John describes Jesus’ life and ministry this way, “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood” (John 1:14, The Message). Where did Jesus live and do his work? In the neighborhood. He met the neighbors, learned their names, listened to their needs, ate with them, and ministered to individual people. Jesus was […]
Attending church regularly as a child, I learned that having a daily time with God was essential to the life of a Christian. Church camp provided a boost to my spiritual life every summer, and I established the routine of reading my Bible and journaling every evening before bed. I attended Bible college, and just […]
Technically a covenant (or testament) is not a book; it is an agreement in a relationship. And relationships change due more to people than events. This in no way denigrates the event of the cross, which signaled the change of covenant (Hebrews 9:16). But is the cross the key to the covenant shift or is […]
What goes through the minds of our neighbors when we invite them to church? Some probably imagine enduring an hour of puzzling religious ceremonies while sitting stiffly among strangers. Who would want to do that? When my wife and I invited our Muslim neighbors to church and they accepted our invitation, we needed to prepare […]
Some of the greatest surfers in the world have tested their skills at Surfers Paradise in Queensland, Australia. I have too. I was 18, fairly athletic, and brimming with confidence. A local friend gave me several pointers, so that was really all I needed, right? “Wait for a big wave. Paddle. Get to your knees. […]
