THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 1:1-8 “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘prepare the way for the Lord.’” (Mark 1:3) Mark starts his biography of Jesus when His ministry begins, as an adult. John the Baptist is the unusual fanfare that announces the coming Messiah. To prepare for God’s coming, people need to repent. This…
Author: Norm
Keep looking up!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 120 “Woe to me that I live among the tents of Kedar!” (Psalm 120:5) A ‘song of ascents’ was sung by pilgrims on the upward roads to Jerusalem. As they ascended, they lifted their hearts and voices to the Lord. In this song they lament that where they live people do not…
The end… and the beginning!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Revelation 21-22 “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.” (Revelation 21:6) This is not just the end of one story, but the beginning of another one. God was there at the beginning (Genesis 1:1), and will be there at the end. And at that point we…
Look to the dawn!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Revelation 17-20 “There before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.” (Revelation 19:11) Imagine all these visions going through your head. Without a program, it’s hard to keep straight who is who, and what is what. After a while I lose track of the details and just see…
Renewing our passion for Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 28:23-31 “He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 28:31) The hope of God’s better world, as seen in the life and love of Jesus. This is the message of Paul, and it is the message I want to preach too. Notice, nothing about Christianity or…
Chain of hope!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 28:17-22 “It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” (Acts 28:20) The people of Israel were a people of hope. From their origins as oppressed slaves, they hoped for freedom, land, peace and prosperity. They had moments they were close, but again and again it…
An encouraging grace community!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 28:11-16 “At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged.” (Acts 28:15) To follow Jesus is not an easy path, it has many challenges. But meeting with other Jesus followers is very encouraging. To know that we are not alone, that others believe like us. Paul is refreshed by…
Whether healing happens or not… Jesus!!!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 28:1-10 “Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.” (Acts 28:8) Been there, done that… well most of that anyway. I’ve gone in to see sick people, prayed and laid my hands on them. But to the best of my knowledge, there were…
Praise the Lord with every breath!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 150 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6) What response will you make to the greatness and goodness of God? We are all different, and so we will all have different responses. I am not much of a dancer, but I do play the trumpet, and a pipe (recorder)….
Do we really hate sin?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Revelation 15-16 “Go, pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.” (Revelation 16:1) I am reflecting on ‘God’s wrath’ (thymos: intense, passionate anger). When describing humans (Galatians 5:20), this word refers to fits of rage. Does God finally blow His top, lose His cool, and explode in rage? God’s anger is…