“Quick, bring boiling water!” If you’ve ever watched an old western movie, or a television show from the sixties, you’ll recognize that classic line. It’s usually shouted whenever a woman goes into labor and a child is about to be born. Someone yells, “Quick, get some boiling water!” But have you ever wondered why? Nicodemus must have scratched his head, too, and wondered when Jesus told Him, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again," and then mentioned wa...
Mar 10, 2023•5 min
With a unique Greek word, Paul lets you know that whenever your conscience howls, and the adversary would have you think you’re exposed to judgement, your sins have been covered – by God Himself.
Mar 08, 2023•5 min
It's tempting to look at what’s recorded for us in the Old Testament as simply a collection of cautionary tales from the past, and a wagging finger, warning us what not to do. Or maybe even a sepia-toned collection of photos with little bearing on our life today. But it’s so much more than that. This account, recorded by Moses in Genesis, is as much about you and me as it is about Abraham. And it’s way too good to forget.
Mar 06, 2023•5 min
Although it’s still winter right now, Spring is just around the corner. And for those who keep up with the latest styles, Fashion Week is underway in Paris. This is where the industry's top designers reveal their upcoming collections in a series of shows. But in these weeks leading up to Spring there’s also another line of clothes to consider. Have a look at this series of Lenten fashions that culminates with Easter.
Mar 03, 2023•5 min
Have you ever played hide and seek with a small child? You can’t help but chuckle and smile. When they’re really young they’ll often put their hands over the eyes and assume that if they can’t see you then you can’t see them. It's not that much different than what Adam and Eve did when they fell into sin. And like them, we also tend to hide from God in our guilt and shame. But you and I have a loving God who calls us to repentance and asks, "Where are you?"
Mar 01, 2023•5 min
What exactly is temptation? Is it that chocolate cheesecake behind the glass at the bakery? Is it the urge not to report income on your taxes? Is it the coworker who stays late at the office and seems a little too friendly and available? What would you say if I told you that it’s none of these?
Feb 27, 2023•5 min
If I was with Peter, James and John on the mountain when Jesus was transfigured in glory, I’d want to tell everybody. So, it may leave us scratching our heads to hear what Matthew says next: As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen.” If you're like me, wouldn't you have wanted to blurt out, “Wait, what? Are you kidding? Why not?”
Feb 24, 2023•5 min
A few years ago, Britain’s Guardian newspaper described a tech billionaire who “is on a mission to change the world through technology – and to find a cure for death.” Ok, I’m guessing that it was the second part of that description that got you attention. If that's true, then you're going to want to hear this important Ash Wednesday announcement.
Feb 22, 2023•5 min
It's incredible to hear how God called Moses up onto the mountain in Exodus. If I was one of those on the plain, down below, I might have felt like asking the prophet, “What did you see? All they could see was a cloud. In most cases, folks are disappointed when a cloud obscures their view. In this case, there was a good reason.
Feb 20, 2023•5 min
The choice was obvious. It’s hard to imagine how it could have been easier. The answer was spelled out right there for everyone to see and the prize was in reach. But the wrong choice was made. It went on to be described as the "most epic fail, maybe of all time." Well, maybe not the most epic fail of all time. Moses describes that one for us here in Deuteronomy.
Feb 17, 2023•5 min
The apostle explains that there were some in Corinth saying, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos.” While we may shake our heads and dismiss this is as a part of first century fan culture, consider how we may do the same with our pastors today? It’s hard not to have favorites. However, not only can this be disruptive, it also overlooks a marvelous truth.
Feb 15, 2023•5 min
Imagine if calling someone an “airhead” was an offense that would wind you up in court? What would you say if by dismissing someone as a “fool” you run the risk of finding yourself in hell? Chances are good that you might smile or even burst out laughing. After all, try counting how often it happens on the nightly news. Mudslinging become an accepted part of our national conversation and a staple of social media. So, what are we to make of these admonitions from our Savior?
Feb 13, 2023•5 min
Valentine's Day is five days from now. And while some may chalk up the festivities to just another way for candy makers and card manufacturers to make a buck, it often serves another another useful purpose. It proves something important that Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians.
Feb 10, 2023•5 min
Today, it’s tempting to cast Jesus in the roll of the "fun uncle." You know, the guy who likes to loosen the requirements that Dad and Mom have set out and break the rules, that let you get away with those things you folks would never permit. It’s in this light that Jesus is mistakenly portrayed as a maverick, someone who came to shake things up and soften the harsh requirements of the law. But for those who were tempted to think of Jesus as setting aside God’s Law, nothing could be further from...
Feb 08, 2023•5 min
Consider how necessary it is to have good headlights and salted roads when you’re driving on these dark, icy nights. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared that, in this world darkened by sin, as His redeemed children you and I are both - salt and light.
Feb 06, 2023•5 min
Are Christians snobby? Are pastors pretentious? That would make about as much sense as the phrase “jumbo shrimp.” Some times folks today may make the mistaken assumption that we, as Christians, are snobby. And sometimes we are. However, when we recognize our sins and need for a Savior, it's hard to look down on others when we're looking up to Him in faith. Instead, the gift of God's grace, announced in His Word, brings us to rejoice in the opportunity to share the compassion, love and salvation ...
Feb 03, 2023•5 min
The beatitudes, are not commands, they’re an announcement – a wonderful reminder of the reality under God’s love. It’s the proclamation that for all who find themselves in the midst of longing and grief, persecution and death. Trusting in God’s mercy, and the salvation we have in Christ, you and I have the blessings of God’s love, mercy, forgiveness and everlasting life. We are, contrary to how it might appear to others, and how it might even appear sometimes to ourselves, blessed.
Feb 01, 2023•5 min
Have you ever ordered a special cake from a bakery but discovered that whoever received the order didn’t understand the instructions? When it came to following the Lord’s instructions, it should have been a cakewalk for the nation of Judah. After all, it wasn’t like God hadn’t made it clear what He expected from them. So how is it that they, like you and me, have made such a mess? More amazingly, how is it that we're blessed with such a God who has mercy on us?
Jan 30, 2023•5 min
Christianity without Christ? Many today make the mistake of assuming that the purpose of religion is simply to help people become moral and feel good. And if that’s the case then Jesus isn’t necessary. It reduces Christianity to a pamphlet instead of a person. However, if you notice, when Jesus called the disciples, He didn’t say, “Follow this lifestyle.” He said, “Follow Me.”
Jan 27, 2023•5 min
As astonishing as it sounds today, this message was once considered to be foolishness. In dismissing it, many perished as a result. Now this message is credited with saving lives. You and I have a similar message and it saves lives for eternity. We have good reason to be bold in sharing it.
Jan 25, 2023•5 min
Into the midst of a world engulfed in the darkness of sin, Christ has come. John records, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Light has the effect of showing us who we are, where we are, and where we’re going. Take another look at what Christ has done and continues to do for you.
Jan 23, 2023•5 min
“Supply chain shortages.” In the last few years that group of words has gone from being an expression, rarely heard outside of business meetings, to become a now too familiar phrase. It’s what takes place when the demand for specific goods or services exceeds their supply. But Paul points to something for which there is no such scarcity.
Jan 20, 2023•5 min
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was a good introducer. Andrew, and apparently those around him, recognized that he happened to be good at introducing people to Jesus. And you can too. It may not sound amazing remarkable at first, but it is. Here's something you and I can do that we may take easily for granted.
Jan 18, 2023•5 min
When John the Baptizer announced Jesus, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!" Standing before them was the One God had sent to be the sacrifice for the sins of the world. While that sounds like a shocking defeat, here’s the means by which God Himself would bring victory over sin and death to you and me.
Jan 16, 2023•5 min
It’s a deadly lie of this world, and the adversary, that along with sin comes fun. And when we’re tempted to think of God as a buzzkill who’s trying to take away our joy, the Holy Spirits leads us to say, as did Paul, “By no means!” Or in more colloquial terms, “That’s nuts.”
Jan 13, 2023•5 min
In Isaiah, the prophet announced these remarkable words about the Savior who was to come. He said, “A smoldering wick He will not snuff out.” Later, in Matthew’s Gospel, we hear how Jesus fulfilled this promise. It reveals the incredible love that God has for you and me, for fallen and often stumbling sinners - like you and me.
Jan 11, 2023•5 min
Since they emerged back in 2014, smart speakers have become quite popular. Having a voice assistant can be really helpful. However, did you know that you can now also ask your smart speaker to give you a compliment? Of course, it doesn't really mean much coming from a machine that doesn't know us. On the other hand God, who does know us, wants it to be abundantly clear exactly what He sees when He looks at you. Episode artwork by Jan van 't Hoff, copyright www.gospelimages.com and used by permis...
Jan 09, 2023•5 min
God used a star over Bethlehem to lead the wise men to our Savior. As as much as the light from that tiny star may capture our imagination, for the wise men that faded quickly in importance when they came face to face with Jesus, the Light of light Himself. Now, instead bright spotlights, there was a child and the subdued light of lanterns. But take note of how the light of Epiphany grows in brightness over the course of this new season. It starts with this tiny star in the night sky. Then, in t...
Jan 06, 2023•5 min
Did you have a good Christmas? How often have you heard that question in recent days? It’s the familiar greeting, and question to share, as you and I catch up with friends after the holidays. And there are so many different ways to answer it. However, while others were nibbling on turkey you may have found yourself at the hospital, at the beside of someone you love whose health has taken a turn. This Christmas may have found you grieving the loss of a loved one whose seat is now empty at the din...
Jan 04, 2023
Yesterday was the eighth day of Christmas. In the Western ecclesiastical tradition, the celebration of Christmas begins with the birth of our Savior and continues right up to the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. Coincidently it falls on January 1. But instead of simply the start of a new calendar and fireworks, Luke takes note a very significant event which almost goes unnoticed in the life of our newborn Savior.
Jan 02, 2023•5 min
