Here is the bad news: we really need a savior. Here is the good news: Jesus is a wonderful Savior. The only solution to sin (the last two weeks’ lessons) is a Savior (the next three lessons). Christ our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30) has entered the human dilemma (the fallen world) and has liberated us […]
When I was a boy my parents told me, “Sit up straight. Don’t slouch.” It was wise advice. Physically, good posture improves blood flow and fends off back pain. Socially, it communicates alertness and confidence. Spiritually, what is our posture toward God? Do we turn our backs to him? Avert our eyes from him? Try […]
When I was a junior in college, a professor invited me to join him and a few of my classmates in meeting together weekly. As we met he shared what he had learned about following Jesus. He brought us along when he traveled to nearby cities to teach. He poured his life and learning into […]
I love Mafia movies for many reasons. One of those is the hypocritical yet dramatic juxtaposition of a hardened, swaggering gangster going to Catholic confession. He seeks absolution for his guilty conscience only to leave and sin again, typically by murdering a family opponent. A child in one of my favorite Mafia movies encapsulated this […]
Sin is many things. It is missing the mark (original meaning of the New Testament term). It is rebellion against the father’s love (Luke 15:11-32). It is alienation and separation from God (Ephesians 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:9). It is ignorance of the things of God (Acts 17:30). It is failing to trust the goodness of […]
