How did I miss it? Yesterday was Earth Day, and I made no mention of it at all in our Sunday gathering. Come to think of it, I have never mentioned it. How can this be? Should I as a Christ-follower be aware of – even supportive of – efforts to be better stewards of…
Apr 23 — John 20:19-31
SCRIPTURE: John 20:19-31 OBSERVATION: Here we see the disciples before they encounter the risen Jesus – hiding behind locked doors, afraid for the Jews. What a contrast to what would happen after Pentecost (see Acts 4:1-27). Jesus lets them know here that they are going to be sent into the world to speak for God, just as…
Apr 22 — Acts 4:18-27
SCRIPTURE: Acts 4:18-37 OBSERVATION: Peter and John cannot be silent because what they have seen and heard is so overwhelming and powerful. While in the past they had been afraid, now they are confident witnesses – nothing will silence them! Interestingly the believers do not pray for protection from their enemies but for greater boldness and…
Apr 21 — Acts 4:1-17
SCRIPTURE: Acts 4:1-17 OBSERVATION: Notice the change in Peter (and the others). No longer afraid, denying under pressure, or using the sword to defend Jesus. The Holy Spirit has changed these ordinary, unschooled fishermen into dynamic and bold messengers! The message is radical, Jesus was crucified but He came back to life and is responsible for…
Apr 20 — 1 John 2:7-29
SCRIPTURE: 1 John 2:7-29 OBSERVATION: John writes this urgent appeal for Christ-followers to persevere in love (the old/new command) because this is the evidence that they remain in Him. Seems to be writing to all generations of believers: adults (fathers), young adults (young men) and children. What makes the old command (as revealed in the Law of…
What does “Son of Man” mean?
“I know that Jesus is the “Son of God”, but often He refers to Himself as the “Son of Man”. What does this name mean?” Anyone have any thoughts to share?
A healthy dose of perspective!
I just finished reading Brian McLaren’s The Secret Message of Jesus – highly recommended – and he quotes a poem by Archbishop Oscar Romero which I found very helpful, a healthy dose of perspective!!!
Apr 19 — 1 John 1:1-2:6
SCRIPTURE: 1 John 1:1-2:6 OBSERVATION: John uses mysterious language to describe Jesus, first describing Him as an object (‘that which’) rather than as a person. The Word of life refers to what Jesus is eternally, His original nature (essence, being) prior to His coming in the flesh (seen, touched, heard, appeared to us). This being (named Jesus)…
Apr 18 — Psalm 133:1-3
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 133:1-3 OBSERVATION: ‘Song of ascents’, was sung by religious pilgrims as they ascended the hilly roads to Jerusalem, preparing for the religious festival. An obvious, simple point, how nice (good and pleasant) when people get along, live in harmony. Compares it to the anointing of Aaron (the first priest, Moses’ brother) as priest, a…
Loneliness can be deadly!
“The gunman in the deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history was a loner who wouldn’t even speak to his roommate.” (Toronto Star) What goes on in the heart and mind of the loner who becomes a killer? I have no idea what the story behind Cho Seung-Hui was. No doubt there were many contributing factors….