In my last post, I suggested that the although the notion of deconstructing our faith is becoming more popular, and although I sympathize with many of those who are advancing such ideas, I am not sure that it is the proper term or a healthy endeavor.[1] Instead, I would contend that we should focus on […]
Monday: Read 1 Pet 1:1-12 The letter of 1st Peter is one of the hidden gems of the Bible. The letter is addressed to Christians throughout Northern Asia Minor: “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1:1). In this letter, Peter describes his readers as an exilic people and strangers. And though one might think that […]
My wife and I finally sat down to watch The Chosen. The Chosen is a multi-season series based on the life of Jesus. One of the things I like about the show is that it humanizes the stories. I don’t know about you but when I read the story of Jesus healing the paralytic (Mark […]
Monday: Read James 3:1-12 James opened with a reminder that we should be “quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger” (1:19). Then, in 1:26, he asserted, “If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.” In 2:1-12, […]
Likely by now, you have seen the marketing campaign known as “He Gets Us.” Much to my surprise, critical reviews are coming in from all sides. Secular critiques include this one from CNN.com. As I read through their assessment of the campaign it came across to me as though they didn’t like the campaign […]
Monday: Read James 1:1-4; John 7:1-5; Acts 15:13-29 The book of James was written by James (1), but which one? The most likely answer is James the brother of Jesus. The writer of this letter certainly has authority over and the respect of the community to whom the letter was written. And it is evident […]
Monday: Read Hebrews 12:1-3 The writer of Hebrews now challenges his/her readers to look towards the “great cloud of witnesses” (1) as examples of running with perseverance. The context of their perseverance is their present sufferings. The author’s exhortation is simple: persevere as they did. The author sets the Christian life in the context of […]
Monday: Read Hebrews 9:1-10 Hebrews 9 begins what may come across as boring and irrelevant. What the author says at the opening of this chapter, however, leads to the discussion of the person and work of Christ at the end of the chapter. The primary focus of this chapter is a contrast between the old […]
I often hear Christians these days disparaging the notion of “social justice.” And I wonder if they know what they are criticizing. Sure, I recognize that historically the “social justice” movement was largely connected with biblical liberalism, which in many ways sought to seriously undermine elements of the biblical story. But what is not seemingly […]
Monday: Read Hebrews 6:9-20 In contrast to those who have fallen away (6:1-8), the author of Hebrews now turns to his audience and asserts that he is confident that they have indeed been faithful (9) and, consequently, is “convinced of better things concerning you” (9). After all, he continues, God is not unjust and He […]
