Scripture: Ephesians 1:11-23 11 In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, 12 so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also,... Continue Reading →
Wisdom to be Perfect
Scripture: Colossians 1:24-29 24 I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. 25 I became its minister according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word... Continue Reading →
The Love of Strangers
Scripture: Romans 12:9-21 9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs... Continue Reading →
Understanding the Rift: Evangelicals and American Nationalism
Recently I was asked to write a response to this question, "Can you point to a turning point in American culture or history where the church started making this dramatic turn away from the teachings of Christ?" This was part of a larger (and ongoing) conversation about how to talk to fellow believers about politics.... Continue Reading →
Joining the Fellowship
Scripture: 1 John 1:1-10 We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it and declare to... Continue Reading →
Sympathy and Compassion
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 →
Risen with Healing in His Wings
Scripture: Luke 24:1-12 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men... Continue Reading →
Recognizing THE King
Scripture: Luke 19:29-40 29 As Jesus came to Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he gave two disciples a task. 30 He said, “Go into the village over there. When you enter it, you will find tied up there a colt that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone... Continue Reading →
The Word of the Administration
The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tells CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network) that Paula White, White House Faith Advisor, has been doing an excellent Job gathering faith leaders to "spread the word of this administration as well as the word of God...". This claim jumps out at me as a summation of what Leavitt believes... Continue Reading →
Squinting in the Light 