One of the earliest physical depictions of Jesus is found in some graffiti in Rome. You can see it the graphic that accompanies today’s devotional. It dates from the late-first to early-third centuries, probably closer to the later. It shows a man on a cross, but the man has a donkey head. There is another person … Continue reading Enduring mockery
christian persecution
God can use opposition for his purposes
In John 15:26-27 (ESV) Jesus said: “when the Helper comes [i.e. the Holy Spirit]… he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.” Jesus specifically says that in the context of hatred and persecution, the Holy Spirit will ‘bear witness’ (meaning, ‘speak the … Continue reading God can use opposition for his purposes
Increasing winds outside the church
We’ve been exploring Jesus’ new command: “Love one another: As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). That statement is jam packed with meaning and possibility. Here’s something else which is easy to miss. We are to love “one another.” He was speaking to his disciples. Our love is expansive, … Continue reading Increasing winds outside the church
