Before we begin unpacking this encounter with Jesus, I’d like to share a little bit about me. I am, and have always been, a curious person. I am deeply invested in learning, which is perhaps why I chose education as a career. Amongst friends, I have been teased relentlessly about starting many conversations with the phrases “I just read an interesting article” or “listened to an interesting podcast.” I voraciously sponge as much knowledge and understanding as I can. However, this morning,...

We have really been enjoying these messages about encounters with Jesus!  It's been good to reflect on things we share with people who encountered Jesus when he walked on earth and so interesting to hear one another's personal stories, We'd like to open with a familiar little episode -- just a few verses long.  Mark chapter 10:13-16.  The NIV translation uses somewhat old-fashioned words, but I'm sure it will make sense to you. 13  People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to...

Today I’d like to share with you some of my thoughts on Paul’s encounter with Jesus. Paul is also known as Saul to the Aramaic-speaking community but most people use the Roman form of his name so you just a heads up that you might hear both today. I chose Paul because I feel like his encounter with Jesus is closer to an encounter we might have, and I was hoping to get some clarity on how he was so confident in his beliefs. I mean he didn’t walk with Jesus or spend time with him in person....