Advent 2025, Week 2: Isaiah 9, Part 2 Matthew was there. He not only saw the light of Jesus’ peace change others, Matthew personally experienced what happened when Jesus light of peace enters the darkness of a person’s life. Matthew’s life was dark, without peace. He was a tax collector. Hated by his fellow JewsContinue reading “Peace in the midst of dark times”
Tag Archives: prophecy
The kind of peace Jesus came to bring
Advent 2025, Week 2: Isaiah 9, Part 1 Today we go back in time nearly 2700 years and Israel is at war. There is no peace. Isaiah 9, verse 1 gives us the context: “Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land ofContinue reading “The kind of peace Jesus came to bring”
The place of contempt in the life of the Christian – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 2
My wife, Michelle, and I enjoy watching the late night show monologues. Often the hosts poke fun at politicians, exposing the hypocrisy, or sometimes sheer lunacy, of those politicians. Watching those monologues, I will at times say out loud that a politician is an idiot. Have you ever exclaimed something like that? Contempt is drippingContinue reading “The place of contempt in the life of the Christian – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 2”
Prophets, prophecies, and contempt – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 1
In 1 Thessalonians 5, verse 20, Paul writes, “Do not treat prophecies with contempt.” Prophecies? What prophecies? In this letter Paul has mentioned the second coming of Jesus numerous times. At the end of each chapter, in fact. There has been a fairly influential interpretation of various biblical passages that equates the idea of propheciesContinue reading “Prophets, prophecies, and contempt – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Part 1”
Are there prophets in your church? (Does it matter?) – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Preview
When you think of a prophet, what image comes to mind? Old Testament luminaries with cloaks, staffs, and a mane of facial hair, standing alone atop a mountain? I’m thinking of Moses, Samuel, and Elijah. Or perhaps you think of the quirky seers of visions and performers of skits like Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Isaiah? IContinue reading “Are there prophets in your church? (Does it matter?) – 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22, Preview”
Jesus’ return might be a very bad thing for Christians – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 4
Is it possible that when Jesus shows up, it might be a very sad moment for Christians? Can’t be, right? When Jesus returns, it will be glorious celebration. Except that’s not what the Bible says. In 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, verses 1–4, Paul writes, “Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do notContinue reading “Jesus’ return might be a very bad thing for Christians – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 4”
Why I no longer emphasize the rapture (something else is far more important) – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 3
What will happen to people who are still alive when Jesus returns? Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4, verse 15, “According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.” Paul is talkingContinue reading “Why I no longer emphasize the rapture (something else is far more important) – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 3”
Did Jesus return last year? – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Preview
I just googled it and found that people are predicting that Jesus will return in 2024, 2030, and 2033. Yes, I mentioned 2024. Yes, I know that was last year. Did Jesus return last year, and I missed it? Remember the hype of Y2K, or the end of the Mayan Calendar, or 2012? Remember rapture-bombing? HereContinue reading “Did Jesus return last year? – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Preview”
What to do when life feels hopeless – Advent Hope, Part 4
This week I once again welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk is a retired pastor of 30 years who now works in international fair trade. My favorite Old Testament minor prophet is Habakkuk. Habakkuk had a message of hope from God for people, but Habakkuk’s message doesn’t start out very hopeful. Here’s how Habakkuk begins,Continue reading “What to do when life feels hopeless – Advent Hope, Part 4”
Are you trying to hide something from God? – 2 Samuel 11—12, Part 5
Editor’s Note: This week we welcome guest blogger, Emily Marks. Emily is an adult and community educator. She and her husband Sean live in Lancaster, PA, with their dog Corvus. I learned so much from her sermon on 2 Samuel 11-12! I’m excited for you to read these blog posts. In the dramatic story ofContinue reading “Are you trying to hide something from God? – 2 Samuel 11—12, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 