Baggage: Why We Struggle
Solomon said the whole duty of man was to fear God and keep his commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Paul wrote that to know Jesus was the most important thing in his life (Philippians 3:8). We also know that God does not create confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33) and that his word is truth (John 17:17). So why […]
Hate vs. Love
Westboro Baptist Church brought their hate to Tuscaloosa Saturday. That church is known for picketing funerals of American servicemen claiming they did as a judgment from God because the US supports homosexuality. We have no intention of saying anything else about them but they do provide a useful backdrop for some thoughts on approaching sin. […]
Christian Unity: Trouble in Corinth
Christian unity was slipping away in Corinth. The church there was fractured and was in danger of falling into sectarian division. Paul gently rebuked the brethren and called for their unity. We can learn from their troubles. Ultimately, Christian unity is founded in Jesus Christ. When I enjoy the proper relationship with my Lord, I […]
Farewell 2012
We close the books on 2012 today. It’s over and I’m hoping for a better 2013. It has been a difficult year in so many ways. Hardly a month has passed without some horrifying event taking place which rattles us and makes stop to ask “why?” Let’s think about the big events of 2012 and […]
Jesus and Legion
The meeting between Jesus and Legion is fascinating. Jesus converses with the demon and then banishes him into a herd of pigs. The story is exciting and curious, and there are important lessons to be learned. The account is found in Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20 and Luke 8:26-39. Jesus is preaching in Galilee and has […]
Pulpit Freedom Sunday: A Misguided Idea
Hundreds of preachers are going to break the law today (October 7, 2012). It’s called Pulpit Freedom Sunday and it is staged by an organization that works to protect churches against government intrusion. Preachers will step into their pulpits today and take a political position for or against Mitt Romney or Barack Obama. Intervening on […]
Jesus and Darkness
Few people really like being in the dark. Darkness hides danger and covers misdeeds. A fear of darkness is common in infancy and some remnants of that fear remains into adulthood. We use nightlights in our homes, have flashlights at the ready, install streetlights on the corner and flood lights around the house. When the […]
Jesus and Light
Light is often used to describe good things. Light describes truth (Psalm 43:3; Ephesians 5:9). Light describes God’s word (Psalms 119:105, 130). Light describes goodness (Proverbs 15:30; Ephesians 5:9). Light describes deliverance and redemption (Luke 1:79). Light also describes Jesus (John 8:12; John 12:35, 36; 2 Corinthians 4:4). Light is a good thing and an oft […]
Proof of the Resurrection: Paul
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest miracle in Scripture. Not only the truthfulness of the Bible generally is at stake but specifically the veracity of Christianity. As author Lee Strobel says, the resurrection not only proves Christianity but disproves all other contenders and pretenders to the faith which was once delivered for all […]
John 3:16 – Massive Love
We have previously spoken about John 3:16 in an effort to remind our readers of some overlooked aspects of the verse. But to better complete the study I will consider the great love evident in this short verse: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should […]