Growing Deeper Into the Soil of God's Word to Bear Fruit For His Kingdom
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43) Two criminals hung on crosses on either side of Jesus - an innocent man. One hurled insults, but the other recognized his sinfulness, and came to... Continue Reading →
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Luke 23:34) Jesus does not ask that his enemies get what they deserve (“Father, smite them, for they knew exactly what they were doing!”). Instead, he prays for their forgiveness. He prays... Continue Reading →
At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three in the afternoon, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, eloi, lama sabachthani,” (which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) (Mark 15:33-34) There are many different ways to approach a biblical text in order to... Continue Reading →
Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and a brother of James, to those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: (Jude 1) Tucked into the address of Jude 1 is a beautiful picture of salvation. Jude describes the believers who received his letter in three ways. First, they are those who... Continue Reading →
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.” (1 Peter 5:2) One evening about ten years ago, as part of a high school mission trip, I... Continue Reading →
“Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 3:13 It seems rare to find someone genuinely excited to serve in church leadership. Many elders and deacons sigh when ‘their turn’ comes around. We all do the work well, but the work can be... Continue Reading →
“John wore clothes made from camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.” Mark 1:6 Mark’s gospel is fast-paced. Short, clipped descriptions and powerful verbs drive the story forward. Mark is fond of using the word ‘immediately’ where other gospel writers might have allowed for space and... Continue Reading →
But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch, because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done, Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.” (Luke 3:19-20 John the Baptist was never known for being subtle. Or gentle. Or tactful for that matter.... Continue Reading →
“In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Taconites, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilee - during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of the Lord came to John son of Zechariah in... Continue Reading →
"Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord." (Luke 1:13-15a) I... Continue Reading →
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