Friends Following Jesus

We love John 3:16 because it feels safe. It's an inspirational thought printed on bumper stickers and In-N-Out cups. But if you read the whole passage, the text starts to feel uncomfortably intrusive. Jesus didn't come to offer a ticket to heaven. He shines a spotlight on our worst secrets. But why?The Daily for John 3:16-21To get The Daily in your inbox, sign up at https://friendsfollowingjesus.com/the-daily/subscribe

I have the degrees listed on my LinkedIn profile—the M.Div., the D.Min. I've led ministries at Ivy League universities and served as an elder. On paper, I'm an expert.But there are nights when I stare at the ceiling and feel completely hollow. I know about God, but in the dark, sometimes I wonder if I've lost the wonder of simply being with Him.It's unsettling to realize that my credentials aren't enough.The Daily for John 3:1-15To get The Daily in your inbox, sign up at https://friendsfollowingjesus.com/the-daily/subscribe

The story about Jesus flipping tables is awkward. It's used both to rationalize posting rage bait online and to attack Jesus as an untrustworthy, out-of-control leader. But now that I've listened to the stories of dozens of survivors of church hurt, I get it.The Daily for John 2:13-25To get The Daily in your inbox, sign up at https://friendsfollowingjesus.com/the-daily/subscribe

Sitting at Au Bon Pain in Harvard Square, I had to lead another Bible study. But I'd already studied the Bible with five students that day. I was spiritually dry and emotionally spent. I didn't want to do it, but I could hardly tell the next student, "Yeah, I don't want to read God's Word with you." So, I pasted on a smile and pretended.The Daily for John 2:1-12To get The Daily in your inbox, sign up at https://friendsfollowingjesus.com/the-daily/subscribe

Sitting in the library at the University of Aberdeen, I argued with an atheist for seven hours. By the end of the day, I was worn out by his relentless habit of pulling up YouTube videos one after another for me to debunk. I was hungry, cold, and tired. Neither of us had moved an inch.I thought I was doing evangelism. In retrospect, I was just trying to win. And nobody enters the Kingdom because they lost a debate.The Daily for John 1:35-51To get The Daily in your inbox, sign up at https://friendsfollowingjesus.com/the-daily/subscribe

When I was in middle school, another student loved to torment me with cruel nicknames. The one that hurt the most? "Tubby." He'd say it with a sneer, point at my overweight belly, and laugh.Our names and nicknames are how others view us and our identity. But as bad as these nicknames were, I'm grateful no one ever threatened me with death.The Daily for John 1:29-34To get The Daily in your inbox, sign up at https://friendsfollowingjesus.com/the-daily/subscribe

When I arrived for a weekend retreat with thirty up-and-coming leaders, the jockeying for position started immediately. One guy asked me to explain the gospel in front of everyone. But it was a setup. No matter what I said, he would be able to critique an element I missed, or show the group how he could do it better. The gospel had become a tool to fight for status.John the Baptist lived in the desert, but his fame spread throughout the country. So, the leaders in Jerusalem sent a team to interview him.The Daily for John 1:19-28To get The Daily in your inbox, sign up at https://friendsfollowingjesus.com/the-daily/subscribe

My Mom said the rocks would be amazing. I believed her, but sitting in the car for hours made me wish I was back home. She said we would ride on donkeys. I thought that sounded uncomfortable and smelly. She said I would never see anything like it again. But moms are good at hyperbole.Then we arrived at the Grand Canyon.The Daily for John 1:14-18To get The Daily in your inbox, sign up at https://friendsfollowingjesus.com/the-daily/subscribe

"Why were your headquarters so nice?" asked my friend. I was puzzled. "What do you mean?" I thought to myself. "The ministry wanted to take care of the staff so we could serve Jesus." He said, "Really? What about the indoor waterfall?"His question exposed me: It's possible to be surrounded by Scripture, talking about Jesus, and still be promoting oneself.Listen to The Daily with a friend. Find more at https://friendsfollowingjesus.com/To get The Daily in your inbox, sign up at https://friendsfollowingjesus.com/the-daily/subscribe

Connect with God and a friend as we begin a journey through The Gospel of John. Welcome to The Daily.To get The Daily in your inbox, sign up at https://friendsfollowingjesus.com/the-daily/subscribe