On the western side of the Mediterranean Sea is the Strait of Gibraltar, which opens up into the expansive Atlantic Ocean. For centuries the words “Ne plus ultra” meaning “No more beyond” were chiseled on the Mighty Rock of Gibraltar, which towers over the Strait. It reminded the sailors that beyond the Strait was nothing […]
Living the Kingdom on Earth
Resurrection
Surprising and counterculture would be appropriate words to describe how God often works in this world. The Christian Church for two thousand years has believed and taught that God’s Son became incarnated in the baby Jesus. God’s Spirit made the Virgin Mary’s womb come to life. There was nothing sexual about this impregnation. God didn’t […]
In Colossians 3:16, we are exhorted to let “the Word of Christ dwell in us richly as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as we sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” The Lord is calling us to follow Him in this regard. Even though […]
We are approaching the Easter Season. I thought it would be a good time to repost my review of N.T. Wright’s excellent book, “Surprised By Hope”. It provides a great summary of the Christian hope which is taught in the biblical record. Putting Flesh And Bones On The Christian Hope In his book, Surprised by […]
When Colleen and I were married over 21 years ago, we chose Psalm 37:3,4 as our life verses together. Let me quote them for you: Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart […]
It is no accident that Christ experienced the Transfiguration in Mathew 17. This is a mountaintop experience above all mountaintop experiences. It happened right after Jesus’ first explicit teaching of his upcoming arrest, crucifixion and resurrection in Mathew 16:21. Suffering, spiritual power and glory are always held and experienced in dynamic tension within a Christian […]
We all like to think we have strong character and that our relationships with those in our family and church fellowship are substantive and loving. But I believe that it is in the fiery trials of life and how we respond to them which really determine the quality of our character and relationships. Are You […]
My dad died 25 years ago, almost right to the day (March 1st). His last couple of days were spent in a coma. But just before he died, a tear streamed down his cheek. It was only one tear, but I believe it communicated much………Sorrow…….”I am going to miss you”…….Regret……..My dad was only 53 years […]
“I Am Thirsty” In John 19:28, Jesus is recorded as saying: “I am thirsty” when He was on the cross. It is one of 7 short statements Jesus uttered as he was being crucified. These 7 statements are known as Jesus’ “Seven Last Words”. The fact that Jesus was thirsty on the cross reminds us […]
Putting Flesh And Bones On The Christian Hope In his book, Surprised by Hope, N. T. Wright demonstrates again why he is one of today’s most readable New Testament scholars. He combines a great intellectual acumen and rigor with a wonderful pastor’s heart, which is always burdened to foster the faithfulness of God’s people. In […]