by Phill Butler | A-Missions, A-Scriptural Reflections
Introduction I believe that a fresh reading of Scripture points to some startling questions—frequently enigmatic issues—particularly for believers in the West and in those places where Western thinking has gained influence. Calling at once for commitment to truth and...
by Phill Butler | A-Partnership-Operational Issues, A-Scriptural Reflections
Background/Context For many years, with colleagues around the world, I have worked to bring God’s people into whole, collaborative relationships. These initiatives have consistently sought to empower effective evangelization, development of national church...
by Phill Butler | A-Partnership-Getting Started, A-Scriptural Reflections
God comes to us in these days as a Father — bringing His family access to freedom, reconciliation, salvation, and hope. Hope not just for eternity but hope for a changed life, changed relationships, changed communities, changed society, and a changed witness...
by Phill Butler | A-Partnership-Operational Issues, A-Scriptural Reflections
Essential Idea God designed men and women to live in harmony, in open, healthy relationships — whether in families or communities. God’s design is based on His own nature. Adam and Eve’s tragic decision in Genesis destroyed transparency, trust,...
by Phill Butler | A-Scriptural Reflections
Genesis 1-3 Events and John 17: the destruction and redemption of relationships. Today’s Implications: for the Church globally. God lives in community outside of time (cf. Genesis, Job, Daniel, Ephesians and others) In Genesis 1-3 “Let us make man in our image.” The...
by Phill Butler | A-Scriptural Reflections
How a Search for a Semitic King Marked the Start of a Global Revolution Matthew 2:1-12 © 2022 Phill Butler It is only in Matthew’s gospel that we have the story of the “Wise Men” and their visit to honor the new-born Jesus. It’s part of the Christmas story that has...
by Phill Butler | A-Scriptural Reflections
A torrent of words have been generated over the years in commentary on Jesus’ well-known prayer in John 17:1-26. Any further attempt to explore the passage may then be, at best, superfluous or at worst presumptuous. However, acknowledging those possibilities I would...
by Phill Butler | A-Scriptural Reflections
My sense is that Joseph, Mary’s husband and head of Jesus’ earthly family, was a man of extraordinary qualities. It was his character and action that provided the framework for all of the major events leading up to the launch of Jesus’ public ministry. For obvious...
by Phill Butler | A-Scriptural Reflections
My Background I was born and raised in the fishing village of Capernaum. We’re located about 40 miles NE of Jerusalem on the NW corner of the Sea of Galilee. It’s actually a fresh water lake fed by the Jordan river. It’s about 13 miles long and about 8 miles wide....
by Phill Butler | A-Scriptural Reflections
Context When reviewing the 2,000 year history of the Church, we face two questions. First, how do we account for the fact that, looking at the whole world, in region after region lasting spiritual breakthroughs have seemed so infrequent? Among many major blocs of...
by Phill Butler | A-Scriptural Reflections
As consider our approach or strategies for evangelism, whether inter-personal, social media, or other forms of communications understanding both the key elements and the process of decision-making can greatly strengthen our initiatives. These very simple charts and...
by Phill Butler | A-Scriptural Reflections
The Plan In open relationship with God: Gen 1:26 In open relationship with self: Gen 2:15-20 In open relationship with others: Gen 2:23-25 In open relationship with created order:Gen 2:15-20 The problem Broken relationship with God: Gen 3:8 Broken relationship...
by Phill Butler | A-Scriptural Reflections
Scriptural Assumptions Man is a shaper, not a victim Gen 1:26, 28, 29 Gen 2:16-17 Jesus commission from the Father Luke 4:16-21 Jesus commission to us John 20:21 We are change agents Matt 6:10, 11:19...
by Phill Butler | A-Scriptural Reflections
I. Based on God’s nature: living in community A. Before creation – Job/Daniel/Ephesians B. Man in His likeness – Genesis 1:26, 3:22, 11:17 C. Destruction of community/trust – Gen 3:8-10 Fear – Gen 3:22-24 Separation – Gen 4:1-9...
by Phill Butler | A-Scriptural Reflections
Stories, resource materials, and connections to strategic Kingdom networks available on this site repeat Jesus’ theme in many different way. When real, lasting, Kingdom partnerships and networks are launched, things change. Not just trivial things but...
by Phill Butler | A-Partnership-Case Studies, A-Partnership-Getting Started, A-Personal Spiritual Journey, A-Scriptural Reflections
Nehemiah: Chapters 1-8. The story of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of desolate Jerusalem is the greatest case study of the power of partnership in the Bible. In the time of global crisis we face Nehemiah’s story is highly relevant. In the sectors where our...
