We do ourselves and others a disservice when we read the Bible out of context or with rigid interpretations that miss the overwhelming intricacies and rich patterns of God’s revelation to mankind. Particularly at Christmastime. ◊ When I was a… Read More ›
Israel
A Great Christmas Story Rarely Told
Everyone knows the popular Christmas story passage found in the first part of Luke Chapter 2 about the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem. Many people miss the Christmas story found in Chapter 1. ◊ During these weeks… Read More ›
Daniel’s Friends in High Places
The 3rd chapter of the Book of Daniel highlights the arrogance and corruption of government leadership. This behavior contrasts with Godly obedience even in the face of dire consequences. Does goodness and truth prevail? ◊ At the end of Chapter… Read More ›
Daniel’s Book of Dreams
God can touch the minds of kings and slaves. How they respond is based on their faith and belief system. The 2nd chapter of Daniel demonstrates the awesome power and plan of God. ◊ The Book of Daniel in the Old… Read More ›
Christian Wheat and Weeds
The Kingdom of Heaven is not just referring to the hereafter. It is now, in this world, in this life. The implications and directives, according to Jesus, are significant. ◊ After the heralding cry of John the Baptist of the… Read More ›
Treasure Lost and Found
The Bible is anachronistic or old-fashioned to some. Yet the fascinating story of what happened to an 8-year old King is very relevant and applicable to any nation in this world today. ◊ I was chatting recently with a young… Read More ›
The Rubble of Our Past
Our own perspective of past errors, mistakes, sins, and brokenness can haunt us and distort the truth of how God actually sees us. And what He is restoring and rebuilding in us. ◊ Jim carried the burden of his mistakes… Read More ›
A Lot to Learn From
There’s a person in the Bible that we’ve all heard of and know basic elements of his story. What’s interesting is the insight we get about God when dealing with a man’s many mistakes in life. ◊ Most of us are… Read More ›
Good Teachers Don’t Do This
Why does there remain today this patronizing view that Jesus was a good moral teacher? Good teachers don’t come close to doing this. ◊ The Gospel of John reads like a good book. I suspect some people today are not reading it. It… Read More ›
So What Do You Know?
When it comes to Biblical knowledge, is it reasonable today to expect some level of general exposure and basic literacy? Even among the well-educated? ◊ I was watching a new television series recently where the main character, a medical director of… Read More ›
Managing Behavioral Landmines
God’s commands are designed to help us live healthy and fruitful lives. He is actually not a Cosmic Killjoy. He’s trying to guide us safely through behavioral minefields. ◊ The big bold assumption here is that the Bible is true and… Read More ›
Jesus and Stone Throwing
Corrupt religious and political systems have been with us a long time. If you throw stones at others, you wouldn’t want to encounter Jesus in the public square. ◊ Ever see an angry group of people rise up against another person?… Read More ›