Just by way of review, Paul has reminded us that we are more than servants—we who believe now belong to God, having been purchased by Christ and brought into God’s…
Gratitude—it does us all so much good. All sorts of studies confirm it, but we probably already know or believe. Sharing gratitude—this does so much to build friendship, fellowship. It…
Most Bible translations soften what Paul says in the opening line of Romans: “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus” (1:1). That sounds okay. Jesus came to serve, and we like…
So, the Pharisees always manage to surprise me. I often wonder, had I been alive at the time, whether I would have been a Pharisee. I think I probably would…
“[A]re only a few people going to be saved”? One can ask that expecting an affirmative answer. One can ask expecting a negative answer. I mean, if Jesus says no,…
Another Pharisee wants to hear more, see more, know more. That’s good. When anyone invites additional conversation, additional connection-building, let’s make the most of the opportunity. After all, when is…
We have all been inconvenienced. Hopefully, it hasn’t been at midnight. But, you know, any midnight call . . . it’s coming from someone who feels as if there isn’t…
“[F]ull of joy through the Holy Spirit”: let’s start there. The Holy Spirit brings the gift of joy, beloved. We want to be happy. Sometimes, we are. What we really…
It may not feel or seem as if much yields to the name of Jesus these days. It’s as if the name Jesus has sort of become an empty but…
“Not one of us” (9:49). I am not interested in hindering others, but I am interested in strengthening the church: healthy, vital, vibrant, whole. The church is strengthened when we…