THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 10:1-8 “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.”(Acts 10:5) Cornelius was not a Jew, but he did believe that there was only one God. He was a Roman centurion, but he was also a humble, generous man. His understanding of God led him…
Different tribes, one family!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 133 “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) In what follows Genesis 3, we see the breakdown of God’s family. From the division between Adam and Eve, their children, to the division of Babel. Family breakdown, separating into like-minded tribes that attack others. God sent…
Called to better living!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ephesians 4-6 “Live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” (Ephesians 4:1) Paul has just described (ch.1-3) the amazing calling we have received. Saved by grace, and called by grace, we are to live by grace as well. In these chapters Paul applies grace to all aspects of life. How we…
Let the truth sink in!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ephesians 1-3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!” (Ephesians 1:3) Paul can’t seem to praise God enough, he repeats himself in many ways. God is the source of every spiritual blessing, and Jesus is the means. Through Jesus we are forgiven, reconciled, restored and blessed. This blessing…
Simple faith, hope and love!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 9:32-43 “Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.’” (Acts 9:40) I have prayed for a dead person to come back to life… he didn’t. How do we read this story (and others like it) today? ‘That was then, Jesus doesn’t do that anymore…’ ‘I’m doing it wrong, I need…
To kneel and to jump at the same time!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 9:19b-31 “Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 9:31) I love the combination of ideas in this verse: fear and encouragement. This is the difference that knowing Jesus makes. He shows us that God is still sovereign and holy and mighty. But He infuses us…
When suffering is for the good!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 9:10-19a “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (Acts 9:16) When I first heard these words, they sounded like a threat. As if Jesus is saying that Paul deserves (must) suffer for his crimes. But it is not FOR His crimes that he must suffer, for “FOR…
Hearing Jesus calling!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 9:1-9 “They heard the sound but did not see anyone.” (Acts 9:7) Paul’s experience was different than his companions. The Lord works differently in each person’s life. Christians are people who have heard the Lord calling them. Those around them may sense something, but not know Who it is. Two people can…
God’s sanctuary in me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 132 “This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned.” (Psalm 132:14) For the Jews before Jesus, the temple was their symbol of hope. It reminded them of God’s commitment to them – He lived among them. It reminded them of their glorious past, and David their…
Done with the churchy talk!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Galatians 4-6 “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 6:14) What do I talk the most about? Am I focused more on Jesus the His life, death and resurrection? Or is most of my talk about church, or spiritual practices, or good deeds? This is especially…