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 →
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 →
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 →
Bless Your Enemies
Scripture: Luke 6:27-38 27 “But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; 28 bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even... Continue Reading →
Gaining Eternal Life
Scripture: John 3:1-20 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with that person.” 3 Jesus... Continue Reading →
Squinting in the Light 