Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-18 8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For, “Whoever would love life and see... Continue Reading →
Faith Endures
Scripture: Hebrews 10:26-11:3 26 For if we willfully persist in sin after having received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful prospect of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has violated the law of Moses dies without mercy “on the... Continue Reading →
Sin Brings Death, Jesus Brings Life
Scripture: Romans 5:6-17 6 While we were still weak, at the right moment, Christ died for ungodly people. 7 It isn’t often that someone will die for a righteous person, though maybe someone might dare to die for a good person. 8 But God shows his love for us, because while we were still sinners Christ died for... Continue Reading →
The Call to Holy Living
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:2, 13-25 2 God the Father chose you because of what he knew beforehand. He chose you through the Holy Spirit’s work of making you holy and because of the faithful obedience and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. May God’s grace and peace be multiplied to you. 13 Therefore, once you have your minds ready... Continue Reading →
The Gift of χάρις (Grace)
Scripture: Romans 3:21-31 21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed and is attested by the Law and the Prophets, 22 the righteousness of God through the faith of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23 since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of... Continue Reading →
Controlling Desires
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:2b-16 Teach and urge these duties. 3 Whoever teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that is in accordance with godliness 4 is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid craving for controversy and for disputes about words. From these come envy, dissension,... Continue Reading →
A Fast for Justice
As I usually do in the run up to Ash Wednesday and Lent, I have been thinking about fasting and the purpose behind fasting. As I was meditating on Lenten practices I thought about how many people will give up things like chocolate, coffee, or social media for Lent. I do not want to discourage... Continue Reading →
Being Honest
Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32 25 So then, putting away falsehood, let each of you speak the truth with your neighbor, for we are members of one another. 26 Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not make room for the devil. 28 Those who steal must give up... Continue Reading →
Are We Thieves?
Scripture: Romans 2:17-29 17 What about you? You call yourself a Jew. You trust in the law of Moses and brag that you are close to God. 18 You know what God wants you to do. And you know the things that are important because you have learned the law. 19 You think you are a guide for... Continue Reading →
Bringing Honor
Scripture: Matthew 15:1-9 Then Pharisees and legal experts came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, 2 “Why are your disciples breaking the elders’ rules handed down to us? They don’t ritually purify their hands by washing before they eat.” 3 Jesus replied, “Why do you break the command of God by keeping the rules handed down to... Continue Reading →
Squinting in the Light 