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: salvation
What Jesus means by the concept of belief
Trust & Obey, Week 1: John 3 & John 14, Part 2 “How can an adult be born a second time?” So asked Nicodemus to Jesus, who had just said to Nicodemus, “You must be born again.” Good question, if you’re thinking very literally. My daughter-in-law just recently gave birth to my 8lb, 4oz, grandson,Continue reading “What Jesus means by the concept of belief”
Jubilee failure and success in the ministry of Jesus – Jubilee, Part 4
Can we apply God’s Jubilee heart to our lives? To try to answer that question, we need to go to the New Testament, and there we learn that Jesus himself talked about the year of Jubilee. In Luke 4:18–19, we read that Jesus, very early in his ministry returned to his hometown of Nazareth, whereContinue reading “Jubilee failure and success in the ministry of Jesus – Jubilee, Part 4”
What Paul means when he says Christians are not people of the night – 1 Thessalonians 5:6–8, Part 2
Nighttime is for drinking and sleeping. At least that is when those two activities frequently occur. Let me explain. Nighttime is for sleeping. Unless you’re like me and sometimes can’t sleep at night. Insomnia is no joke. When my brain starts racing, thinking about all kinds of thoughts, especially if I’m anxious about something, IContinue reading “What Paul means when he says Christians are not people of the night – 1 Thessalonians 5:6–8, Part 2”
Do we choose God or does he choose us? Both/And! – 1 Thessalonians 1:4–10, Part 3
After assuring the Christians in Thessalonica that they are loved by God (see previous post), Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 1:4, “I know God has chosen you.” With that word “chosen,” Paul brings up one of the most confounding theological problems that has caused Christians confusion and consternation for centuries. Do we choose God orContinue reading “Do we choose God or does he choose us? Both/And! – 1 Thessalonians 1:4–10, Part 3”
Have you ever been on the outs with someone? – Advent Peace, Part 1
It’s that time of year when Christmas cards come flooding in. Have you been sending and receiving them? Last year when my in-laws’ 2023 Christmas card came, I noticed something very interesting about the accompanying letter. They gave an update about everyone in the family, except me and one of my brothers-in-law. They named everyContinue reading “Have you ever been on the outs with someone? – Advent Peace, Part 1”
What the Bible says we’re supposed to talk about in the church (and what we actually talk about) – Speaking life to one another, Part 1
This week I welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk is a retired pastor, having served 30+ years in both local churches with his wife, Debbie, and in denominational administration. He has also taught theology and led a pastoral assessment center for many years. He and Debbie, along with their two daughters and son-in-law are membersContinue reading “What the Bible says we’re supposed to talk about in the church (and what we actually talk about) – Speaking life to one another, Part 1”
Does evil and suffering in the world negate a loving, all-powerful God? – Q & A, Part 3
This week we take a break from our Relationships in the Church series. At Faith Church this past week I gave a Q & A sermon. I asked the congregation for questions ahead of time, and then I attempted to bring biblical theology to bear on their questions. Here’s the next question: As Christians, howContinue reading “Does evil and suffering in the world negate a loving, all-powerful God? – Q & A, Part 3”
Why you don’t know your great-grandparents’ names – New Year Psalm of Wisdom, Part 3
My 2yr-old grandson calls me “Pop-Pop,” because I wanted to be called “Pop-Pop” after my grandfather. He calls my wife, “Grammy” because that’s what some of our best friends’ daughter called her grandmother, who was another close friend who passed away in 2020 after battling cancer. These are both individuals we loved and admired. WeContinue reading “Why you don’t know your great-grandparents’ names – New Year Psalm of Wisdom, Part 3”
God’s surprising role as judge – Advent Psalm of Celebration, Part 5
At the conclusion of Psalm 98, a psalm of joyous celebration, suddenly, all the joy and praise and glory seems to stop. Notice how the psalm concludes in verse 9b, “For he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.” Judge? What a different tone. WhatContinue reading “God’s surprising role as judge – Advent Psalm of Celebration, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 