In 2012, Pastor Jon challenged the congregation to take part in the E100 challenge. E100 is a Bible reading program created by Scripture Union. This “big picture” approach is designed to help people read through the major themes of scripture without getting bogged down or frustrated. E100 features 50 scripture readings from the Hebrew Scriptures and another 50 readings from the New Testament. Most readings are only one to two chapters long, and can be read in 10 minutes.
In addition to the daily readings, Pastor Jon wrote a devotional that was sent through e-mail. The devotions have been collected and presented here.
The Ascension – Acts 1:1-11 When? How Long? The disciples ask Jesus if he’s going to “restore the kingdom to Israel.” It’s quite likely that what they want to know is if He is finally going to deliver them from Roman occupation. Failing to understand that He came to conquer sin and death, they still…
The Resurrection – John 20:1-21:25 Dying, Christ destroyed our death. Rising, Christ restored our life. Christ will come again in glory. These words, part of nearly every funeral service I conduct, remind us that death is not the end… that the grave has lost the battle against life and love. Even when confronted with caskets…
The Crucifixion – John 19:1-42 “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered. The crucifixion of Jesus is a central component of the Gospel message… and right in the middle of the narrative we are confronted with this crucial question about the Lordship of Jesus. Pilate asks the chief priests if he should…
Arrest and Trial – John 18:1-40 “I am He” – Jesus “I am not” – Peter As I read this passage, I was struck by the repetition of these phrases. Twice, in dialogue with the chief priests and officials, Jesus says, “I am He.” And twice, when asked if he was a disciple, Peter replied…
The Last Supper – Luke 22:1-46 But I am among you as one who serves. I recently read an article in which the author suggested that one of the best remedies to our celebrity culture (even within the Church) is an intentional and continual celebration of the sacrifice of Christ. Consider, for just a moment,…
Raising Lazarus from the Dead – John 11:1-57 Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying? Lazarus is dead… and Jesus was too late to save him. At least, that’s what the onlookers are suggesting. And in this quote, they reveal their own lack of faith–possibly…
Healing a Demon-Possessed Man – Mark 5:1-20 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. Jesus’ arrival in our lives always carries long-lasting implications: sins are forgiven, bondage is broken, and injustices are corrected. Jesus didn’t come simply so we could go to Heaven, but so He could transform our lives…
Healing a Blind Man – John 9:1-41 Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see! Aren’t you glad you don’t have to know all the answers? After all, theologians have debated countless issues for centuries, and they still don’t agree. Wiser…
Walking on Water – Matthew 14:22-36 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid… Our tendency when reading this story is to give Peter a hard time… after all, he takes his eyes off Jesus and begins to sink. Jesus even chides Peter a little bit, calling him, “You of little faith.” But let’s…
Feeding the Five Thousand – Luke 9:1-36 Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. I find it interesting that this passage about the Sending of the Twelve comes immediately before the Feeding of the Five Thousand. The disciples had just been traveling throughout the countryside with no…