Tony Campolo tells a story about the movie, The Seventh Seal.In short, a medieval knight plays a dramatic game of chess with death himself, the prince of darkness. Throughout the whole movie they go back and forth making moves.Right at the end, as things are reaching a climax, the prince of darkness makes one more … Continue reading One more move
resurrection
When the Devil reminds you of your past
Jesus actually rose from the grave. Actually. Physically. Incredibly!Because of that, everything was different. Everything is different.He paid for and conquered sin. He defeated death. He saved his people. His love triumphed! His reconciling work extended—and extends—to the entirely of the world, bringing unity to all things in heaven and on earth (Ephesians 1:9-10).He also … Continue reading When the Devil reminds you of your past
Personal, but never private
In yesterday’s devotional I highlighted the exceptional courage of the first apostles. As far as we can tell, all but one of them died for their faith. One writer has stated that God is personal, but never private.* How very true. Our faith is internal AND external. It impacts who we are on the inside … Continue reading Personal, but never private
Courage is fighting alongside the King
Whatever happened to those first apostles? Shortly after the resurrection, this new movement of Christ-followers took off. Initially they were called the people of “The Way.” The word “Christians” also came into use fairly early. Jesus’ people were first referred to by that title in Antioch (see Acts 11:26). Some of the things we know … Continue reading Courage is fighting alongside the King
Casual and casualty sound so much the same
“Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position” (2 Peter 3:17) It’s no coincidence that casual and casualty sound so much the same. Let me explain what I’m getting at. Casual … Continue reading Casual and casualty sound so much the same
Too honest not to tell the truth
This week we’re talking about having confidence in the resurrection. More specifically, we’re talking about how to defend against conspiracy theories that say it never really happened. When we understand these—and know how to defend against them—we grow in confidence. A modern popular theory is that the early church must have made up resurrection stories … Continue reading Too honest not to tell the truth
There exists such overwhelming evidence
This week’s devotionals have been focusing on the resurrection. It is foundational to our faith. Yet people continue to come up with conspiracy theories which try to deny it. When we understand these—and know how to defend against them—we grow in confidence. One conspiracy theory is that Jesus’ dead body was simply stolen. But that … Continue reading There exists such overwhelming evidence
Out of the cross
The physical resurrection of Jesus is foundational to our faith. Without it, Paul says your faith is “futile” (1 Corinthians 15:17). It is of “first importance” (verse 3). Jesus predicted it. It is one of the reasons he now reigns as Lord. But some people challenge the idea. They say that Jesus never really died. … Continue reading Out of the cross
Putting some sand on the bridge
Indiana Jones was played by Harrison Ford. There’s a scene in one of the movies where he had to get across a huge gorge, but couldn’t jump that far. His map indicated that he could walk across, but he couldn’t see a bridge. He was in a hurry because people were chasing him and he … Continue reading Putting some sand on the bridge
Trading crosses for crowns
The resurrection of Christ was about one man, but it was about more than one man. It is the inauguration of God’s renewed world. I’m thankful to historian and scholar Tom Wright for highlighting the following points in his research. First, God began the work of creation on a Sunday. Well, the work of God’s … Continue reading Trading crosses for crowns
