Scripture: Genesis 6:11-22 11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God saw that the earth was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted its ways upon the earth. 13 And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is... Continue Reading →
A Reputation Worth Redeeming
Scripture: Ruth 4:1-12 No sooner had Boaz gone up to the gate and sat down there than the next-of-kin of whom Boaz had spoken came passing by. So Boaz said, “Come over; sit down here.” And he went over and sat down. 2 Then Boaz took ten men of the elders of the town and said,... Continue Reading →
When the Walls Fell
Scripture: Joshua 6:15-27 15 On the seventh day they rose early, at dawn, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times. It was only on that day that they marched around the city seven times. 16 And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout!... 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 →
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 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 →
Humble Hospitality
Scripture: John 13:1-20 Before the Festival of Passover, Jesus knew that his time had come to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them fully. 2 Jesus and his disciples were sharing the evening meal. The devil had already provoked Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son,... Continue Reading →
Text for the Week: the Star of Grace
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. 2 They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We’ve seen his star in the east, and we’ve come to honor him.” 3 When King Herod heard this,... Continue Reading →
Text for the Week: Rejoicing in Truth not Failure
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:14-21 CEB 14 I’m not writing these things to make you ashamed but to warn you, since you are my loved children. 15 You may have ten thousand mentors in Christ, but you don’t have many fathers. I gave birth to you in Christ Jesus through the gospel, 16 so I encourage you to follow... Continue Reading →
Focusing on the World
One thing I have been concerned about recently is the number of people who are talking about being unlike the world. I understand that scripture tells us to be separate from the world and to live lives that are different from those around us. There is a frequent refrain within the New Testament of being... Continue Reading →
Squinting in the Light 