I recently came across something that was rather encouraging. If it was encouraging to me, I’m sure it will be encouraging to you as well. A seed was discovered in the ruins of King Herod’s palace at Masada in Israel. In 2008, researchers decided to plant the seed in some soil. Low and behold, it … Continue reading The seed that grew after thousands of years
evangelism
The E word
Evangelism. It’s sharing the good news about Jesus. But in a society that is increasingly apathetic or hostile toward the things of God, it can be intimidating, or even scary. A few years ago I helped organize a talk on the subject by Will Han. He’s a Buddhist monk-turned-Christian, church planter, former classmate, and friend … Continue reading The E word
The difference being different makes
Have you ever felt strange because of your faith? What if that wasn’t a bad thing? And what if there was a purpose in it? Paul’s teaching about the risen Jesus to the philosophers of Athens provoked accusations of strangeness: “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing … Continue reading The difference being different makes
Overhearing faith
There are times when people overhear faith. They listen in (or eavesdrop) on what someone else is saying. And then, perhaps at some point in the future, they start to wonder if this God thing might be something for them too. An example is found in Acts 16. After receiving an unjust beating and being … Continue reading Overhearing faith
Signs at football games
Have you ever noticed that some people hold up signs with Bible verses at football games? If so, perhaps you think that’s weird. There was a time when I would have agreed with you. But Tony Campolo tells a story that makes us think again. A man was sitting at home watching the Superbowl. At … Continue reading Signs at football games
Focus less on loses and more on gains
When we think of a “witness,” we perhaps think of someone testifying in a trial. They have seen something personally which they speak about publicly. As a result, truth and justice are served. But this isn’t without risk. In fact, there is often a consequence to being truthful. In the New Testament, the apostles were … Continue reading Focus less on loses and more on gains
When witnesses are silent
Truth is silenced when witnesses are silent. This statement presupposes that truth actually matters and that witnesses have a vital role to play in sharing that truth for the benefit of others. If you’ve ever been an actual witness on a witness stand, or even if you’ve watched crime shows on TV, you’ll know that … Continue reading When witnesses are silent
Glad and sincere hearts
There is something very attractive and very compelling about true goodness and godliness in action. Consider this picture of the church in Acts 2:46-47: “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number … Continue reading Glad and sincere hearts
Not just what you say, but how
I’ve spoken with dozens of people looking for advice about how to speak more confidently about their faith—more specifically, to those who don’t share that same faith. Jesus is very special to us. So we want to speak of him well, and to say something that is compelling to others. This can be especially hard … Continue reading Not just what you say, but how
For ALL people (Epiphany)
Today is Epiphany. Um, what? “Epiphany” means “manifestation.” Historically, it’s a day when Christians mark the manifestation (or appearing, or showing-forth) of Jesus to the gentiles—in other words, to ALL people (not just Jews). It’s associated with the visit of the wise men who came from a faraway country: “When they saw the star, they were … Continue reading For ALL people (Epiphany)
The Up Devotional 