The Die Is Cast

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Read: Genesis 23:1 – 24:51, Matthew 8:1-17, Psalm 9:13-20, Proverbs 3:1-6 Relate: 2064 years ago today the world drastically changed. Most likely it was…

Genesis 17:1 (Never Too Old)

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. (Genesis 17:1) Read: Genesis 16:1 – 18:15, Matthew 6:1-24, Psalm 7:1-17, Proverbs 2:1-5   Relate: In 1934 Harry had a short story published in a magazine and decided that he wanted to make a living as…

Matthew 4:16 (God Remembers)

The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. (Matthew 4:16) Read: Genesis 8:1-10:32, Matthew 4:12-25, Psalm 4:1-8, Proverbs 1:20-23 Relate: It’s all gone. Everything. The entire world is just… gone. It’s all covered in water and being tossed about by storm. There are no people left.…

The Great Substitution

Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!”…

The Cross And The Sword

“What is truth?” Pilate asked. Then he went out again to the people and told them, “He is not guilty of any crime. But you have a custom of asking me to release one prisoner each year at Passover. Would you like me to release this ‘King of the Jews’?” But they shouted back, “No!…

Born In Truth

Pilate said, “So you are a king?” Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” (John 18:37) Read: Romans 5:1 – 8:17 Relate:I’ve begun reading a book on the beginnings…

Kingdoms Collide

Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36) Read: Romans 2:1 – 4:25 Relate: In his book Simply Jesus, NT Wright talks about a clash between Rome, the Jewish…

Are You King

Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him. Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?” “Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you…

Where Is The Justice?

Then one of the Temple guards standing nearby slapped Jesus across the face. “Is that the way to answer the high priest?” he demanded.Jesus replied, “If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I’m speaking the truth, why are you beating me?” Then Annas bound Jesus and sent him to Caiaphas, the…

What Are You Really All About?

Inside, the high priest began asking Jesus about his followers and what he had been teaching them. Jesus replied, “Everyone knows what I teach. I have preached regularly in the synagogues and the Temple, where the people gather. I have not spoken in secret. Why are you asking me this question? Ask those who heard…