The apostle Peter warned his readers with these words:“You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability” (2 Peter 3:17, ESV).Earlier in the chapter he had been telling them about Jesus’ return. They should live expectantly and with “holiness … Continue reading Stability
Going through the motions
[New podcast link below.] In Mark 11 Jesus says something pretty harsh to a fig tree with leaves but no figs: “May no one ever eat fruit from you again” (verse 14).From there he went into the temple in Jerusalem and overturned the tables of the money-changers. Can you imagine the scene! Perhaps we could … Continue reading Going through the motions
Your Trust-O-Meter
In Mark 10, a blind beggar cried out to Jesus for help.Jesus heard his pleas and called him forward. A miracle followed. Jesus healed his sight! With a word, Jesus changed his life. In response, the man followed Jesus. He expressed his gratitude by dedicating himself to the Lord.But there’s a telling detail in verse … Continue reading Your Trust-O-Meter
Tragedy: a life without purpose
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).Rick Warren states: “The greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purpose.”*He’s onto something. For some people, death is most certainly a tragedy. For God’s people, however, it is … Continue reading Tragedy: a life without purpose
As wings burden the bird in flight
It’s no secret that God’s people are to be a people of prayer.Jesus taught us to pray with the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).In the book of Acts the early church devoted themselves to it (Acts 2:42). Paul taught to “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to be “faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12). Another translation of that … Continue reading As wings burden the bird in flight
God’s word is an on ramp
You sometimes hear people say that they don’t read the Bible very much but they still follow Jesus.In saying this, they seem to suggest that the Bible is all about dusty doctrine and that following Jesus is where the real action is.But this perspective is flawed.Scripture is inspired by God. It is infallible, meaning “unable … Continue reading God’s word is an on ramp
Christs to one another
Can you imagine meeting Jesus face-to-face? What would you say? What would you ask him? What do you think he would ask you?It’s amazing to think that one day we will actually get the opportunity to see and speak with our Lord. Until then we learn about him and hear his voice in Scripture. Augustine said … Continue reading Christs to one another
Does having faith mean I’ll get rich?—no and yes
In Mark 10:29-31 Jesus said: “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and … Continue reading Does having faith mean I’ll get rich?—no and yes
Holding on to unkeepable things
In Mark 10:17-22 a wealthy young man asked Jesus this question: “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”Jesus replied: “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do … Continue reading Holding on to unkeepable things
The new alternative lifestyle
Alternative lifestyles.When I use that phrase, what comes to mind? Perhaps someone who creates a belief system out of a mishmash of ideas? What about someone who embraces sexual promiscuity or rejects family life and the idea that marriage and children are a good thing? Or maybe you think about someone who organizes their life … Continue reading The new alternative lifestyle
