Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them (Revelation 8:6, ESV). Turn on the news for five minutes, and you’ll get the distinct impression that planet Earth is having a very bad day. Wildfires in forests, polluted rivers, and even waves smashing homes in Malibu. And unfortunately, politicians argue over
When Creation Needs an Antacid (and a Savior) Read More »
If service, in our serving! (Romans 12:7a, ESV) During 49 years of pastoring, sometimes I walked into the church building and wondered if I was even needed. Before I stepped behind the pulpit to open my Bible, the real ministry had already happened. I arrived that morning to find a clean building, hot coffee already
A Pastor’s Tribute to the Spiritual Gift of Service (Romans 12:7) Read More »
And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment (Matthew 8:13, ESV). Today, let’s talk about a word we often misunderstand—authority. In the New Testament, the Greek word for authority is exousia. It’s a fascinating word because it
Two Sides of Biblical Authority: Positional vs. Missional Read More »
The streets of Jerusalem that Jesus walked are buried under centuries of rubble and stone. Many locations mentioned in the Gospels are hidden beneath layers of history, making them difficult to visualize. But when you look at a sunset on the Sea of Galilee, the centuries vanish. You are standing in the exact same place,
The Sea of Galilee: The Backyard of Jesus! Read More »
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14, ESV). We usually get bored when people talk about themselves. You know the feeling: you are trapped in a conversation with someone who only
Why It’s Not Arrogant When Jesus Talks About Himself Read More »
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content (Philippians 4:11, ESV). The Greek word translated “content” here (autarkēs) was a popular term in Paul’s day, often used by ancient philosophers to mean “self-sufficiency.” But Paul radically redefines it. To understand what he
How to Find Contentment When Life is Swirling Read More »
And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth (Revelation 11:3, ESV). If you have ever tried reading the Book of Revelation in one sitting, you know it’s a bit like watching a Steven Spielberg movie that he directed after drinking way too much espresso.
Meet the Two Witnesses in the Book of Revelation Read More »
For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom (1 Corinthians 12:8a, ESV). How many of us could use wisdom to navigate a current situation—the next move in a complex business decision, what to say to a friend whose spouse just left, or simply how to say “no” to your teenager without
Why We Desperately Need the Spiritual Gift of Wisdom Read More »
Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do (John 6:5-6, ESV). Jesus performed about 50 distinct miracles in
What Doubting Thomas Thought at the Feeding of the 5000 Read More »
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8, ESV). I love a good BLT. For years, my blueprint for the perfect sandwich was crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes,
The Peanut Butter Pivot: Lessons in Spiritual Disorientation Read More »