What a Contrast!

I read today’s Bible reading* a few hours after I read a Facebook post from friends, Billy and Cindy Foote. In Billy’s new song, he has set the Prosperity Gospel peddlers in his crosshairs and fired his shot. Billy begins his song, “All the Wolves”, with, “I know some preacher men, men with some business…

Dead Man Walking and Talking

Hate will drive people to do hateful things. In today’s Bible reading*, we read that the chief priests schemed to kill Lazarus because people were following Jesus after seeing Lazarus raised from the dead. (John 12:10-11) Think about that. The chief priests plotted to kill not just Jesus, but Jesus’ friend, Lazarus. “Don’t murder” was…

Submit to Every Authority?!

Peter continues addressing his persecuted, exiled readers (1 Peter 2:11) in today’s Bible reading*. Last month, I commented on the historical context around the middle of the First Century. I mentioned Nero was the Roman Emporer at the time. Under Nero’s reign, Christians were persecuted far beyond what many of us can imagine today. “Pure…

Multiplied Grace and Peace

With today’s Bible reading*, we begin reading Peter’s First Letter. Peter wrote his letter to Believers who were being persecuted for their faith. Like most other letters from the Apostles to the churches, Peter begins his with the standard greeting, “Grace to you”. But he does it a little differently than every other Apostle when…

Hospitality and Using Words

In today’s Bible reading*, continues to talk about the importance of walking in both Truth and Love. Next, John talks about the importance of hospitality toward other Believers. (3 John 1:5-8) People don’t talk much about hospitality these days. But it’s a very important character trait. Back in the First Century, especially as Roman religious…