Rain, Rubble, And Running

The Psalmist speaks of tumult, raging seas, waves, and surging tides. These are images of struggle and trial. However, he also speaks of unfailing love, singing, and praying. In fact they are written right next to each other.

Matthew 10:38-39 (The Esqualine Gate)

If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it. (Matthew 10:38-39) Read: Genesis 31:17-32:12, Matthew 10:24-11:6, Psalm 13:1-6, Proverbs 3:16-18   Relate: The Esqualine Gate was…

God In Flesh Now Appearing

I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. (2 John 1:7) Read: Hosea 4:1-5:15, 2 John 1:1-13, Psalm 125:1-5, Proverbs 29:9-11 Relate: I am half tempted to talk about gnosticism here and illustrate how an early form of…

Do We Need More Radicals?

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.Dear friends, since God loved us…

Even If

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21) Read: Ezekiel 47:1 – 48:35, 1 Peter 2:11-3:7, Psalm 119:49-64, Proverbs 28:12-13 Relate: I admit I have a bias. I have uprooted my life and moved into the Middle…

Judgy, Judgy Church…

Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to…