John 18:4-11: Not by Sword but Cross Perhaps, you faced some inconvenience to be here today. Did you miss a TV show or needed to change a mealtime? The food may still be waiting for you when you step back into your home. Perhaps, you scurried to finish some task to arrive here on time. […]
Matthew 4:1-11: Not By Bread Alone
March 8, 2017 by
Such a generous offer the Devil makes, proposing to share the stage of God with Jesus Christ. The Devil can be such a charmer, offering our Lord bread, glory, and sparing Him the suffering yet to come. Why? So we will be without our Savior’s Word. The Deceiver whispers, “You don’t need to do this, […]
The Passion and the People: Judas
March 2, 2017 by
John 12:1, 3-6; Luke 22:2-6 Such a mystery is unbelief. The unbelief of Judas goes deeper. For Jesus calls him to be His disciple, and he follows. One of the Twelve, the teachings of Jesus come to him firsthand. Still, he betrays the Son of God and dies in despair, committing suicide. Is Judas’ betrayal […]
Exodus 33:17-23: Transfiguration: The Cross Before the Glory
February 26, 2017 by
What is glory? Whatever glory is, rock stars exude its essence, inspiring many a teenager to pick up a guitar or play the drums. So also top athletes, with an aura of mystery with its drawing power—as long as they are winning. Earned by their sacrifices, others also hold such an allure. Do we not […]
2 Corinthians 12:1-10: Power Made Perfect in Weakness
February 23, 2017 by
The Apostle Paul, firm in faith, with enduring character, and bold in tenacity against his many obstacles. In 2 Corinthians, chapter 11, he reveals what many of them are. Time in jail, countless beatings, and many brushes with death, which became the wrecked rubble of his past. The list goes on, for he endured being […]
Exodus 17:1-7: The Rock is Christ
February 7, 2017 by
The hymn writer, Augustus Toplady, best-known for “Rock of Ages,” grew up in a religious English family. Contrary to his upbringing, he later left the Church as a young man. The Lord, however, guides in mysterious ways, using his brother, who decided to visit friends in Ireland. So, Augustus went along. At a religious gathering, […]
Mathew 8:23-27: Jesus Saves Amid Our Storms of Life
January 29, 2017 by
The story is your story, soaked into the fabric of your being. The sun warms your face, but the sound of distant thunder echoes in your ears. At once, gray skies banish the blue, and the gloominess of clouds sends away the brightness of the sun. A howling wind drives away the calm, and smooth […]
Romans 1:8-17: The Gospel is Jesus
January 22, 2017 by
We use different words to describe faith. We trust the 911 operator will direct our call to the closest fire station. We rely on the bank manager to keep the ATM filled with enough money when we drive up to withdraw 20 bucks. We believe a close friend will not betray a confidential conversation. Faith […]
Matthew 3:13-17: The Baptism of Jesus
January 15, 2017 by
You’re standing in the wilderness across the Jordan River. A voice calls out from a distance, “Prepare the way of the Lord!” A figure approaches, a wild-haired, bearded man. His skin is bronzed by the sun, his eyes ablaze with prophetic fire. He comes adorned like a prophet from the pages of Scripture. Coarse camel’s […]
Matthew 2:1-12: Where is the One Born King of the Jews?
January 8, 2017 by
About 1,000 years before the birth of Christ, the Queen of Sheba journeys to visit the King of the Jews. She travels from what today is Ethiopia. The Queen arrives with camels and many servants bearing gifts of gold, spices, and jewels. She is curious and wants to confirm what others tell her about the […]
