Are Jesus’ words culturally relevant? In today’s Bible reading* in Matthew 19, we are faced with Jesus’ statements on very hot contemporary topics in the Christian Life: divorce/remarriage and sex/gender. Upfront, I want to apologize for this long post. It is by far one of the longest I have ever written. But like with all…
Today’s Bible reading* includes the story of when Peter tried to walk on water, but began to sin because of his weak faith. It’s interesting that three of the four Gospels record Jesus walking on water, but only Matthew records Peter attempting it. (Matthew 14:28–32) What’s particularly interesting is that tradition tells us that Mark…
In today’s Bible reading* Daniel has some spectacular visions that terrify him. Chapters Seven through Nine coincide with the stories in Daniel Chapters Five and Six. In other words, Chapters Seven through Nine are flashbacks. Daniel investigates Jeremiah’s prophecy and timetable and learns that God’s punishment on His people would last for seventy years. This…
I have said several times in the past that the Psalms can be models for our prayers. Today’s Bible reading* includes a Psalm that I am using today (in 2021) as my prayers for Afghanistan and the Taliban who have taken over that country. Joe Carter at The Gospel Coalition has written a great piece…
We’ve looked at the reasons for the Exile before. But let’s use today’s Bible reading* to look at the purpose of the Exile. Again, the reasons were that God’s people had turned from God to follow the gods of the nations around them. From the kings to the common people — except for a few…
Many of you know that I grew up in a different denomination than the one than I serve in today. I didn’t grow up as a Baptist. I was saved during revival services shortly after my family moved to a new community and joined a United Methodist Church (UMC) in the community. I made my…
