We’ve been reading our way through 1 Timothy. Timothy was in Ephesus, trying to get some things straightened out in the church there. If we think of Ephesus at all,…
Over these weeks taking us to Pentecost, as I’m reading the Acts of the Apostles, I’m considering Thom Rainer’s insights regarding a noticeable decline in evangelism. Acts is like our…
Forgiveness. Yes, please! Forgiveness sought only after God forces my hand. Ugh. Yes. But when we finally do confess, once the Spirit has so worked upon us, into us, that…
Tonight is the perfect opportunity to receive Jesus. Oh, not that! If experience is trustworthy, there are some here this evening for whom church is not exactly a habit. I…
About a century ago, a man named Henry H. Halley brought out his Bible Handbook: An Abbreviated Bible Commentary. In his comments about what I just read from Mark, Halley…
Ever hear of the Wheel of Fate? Does it turn on the same axle as the Wheel of Fortune? I’d like to buy an IOU. Fate, Fortune—something out of our…
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (4:7). Everyone who loves. Well, then. If someone…
In Communion, we experience God and our fellowship with Him. How humbly he comes among us! During many of our Communion celebrations, in our praying we say, Christ has…
Jesus allows himself to be bound—the one bound by nothing. In his binding we are being set free. You were bound; maybe you remember. We can feel as if…
The psalms offer great encouragement and wise words of caution. The psalms give voice to our feelings of joy and sorrow; they are heartfelt prayers, helping us to cultivate…