Learning to love others the way Jesus loves us
One of the criticisms of the evangelical, mission-minded Church is that people go into other countries with the intent to share the gospel and then change the culture and social structure of that community. It is a legitimate critique. But Paul reprimanded the Apostles, naming Peter specifically, saying that forcing cultural change on new believers… Continue reading Jesus culture is multicultural
For the next few days I will ponder the book of Galatians. Paul opens this letter with his credentials. As a scholar, I understand the importance of leading with my resume. If people are going to pay attention to my scholarship, I have to demonstrate my expertise early. That demonstration is also tailored to the… Continue reading Galatians
January 21, 2020 There are some days when I don't have a solid plan for my Bible study. Having just finished Habakkuk, today was one of those days. Perhaps it was the recollection Dr. ML King's work during yesterday's holiday, but my eyes landed on Amos 5:24, "But let justice roll down like waters, and… Continue reading Let justice roll
January 20 Habakkuk listened to the Lord's plan for Judah in horror and confusion, but his knowledge of God's character helped him work out his response. Chapter 3 is Habakkuk wrapping his brain around the juxtaposition of mercy and judgment in the circumstances of imminent catastrophe in order to save. He plead with God for… Continue reading Joy is a choice
January 18, 2020 Wait, what? Habakkuk 1:12-2:20. One of the things I love about the prophets is that they are just like most of us. God had just told Habakkuk that the Chaldeans were going to ransack Judah to deal with the evil people there. Habakkuk couldn't make sense of it. He put what he… Continue reading Wait, what?
January 17, 2020 "How long?" Habakkuk asked the question sometime around 600 b.c.e. but we're still asking. Why don't you do something? Why do the wicked people seem to thwart justice and ignore the law without penalty?(My paraphrase of Habakkuk 1:3-4.) I read an article on Medium this morning that started with the notion that… Continue reading How long?
January 15 Good works are always to be part of the believer's life (James 2:14-36). So what is the difference between people who try to do the right thing and believers who walk in the will of God through their work? I think it is a matter of motivation and resource. The natural inclination of… Continue reading Rooted and grounded
But God. Two words that change everything. Circumstances, heartbreak, discouragement, and anxiety about the future might destroy us -- But God.Rich in mercyWith great loveThrough immeasurable graceSaved us, made us alive, and situated us in the heavenly places with Christ. Ephesians 2:1-10 (ESV) And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked,… Continue reading But God
January 11, 2020 Ecclesiastes finishes with "the end of the matter"; life is short and hard, so live it well by fearing God and keeping his commandments.Solomon offers some practical advice for making the most of our breath of a life on earth. Be generous (11:2), be alert (11:4), be in awe of God and… Continue reading The end of the matter
January 10, 2020 Ecclesiastes 8-10 is another reminder that life is hard. And unfair. And hard to understand. And ultimately everyone dies and is forgotten. Thanks, King Solomon. So, now what? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do wicked people prosper? (Ch8, v14). Solomon struggled with that question the same way we… Continue reading Find the joy
Defaulting to Grace 