Most people enjoy a good celebration. Whether it is New Year’s, a birthday, an anniversary, a victory or achievement of some kind, it is wonderful to gather with friends and loved ones to celebrate. Psalm 98 is a psalm of celebration. In this post we’ll find out why. In Psalm 98, there are three words in verses 1-3Continue reading “Three important words about salvation that lead to exuberant praise around the globe – Advent Psalm of Celebration, Part 4”
Tag Archives: Good News
God’s wonderful plan for your life might not be what you think – Helmet of Salvation, Part 2
We need to talk about the other direction of salvation. Jesus does not only save us from terrible consequences, he also saves for something. We are saved for the abundant, flourishing life, filled by the Spirit, so the good things of the Spirit flow out of our lives. We are saved to live according toContinue reading “God’s wonderful plan for your life might not be what you think – Helmet of Salvation, Part 2”
Football helmets, good news and the…Helmet of Salvation, Part 1
There’s been a lot of research put into football helmets because of concussions. What we see in the video below is the development of a helmet that is intended to “save” people. In Ephesians 6, verse 17, we learn about a different kind of helmet intended to save people. This verse is part of aContinue reading “Football helmets, good news and the…Helmet of Salvation, Part 1”
Where peace is found – Boots of Peace, Part 4
How do we find peace? In the story of the birth of Jesus, the shepherds just outside the town of Bethlehem had the shock of their lives when angels showed up in the sky above them, telling them that the Messiah had been born that evening right there in the town of Bethlehem. What didContinue reading “Where peace is found – Boots of Peace, Part 4”
How armor, footwear, good news and peace go together – Boots of Peace, Part 3
What is peace? It can be defined as “a set of favorable circumstances involving tranquility.”[1] In our study of the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul writes that we should have our feet with the readiness of the Gospel of Peace. How is Paul connecting all these concepts together? Armor, footwear, Gospel, and Peace.Continue reading “How armor, footwear, good news and peace go together – Boots of Peace, Part 3”
When it comes to the Gospel are you ready or stuck? – Boots of Peace, Part 2
A few years ago I was playing disc golf with my oldest son, his wife, and my third son. On one hole, my third son threw his disc, and it landed in a muddy spot. We didn’t realize just how muddy it was. My son stepped in the mud to retrieve his disc, and hisContinue reading “When it comes to the Gospel are you ready or stuck? – Boots of Peace, Part 2”
Perspective in the middle of tough times – Psalm 96, Part 3
In Psalm 96, verses 2 and 3 instruct us to proclaim God’s salvation day after day. This is the same idea that is encapsulated in the word “evangelism,” which is about proclaiming Good News. The psalmist reminds us that we have Good News story to share, and in verse 3 he describes it as declaringContinue reading “Perspective in the middle of tough times – Psalm 96, Part 3”
Be a Good News storyteller with your words and actions – John 15:18-16:4, Part 4
A few weeks ago we talked about the Holy Spirit, and I already discussed verses 26-27. I think it would be good to read it again, now that we are reading it in context. “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from theContinue reading “Be a Good News storyteller with your words and actions – John 15:18-16:4, Part 4”
The abundant life is found in holy disruption – John 12:12-50, Part 5
A crowd of people has just confronted Jesus. They think he is confused. Maybe they think he is wrong. He says the foretold Jewish Messiah will die. The crowd knows their Bible, and the ancient prophecies say the Messiah will live forever. Jesus’ response explains how we you and I can experience the abundant life.Continue reading “The abundant life is found in holy disruption – John 12:12-50, Part 5”
How Jesus’ death brings light – John 12:12-50, Part 4
Jesus has been talking about his death, which he knows is only a few days away. People in the crowd listening to him respond. They understand that he is talking about his death, but that confuses them. Look at John 12 verse 34, “The crowd spoke up, ‘We have heard from the Law that theContinue reading “How Jesus’ death brings light – John 12:12-50, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 