Those listening to Jesus “were all well impressed with him and marveled at the eloquent words that he spoke” (4:22). So far, so good. People often marvel at Jesus in…
Wise men. Scripture tells us they are (2:1, NRSV, ESV, RSV). What made them wise? What do we know about them? We know they studied the stars. Why? I mean,…
We are preparing ourselves for the days. Being prepared is not a matter of externals. Do you have your jumper cables in your trunk? How about flares? Anybody keep flares…
My last year at seminary, one of the theology professors taught a course called something like “Theories of the Atonement.” Over centuries, theologians have presented different explanations regarding the atonement,…
Satan? Are we really going to hear about that old myth, that nonsense? Beloved, whether you believe there is such a being, such an enemy as Satan or not, Scripture…
So much of Jesus’ time is taken up with disputes, disagreements, arguments, differing interpretations. People seem to interpret God’s Word in such a variety of ways. Frequently, these differences provide…
To be in the presence of Jesus is to be in the presence of salvation. We celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday. There is no special reason why. …
How well do your deeds match up with your words? Uh oh. Anyone can talk about Christianity and the Christian thing to do. Living that way, though? How many opportunities…
There was a time when the Sabbath meant something. Now it means pretty much what every other day means: busy, busy, places to go, things to do—cram everything in and…
Chosen for Love, Loved for Love—Jn 15:9-17 A couple of Sundays back, I shared one biblical scholar’s view of what made Christianity unique on this side of eternity, what helped…