In Acts 16 we find Paul & Silas being brought before town officials in Philippi on accusations of troubling the city and teaching unlawful customs. “Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, … Read more
The Christian life isn’t a stroll down “easy street”; it’s more like a march on death row. Jesus requires us to “pick up our cross and follow (him)”, and Scripture orders us to, “put to death the deeds of (our) sinful nature” (Ro.8:13). Dying is the destiny of every single believer, and whether we like … Read more
In Acts 12 the Apostle Peter was arrested and kept in prison, but it wasn’t the first time he’d ever felt incarcerated. Earlier in John 6, after “many of Christ’s disciples” had absconded the ministry community (v.66), Jesus gave the same opportunity to Peter. Yet the old fisherman found himself unable to leave. “Where would … Read more
October 3rd, 1992 marks one of the more controversial episodes of Saturday Night Live. At the height of her career, musical guest Sinead O’Connor was scheduled to perform in front of a live television audience. She gladly took the opportunity to express her regard for the sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic Church. Her latent … Read more
In 1808 Sir Walter Scott penned a line that would become more popular than he likely realized at the time: “Oh, what a tangled web we weave” he wrote into an act called “Marmion”, “when first we practice to deceive”. LESSONS FROM HISTORY More of a keen observation than a fictional quip, the fact that … Read more
Doing God’s will is never easy for anyone, not even Jesus. He too was once faced with a decision to either fulfill God’s desires or to satisfy His own. And it was a choice that nearly killed Him on the spot (Mt.26:38). Well before the whips ever touched His back or the thorns even pierced … Read more
Imagine being stabbed in the arm with a penknife. Not so much as to kill you, but enough to make you bleed. It was unexpected, unprovoked, and whether it was intentional or not, you aren’t certain, but one thing is clear: It hurts. Really bad. Imagine then going to the doctor. You tell him everything: … Read more
Judas wasn’t the only betrayer in the group. Nor was Peter the only denier. Truth is, every disciple is predestined to become not only a denier, and a betrayer, but ultimately, a crucifier as well. Committing these particular acts, like it or not, is inevitable for anyone who truly follows Christ. The real issue, therefore, … Read more
Guess what?! I’m 50% more accountable to God this year than I was last year! Not that I’m particularly thrilled about it, but it’s a reality I can’t ignore. Not without grave consequences anyway. Let me explain… GROWING PAINS Not including myself, I’ve now got 18 members at this little church, the last 6 of … Read more
Long before King David had selected his “Thirty Mighty Men”, we see the young shepherd choosing “five smooth stones”. David’s men would eventually become the stuff of legend, remembered by name (II Sam 23), and revered for their heroism. By contrast, the stones he chose are all but forgotten, left behind long ago in the … Read more