Category Archives: Theology

Dying to Live

Posted on November 26, 2016 by Jeff Block

We avoid pain because … We don’t really understand what it means to follow Jesus Jesus said the most profound and disruptive things, including: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily … Continue reading →

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Dreams of Heaven

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Jeff Block

We avoid pain because… We are focused on earthly goals and dreams The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians to challenge them to forsake inferior gods and destructive religious practices, and to reorient their lives completely around Jesus Christ, who is everything they need. About … Continue reading →

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The Allure of the Dream World

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Jeff Block

We avoid pain because… We love our dream and don’t want to wake up Have you noticed that we humans are a stockpiling people? Even those of us who aren’t too good at savings accounts know how to accumulate stuff we … Continue reading →

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The Big Move: An Incarnational Life of Worship

Posted on August 27, 2016 by Jeff Block

To the Christian… A sermon manuscript on 1 Peter 2:4-12, prepared for my worship class at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Introduction: A Stranger in a Strange Land Two weeks ago, as Elaine sat in her boss’s office, the look on her … Continue reading →

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The Fantasy of Quick Fixes

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Jeff Block

We avoid pain because… We’re enamored with quick fixes Growing up, Thanksgiving dinner was absolutely my favorite meal of the year. I looked forward to it all year long. My parents would literally spend days preparing for it — shopping, chopping, marinating, … Continue reading →

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A Clear Context for Suffering

Posted on August 16, 2016 by Jeff Block

We avoid pain because… We have cultivated unhealthy perspectives God commonly uses pain and suffering in people’s lives to get their attention and to grow  them up into spiritual maturity. Nonetheless, most people work very hard to avoid pain. Why is … Continue reading →

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