Greg Stories
A collection of Greg's written stories and teachings
for learning, leadership, and personal growth.
Don’t judge me!
Even the most unchurched atheist will quote Jesus on one thing: "Do not judge others, and you will not be judged." It's their way of saying that Christians shouldn't be making any moral judgments about anyone’s behavior.
Then you've got some Christians who pull out Jesus' words, "Do not judge," like a free pass against any accountability or correction. They argue that everyone sins, so nobody's in a position to call out or confront someone else's actions.
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged” taken out of context is laced with subtext: You’re not my moral authority. Don’t think less of me for what I am doing. You’re not better than me. It’s not your place to criticize my choices or behavior.
Jesus’ words have been misused by many as a “shield” for destructive behavior and attitudes.
Are these people making a strong point? Or is their application of Jesus’ words out of context?
Rings of Decision-Making
Common frustrations voiced within hierarchical church structures include feeling out of the loop, undervalued, and craving a more participative approach. Discover how embracing a fractal structure can transform your church into a more agile, inclusive, and effective body of Christ.
Love My Enemies?
Love your enemies? I get that if you're talking about Russians, Ukrainians, Gazans, and Israelis. But I don't have any enemies. I just have some people I don't like.
That's precisely how we often read Jesus teaching on loving our enemies. We love to read ourselves into Jesus' teachings about blessings. But, we excel at reading ourselves out of Jesus' commands - like loving our enemies.
In this article, we’ll explore the practical applications for those of us who conveniently exclude ourselves from the directives found under the pretext that we don't categorize others as enemies. We will uncover how our approach to those we merely "dislike" is a powerful reflection of our spiritual maturity and where we have room for growth.
Why do you eat with such scum?
What do we learn from Levi's transformation under Jesus' guidance from a tax collector to a chronicler of Jesus' life? This article dives into Jesus' mission for the lost and marginalized, challenging us to be "a friend of sinners." We discover how tax collectors in First Century Capernaum used their local knowledge for exploitation, symbolizing Roman oppression.
Echoes from the Wilderness: The Uncompromising Message of John the Baptist, Luke 3:2-20
In this article, we delve into the confrontational message of John the Baptist, as presented in Luke 3. We journey to the banks of the Jordan River, where John's voice resounded with a call to repentance and a new way of life, and hear the echoes of the Exodus. We examine John's profound call to repentance, his challenge to societal norms, and his emphasis on spiritual transformation. Discover the relevance of John's teachings in modern life. Join us on a spiritual journey that echoes through centuries, inspiring genuine change and a closer walk with God.
What If Ancient Rome Had ChatGPT?
Imagine if Ancient Rome had the power of modern AI through ChatGPT and how it would have impacted First Century Followers of Jesus. Discover how this blend of ancient politics and cutting-edge technology could have transformed Roman society, from governance and propaganda to the daily lives of Jesus's followers. Unpack the philosophical and ethical implications of such a technological twist in a historical context. It is ideal for those fascinated by the potential impacts of AI on our society. Dive into a unique exploration of AI's role in ancient power dynamics, the manipulation of truth, and the enduring relevance of these themes today.
ChatGPT and the Bible
Explore the role large language models like ChatGPT play in our lives and the importance of biblical wisdom in the age of AI. This article delves into how LLMs like ChatGPT change our information access, the challenge of hallucinations in AI, and the crucial role of Scripture in guiding us through moral and spiritual queries in a tech-driven world. Proverbs 2:6-7
Unmasking Faith in the Era of Deepfakes
🤔In a world where deepfakes are becoming indistinguishable from reality 🎭, it's time to ask ourselves if our Christian walk is as authentic as we profess. 💡 Dive into an eye-opening article and video on spiritual integrity in the age of deepfakes. Click to see how real faith can shine through in a world obsessed with facades. ✝️ Matthew 23:27-28, James 2:14-17
When Jesus Calls Your Name: A Life-Altering Encounter
In this captivating video, we delve into the powerful and transformative story of Mary Magdalen, as told in John 20:11-18. Discover how an encounter with Jesus can change the course of your life. Like Mary, you, too, can experience the call of Jesus, leading to a profound journey of faith and transformation.
Finding Your Internal Compass: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Modern Faith
Explore the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the Christian journey, as contrasted with the disciples' experience with Jesus. Learn how the Holy Spirit is an omnipresent guide and internal compass in times of serenity and storm. Reflection questions are included for a deeper, empowered faith. John 14 and John 16
Aggressive Street Dogs: A Surprising Lesson in Influence
In Guatemala, a street dog named Scar demonstrated the power of influence. The story underscores the lessons from Proverbs about wise associations and the impacts of positive and negative influences. Learn how ancient wisdom applies in today's digital age, emphasizing discernment in companionship and content consumption.
Born Again or Just Going Through the Motions?
Explore the spiritual journey of Nicodemus, a Pharisee intrigued by Jesus' miracles, and its relevance to modern-day Christians. Are you fully engaged in your relationship with Jesus, or just going through the motions? Dive into this transformative discussion that challenges you to reevaluate your faith journey and offers actionable steps for renewal.
Selling Jesus: Acting Like You Believe The Prosperity Gospel When You Don't
Uncover the allure and pitfalls of the Prosperity Gospel and how it subtly influences even those who reject it. This comprehensive article delves into why this belief system is Biblically unsound, its impact on non-Christians, and its misalignment with authentic Christian teachings. Explore the nuanced ways we might unknowingly adopt its principles in our own faith lives.
I Messed My Pants at 53 Years Old: What Can We Learn
You would not be the first to wonder why I would tell this story! First, I have not pooped my pants since I was three years old, fifty years ago. I hope not to poop my pants for another 50 years. If this becomes a more regular event, it’s tragic. But if this is, as I hope, a semicentennial event, it's hilarious and needs to be told! Secondly, the dual insights drawn from this messy ordeal have a 'load' of significance, just like the unwanted cargo in my pants!
Haggai 1:4: The Silk Sheets Dilemma
Just like Marvin Hagler's struggle with the silk sheets, there's a potent allure to comfort that can grip us all; it's a timeless tale that weaves its way through the very fabric of human existence. This pull between aspiration and comfort, struggle and ease, is seen in the book of Haggai when the Israelites faced a similar dilemma. The amenities and luxuries of life were overshadowing a much grander calling. Let’s turn our attention to the 6th Century B.C., to the land of the Israelites.
Hearing The Glacier Move
In those fleeting moments, as I had the privilege of hearing a glacier move, I realized something deep in my heart. That sound, that unique thud—it wasn't just the ice. It was a reminder, a nudge, telling me that I would have never heard that beautiful sound if I hadn't put myself in a place where I was quiet enough to listen. Isn't that true for our relationship with God, too?
Are you bored with your faith? Feel like God's on mute? Trust me; I've been there. But take it from me, and these wise words from some folks who know a thing or two:
The Suffering Servant - Isaiah 53:11
This promise of salvation is not merely a ticket to get you out from under Nebuchadnezzar's thumb. It's a promise of something more profound: A complete spiritual restoration. God plans to save you, not by flexing His muscles and declaring dominance, but by humble service and bearing our sorrows and sins (53:4-5).
This poetic prophecy offers your frozen despair a warming bonfire of hope. God is still with you, even in the thick of your suffering. And more importantly, He's making a way for you, promising prosperity (52:13; 53:10) and demonstrating a new way to victory, not through might, but through sacrifice and love.
I Cannot Believe He Bit Me!
It was as if a bolt of lightning had hit my right hand; sharp pain shot through my nerves to the tips of my toes and the crown of my head simultaneously. I felt the intense intrusion of his canine teeth puncturing through my palm and thumb, plunging through like nails into softwood. Through the pain, I mustered the focus to utter a single command, "Hagler, Aut." The obedient soul he was, he let go instantaneously.
Fear of the Lord - Proverbs 1:7
Let's dwell on this phrase, the "fear of the Lord." It can seem an odd choice of words, can't it? One might think, "Am I to be scared of God?" However, Solomon is not talking about cowering in fright. No, this is something more profound and far more meaningful.