THE STORY OF JESUS: John 8:31-41 “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34) If I still sin, what does that say about my relationship to Jesus? Have I been “set free indeed” (v.36) if I still sin? The issue here is between who I am, and what I do. Jesus has made it possible…
Becoming like our idols!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 115 “Those who make idols will be like them… all who trust in them.” (Psalm 115:8) We don’t think about idols much today, but we have them too. An idol is something that we look to as worthy of our devotion. Our idols are things (or people) we love and serve –…
My life is in Your hands!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Daniel 4-6 “For he is the living God and he endures forever.” (Daniel 6:26) Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar and Darius each needed to learn the same lesson. There is only one God that stands over all powers and authorities. This is a lesson we all need to learn, and God keeps reminding us too. We…
A kingdom worth pursuing!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Daniel 1-3 “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. (Daniel 2:44) History is filled with the rise and fall of many kingdoms. Taking the long view, we can’t assume our country will always be this way. Every time a country becomes greater, things slowly come apart…
I want to LIVE!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 8:21-30 “If you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” (John 8:24) When Adam and Eve turned from God, humanity came under the curse of death. Death is the new normal, and the life we were made for is beyond us. God promised a child…
Living in the light!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 8:12-20 “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Jesus is using figurative, spiritual language again. Do you know what it feels like to be ‘walking in the dark’? To be confused, or to have dark, depressive thoughts or feelings. How about times…
The Jesus we love to obey!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 8:1-11 “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11) Unfortunately, this story is not for sure a true story. The earliest and the best Greek manuscripts do not include it. I say unfortunately because it captures beautifully the spirit of Jesus. He is gracious with…
The blindness of certainty!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 7:45-53 “This mob that knows nothing of the law — there is a curse on them.” (John 7:49) Is it possible that we as religious people become blind in our faith? These religious leaders were so sure of themselves. They belittled Jesus’ followers – no one who knew the Law was listening…
Sanctuary!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 114 “Judah became God’s sanctuary” (Psalm 114:2) When you look at someone, what do you see? Do you see JUST their limitations, or their FULL God-potential? Israel was not a strong nation, not impressive or scary. But the Red Sea parted for her… because God was with her. Creation recognizes the children…
River of life inside!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezekiel 46-48 “Deep enough to swim in — a river that no one could cross.” (Ezekiel 47:5) Moses receives plans for the tabernacle while in the desert. Ezekiel receives plans for the rebuilt temple while in exile. John receives visions of the new creation while in exile (Revelation 21-22). In each case, streams of…