Jesus in a Pluralistic Society
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 24-25, NIV) The Bible’s full of […]
Be the Church
But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really […]
Proof in the Pudding
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had […]
Perspective
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will […]
Pursuing Holiness
Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14, HCSB) We’re called to pursue (sometimes translated as hunt) holiness and peace because neither is our natural bent as humans. Cain discovered that when he murdered his brother and God reminded him: Genesis 4:7 (HCSB) “If you do right, won’t […]
Together
As we come to the last section of Paul’s letter to the Colossians (4:7-18), he includes some final greetings from his friends and co-workers to the church in Colossae. Each one of them has a story to tell, though none of them ever becomes famous like Paul. There are a few names we recognize, like […]
With Salt
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:5-6, NIV) Many of us western Christians, perhaps for the first time, are learning what it is like to […]
Resurrection Power for the American Church
The story is told of Thomas Aquinas walking with a prelate through one of the grand cathedrals of his day. Referring to a coffer filled with precious coins, the prelate remarked, “Behold, Master Thomas, the church can no longer say, as St. Peter, ‘Silver and gold have I none!’” St. Thomas was apparently quick with […]
Devoted to Prayer
Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2, HCSB) Let me tell you a story. Our son is working away from home this summer. We don’t have much contact with him, but when he has a chance he calls and tells us what is going on in his world. Last week […]
Jesus and the Social Mandate
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that […]
Home on the Range
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. (Colossians 3:18-21, NIV) This is one of those household passages for […]
Gratefulness is the Key
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your […]
