Helpless
“For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6) I was 19 and in college. It was October 14, 1987 when 18-month-old Jessica McClure fell into a well at her aunt’s house in Midland, Texas. (That was 36 years ago last week!) Americans were glued to the […]
The Valley of Hinnom
“What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) Those are the words of wise ol’ King Solomon. I guess every generation wants to think their generation is special. Their generation is smarter. They’ll fix the world’s problems. […]
A Child is Born
“Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) God’s promise is spoken of in terms of a birth. This was a way in which God had chosen, in Israel’s past, to show his dramatic intervention in human history…three pivotal points […]
Independent but Destitute
“Now hurry back to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay. You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. […]
Salvation in Jesus
When most of us in church talk about salvation, our discussion begins with a test…a test of morality. We ask certain questions of ourselves and sooner or later, even the most upright citizen answers incorrectly. Miss just one question and we fail. The penalty for failure is, of course, hell. Our ticket has been punched. […]
“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out….” (Isaiah 42:3, NIV) What does the Lord mean by these strange, prophetic descriptions of Jesus? In the ancient world, a reed might be used to make a pen to write striking poetry, witty prose, or create beautiful art. Or […]
Confoundedly Simple
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the […]
