The Time for Boasting is Now
Few things are as off-putting to me as arrogance, the smug superiority that constantly looks down upon “lesser beings.” I recently finished reading Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice. As I read, I was repulsed by the self-importance and snobbery reeking from Lady Catherine de Bourgh in almost every scene in which she appeared. Lady Catherine was…
Read MoreNo Equity Among Thieves
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.– John 10:10, ESV Years ago, I heard a man tell an intriguing story about four thieves. It was intriguing because though all four were thieves, each of the four met with a different fate.…
Read MoreVisit is Not a Social Call
Early in the life of the church, there was confusion and ignorance regarding whether Gentiles were required to adhere to Jewish Law and custom upon becoming Christ followers. This debate led to what is called “The Jerusalem Council” we read of in Acts 15. In that council, following a presentation from the apostles Barnabus and…
Read MoreThe Gift – How Much More?
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?– Romans 8:31-32, NIV-1983 There are times I read scripture,…
Read MoreOne of These Things is Not Like the Others
From time to time, we see and hear things that astonish or impress us, and at such times we often say something like “I’ve never seen anything like this.” Or, “This is unprecedented!” Such things were frequently said about our Lord and King. He was, indeed, unprecedented. As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed…
Read MoreThe False Witness
If you do not have adequate connections, people in powerful places, lying on the witness stand in a court of law can land you in a heap of trouble. And rightly so. The truth is important. God established that long ago. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.– Exodus 20:16, ESV God’s statement…
Read More“These Things”
A few weeks back, we looked at various things we can know, wrestling with the question, “What is knowable?” and the list was uplifting and encouraging. This week, I want to zero in on just one of those knowables: the fact we can know we have eternal life. I write these things to you who…
Read MoreWhat is Waiting for the Lord?
It should not amaze us that scripture proves itself as relevant today as it was the thousands of years ago when it was written. Take a moment and ponder the unsettling state of the world today, and when you’re ready (or disgusted), consider the following statement from the prophet Jeremiah: Righteous are you, O LORD, when…
Read MoreThe Word of His Grace
Alean and I worship and serve with a smaller fellowship of about 100 to 125 and we know we are tremendously blessed to be a part of this unique and loving church family. It took us years to find this family, and we won’t give it up easily if the time ever comes that we…
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