post

WHAT IS THE “MILLENNIAL REIGN”?

** I realize that what I have written below is against the grain of how most people think about “prophecy.” But I appeal to you to ask the Lord to show you His mind in Christ by the Holy Spirit. It appears to me that what many folks think about the future is bogus, and they are being misled by what J.N. Darby and C.I. Scofield foisted on Bible-believers years ago. Some of what I say may be totally new to you, but please hang in there and see if it doesn’t help bring clarity to the Lord’s purpose … [Read more...]

post

A NEW WAY OF LOOKING AT SIN

Attendees at the 22nd Searching Together Gathering, July 15-18, 2021, Dodgeville, WI. In the course of the 22nd Searching Together Gathering (July 15-18, 2021) in Dodgeville, WI, I responded to a thread of discussion we were having about "sin." Here is the 44 minute audio of my remarks. … [Read more...]

post

The Secret Place

We'd encourage y'all to check out these 10 minute meditations by our good friend, Stephanie Bennett. She has 60+ in her series so far. We think they are special! Dotty & I have been involved in a few episodes. – Jon & Dotty No More Loneliness https://youtu.be/ATIOBvgzL9k   Life In Christ (salvation) Is Also Life in the Body https://youtu.be/FIis0qupcbQ   True Fellowship Can Be Inexplicable https://youtu.be/jvw1AsbX59k   "Going to the Least of These" (with … [Read more...]

post

Pulpit or Participation?

A video regarding biblical church leadership and participation from personal experience, from April, 2020 https://youtu.be/0dnPpL4Iq28 "For some of you, this may be one of the most important forty minutes of your life." -- Alan Allison, Spokane WA … [Read more...]

post

Elusive Community

A short video regarding Biblical community from Tucson, AZ in April, 2020 https://youtu.be/zqYOmGihvz0 … [Read more...]

post

The Turning Points in My Journey

A video testimony of the turning points in my journey from Tucson, AZ in April, 2020 https://youtu.be/WvO6IV5zX-0 … [Read more...]

post

“Our assembling together may be disrupted some day by governmental upheaval,” 1981

I’m now in Tucson, Arizona, finishing up the manuscript of Elusive Community for publication. In light of the many concerns surrounding the intrusion of the CoronaV, it is appropriate to reflect on how this disease has so far affected what is called “church” in light of some prophetic remarks I made in 1981. What are three key pillars that church leaders connect with practicing church in America? Building to meet in; pastor to give sermon; a way to collect tithes. All three of these have been … [Read more...]

post

FROM BUILDING TO BODY

Building to Body Transitioning from Institutional to Organic Church Jon Zens After hearing what I shared in the sessions at a conference in Mexico City, a brother from America suggested that I write about how a traditional church could morph into an organic ekklesia. After reflection, here is how I would respond to such an idea. One common question that often comes up is “How can typical church structures move from the status quo to being more like family, where there is more body-life?” … [Read more...]

post

“Jailed Because of the Mystery,” Col. 4:2

In early May Dotty and I made a trip to Eastern Wisconsin. On May 3 we got together with some saints in Racine, and had a wonderful time together. I shared some thoughts from the opening verses of Colossians 4, "Jailed Because of the Mystery." I hope this session will draw your heart to Jesus, Who is the Mystery . . . . … [Read more...]

post

ROMANCING THE PASTORATE – A RESPONSE TO EUGENE PETERSON”S “The Pastor: A Memoir”

As most of you know, Eugene Peterson passed away on October 22, 2018. He was certainly a distinguished evangelical leader for many years, and positively influenced many people in the course of his life. He espoused the traditional view of "the pastor," yet candidly admitted to the many problems encamped around it. In my 2011 book, The Pastor Has No Clothes, I wrote the following thoughts about his book, The Pastor: A Memoir. ROMANCING THE PASTORATE: A Response to Eugene Peterson’s The Pastor: … [Read more...]