The resurrection is central to Christian faith. Paul says that if Jesus has not been raised then your faith is “useless” (1 Corinthians 15:14). It changes how we see and experience the world. Why? Because in a world where resurrection is possible, anything is possible! The New Testament writers continually highlight that our world and … Continue reading In a world where resurrection is possible
easter
Fear doesn’t define us
Christians all over the world just celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. As I was preparing to lead services this year one of the details in the story that struck me was the description of the women outside the tomb who had just learned about the resurrection: “So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid … Continue reading Fear doesn’t define us
Why it’s called ‘good’ Friday
There’s a marine training facility called Parris Island. A young man signed up who was a bit out of step with the others. He was nice enough—but he just didn’t fit in. As a result he got picked on. A lot. In his barracks there were guys who were particularly mean. One of them came … Continue reading Why it’s called ‘good’ Friday
Joy reigned supreme
Remember Easter? Of course you do. It was only a few days ago. But Monday came, and then Tuesday. Now you’re chugging through your routines like any other week. You remember that Easter happened. But you forget what happened at Easter. Viktor Frankl was a holocaust survivor. Here’s how he described learning about the end … Continue reading Joy reigned supreme
Your victory in life
Happy Easter everybody! As many of you know, I've been on break since February 4th. I'm feeling refreshed and am looking forward to helping you live out a dynamic faith through this devotional five days a week. Since today is Easter Monday, let me just say this: A lot of people struggle with an identity … Continue reading Your victory in life
Reasons for the resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. It’s not in the outfield somewhere picking at ant hills. It’s home plate. So whether or not you take it seriously is VERY important. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 15:17 Paul said that “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile.” Futile. So … Continue reading Reasons for the resurrection
The hope of tomorrow today
Remember the movie Back to the Future? I think it was so popular because people loved the idea of time travel and guessing what the future would be like. Well, we don’t know much about flying cars (yet), but we actually do know what the future is going to be like. We know it because … Continue reading The hope of tomorrow today
Sing the truth into your heart
The word “minister” isn’t just a noun—it’s a verb. To “minister” to someone is to serve someone, or to care for someone, especially in a spiritual context. In the past month I’ve heard people say that someone “ministered” to them through a friendly conversation. Another person felt that someone “ministered” to them when they prayed … Continue reading Sing the truth into your heart
Downton Abbey and Maundy Thursday
Today is Maundy Thursday. “Maundy” comes from the Latin word for “command” in John 13:34. Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” So on Maundy Thursday some churches hold intimate, simple gatherings before the fireworks of Easter to sing, pray, … Continue reading Downton Abbey and Maundy Thursday
A Person who demands your confidence
Matthew 28:8 "So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy..." (NIV Today's Thought Holidays and traditions are great. I love big meals, hot cross buns, and Easter egg hunts as much as the next guy. But when the things we do start to eclipse the meaning behind WHY we do … Continue reading A Person who demands your confidence
