope in trials, strength in adversity, and joy that cannot be taken from you.

Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life."

Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life."

If you take a few moments to read the conversations that were taking place just prior to these verses, you can see that Jesus told His disciples several things that clearly troubled them. At the Last Supper, Jesus washed their feet, and in some ways, I think this act of humility from their leader seemed embarrassing and disturbing to them. Then, during the meal, Jesus revealed that one of them was about to betray Him. Soon after, Jesus also made it clear to Peter that Peter would deny Him. He also made it clear that He was going somewhere, and they wouldn't be able to come with Him.

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life."

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life."

I'm amazed at how many people are convinced that a good life can be found outside of Christ. I don't believe it can, because a life being lived apart from Christ is missing the key component to joy, hope, and purpose. Likewise, I'm often amazed with professing Christians who spend their lives chasing after the things of this world with such a fervor that it starts to seem like they're convinced that those things are the source of joy or the cure for death.

Training: Casting a Vision and Creating a Culture

On Tuesday, December 3 at 1:00pm (Eastern), John Stange will be hosting free training for church leaders on how to “Cast a vision and create a culture in the local church.”

To register for the training, click here, and use the sign-up code: 218621

To download a copy of the worksheet, click here.

For a free copy of the slides from the presentation, please enter your email below.

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Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd."

Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd."

In multiple places in Scripture, the Messiah is portrayed as a shepherd. He is the one who rescues, leads, comforts, and cares for His sheep. He is the one who risks His life in order to grant and preserve their lives. Jesus was communicating with that kind of imagery in this passage. He was also demonstrating that He was set apart from less devoted leaders.