Scripture: Mark 10:17-31 17 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall... Continue Reading →
Love Made Real
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 As we work together with him, we entreat you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.” Look, now is the acceptable time; look, now is the day... Continue Reading →
Developing Patience: Lessons from Ephesians 4
Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16 I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace:... Continue Reading →
Debunking Memes: Paul’s True Gospel Message
I have seen this meme making the rounds on social media lately. The purpose is to justify disrespectful behavior toward non-Christians. The underlying message is we can treat practitioners of other religions however we want because the do not hold to the truth. However, this meme both makes a false claim and misrepresents Scripture. I... Continue Reading →
The Legacy of the Scopes Trial: Truth vs. Control in Christianity
July 21 marks one hundred years since a jury found John Scopes guilty of violating the Butler Act and fined him $100. I have been thinking about this trial recently and how even though the Fundamentalists won the trial it was ultimately a major loss. I find the Scopes trial is one of those events... Continue Reading →
Passing Peace
Scripture: Romans 14:13-23 13 So stop judging each other. Instead, this is what you should decide: never put a stumbling block or obstacle in the way of your brother or sister. 14 I know and I’m convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is wrong to eat in itself. But if someone thinks something is wrong to... Continue Reading →
Cultivate Joy
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-9 1Peter, Apostle of Jesus the Christ. To the chosen refugees of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2by the foreknowledge of God the Father, made holy by the Spirit, because of the faithfulness and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, grace to you and may peace be multiplied. 3May... Continue Reading →
When the Spirit Leads, Love Responds
Scripture: Luke 10:25-37 25 One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” 27 The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all... Continue Reading →
Exploring Genesis: Cooperation and Creation’s Restoration
I am frequently asked the question, "If there was no sin would that mean there would be no natural disasters?" My answer to this question is that I think the natural cycle of the earth wouldn't mean there are still wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters. But I think that humanity without sin... Continue Reading →
God’s Favorite?
I saw this image posted by an atheist trying to ridicule the Bible satirically commenting that Christians believe that the Bible makes a claim that we are somehow the center of the universe. I will readily admit there are Christians who would make this claim, but I do not think they can make a biblical... Continue Reading →
Squinting in the Light 