This week we have been exploring the bravery and faith of Daniel’s three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. We have been using their experience to ask important questions about our own faith today.These three young men refused to bow down to the king’s statue. But why?In the Ten Commandments God says: “You shall have no … Continue reading Loyalty matters in more ways than you think
love of God
Loving people when you don’t “feel” very loving
We’ve been spending some time thinking about love. Makes sense. After all, it comes up in the Bible—a lot.Truth is critical. So is doctrine. Related to these is love. It is an outward expression of the faith that God has given to us.Today I want to share a word of encouragement to those who don’t … Continue reading Loving people when you don’t “feel” very loving
Those who are radically loved…
{See below for a vacation notice.}Why are we supposed to love our enemies?It’s a big question. I recently dedicated an entire sermon to the subject (which can you access in the footnotes below if you’re interested).Among the many answers to this question, here’s one that is worth pondering. People who are radically loved, love radically. Granted, … Continue reading Those who are radically loved…
Like a drop of water poured into wine
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).Bernard of Clairveax was a monk who lived in the early twelfth century. In his book On Loving God he talks about someone who is … Continue reading Like a drop of water poured into wine
You may fail
“In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ…” (Ephesians 1:4-5)Imagine you’re a parent. Your child has been learning the piano. She’s got a school concert coming up. She chose the music carefully and has practiced a lot. You bought her a new dress. She is excited but nervous. So are you!The … Continue reading You may fail
He knew what was going to happen
One of the things that has really stuck with me recently is the foreknowledge of Jesus. He knew he would be tortured, abandoned and killed. And yet, he did it anyway.Why?Let’s pretend that I’ve had a direct message from God for you. Here it is: “Tomorrow is going to be the most painful day of … Continue reading He knew what was going to happen
Know you are loved
We’ve been talking about religious hypocrisy—in ourselves. This isn’t about being ourselves up, but about honest self-evaluation as we strive to grow and become more like Jesus.But that’s just what can happen. We beat ourselves up. The more we examine ourselves to see our sin, the more sin we see! It can be discouraging.The apostle … Continue reading Know you are loved
The reason he endured it all
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman…” (Galatians 4:4) Lately I’ve been thinking about what Jesus’ life was like while on earth. [Full link below.] Life was difficult and dangerous. Consider a few of the details: He was born under Roman oppression under the tyrannical rule … Continue reading The reason he endured it all
He cries just like us!
Stephen Seamands recalls a story about a missionary in a faraway land. He went to share and show the good news of Jesus. But he wasn’t making any headway with the locals. It was as if they were closed to who he was and what he had to say because he was simply “not one … Continue reading He cries just like us!
His love was greater than his fear
What did Stephen say in the very moments in which he was being killed (by stoning) for his faith? Let’s listen in to Acts 7:60: “Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’” Picture the scene. While he was being pelted with stones by grown men, … Continue reading His love was greater than his fear
