We as Christians have an unusual fascination with the death of Jesus. I know that what Jesus did for us, on the cross, is an astounding act of love and sacrifice. Without this, none of us would have any hope, and yet Paul the Apostle declares that, “..if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (I Cor.15:17) I wonder if our fascination with his death has something to do psychologically with our... Read more
The body of Jesus was taken down from the cross. It was cold; lifeless; heavy. They washed his body clean with water and anointed it with spices, wrapping it in a shroud from head to toe.They laid his body in the cold, dark tomb and rolled the stone over the door. In the silence that followed, the body of Jesus did not stir. Outside of the tomb, life went on as usual. Most people celebrated the Passover feast with their... Read more
On the day that the Passover Lamb was traditionally selected, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Spontaneously, the people along the road began to wave palm branches and shout “Hosanna!” but what’s really going on might surprise you. First of all, the people received Jesus as a prophet (Matt. 21:11) but not as the Messiah. This event was prophesied in Zechariah 9:9: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly... Read more
It’s one of the most common phrases I think I’ve ever heard from Christians when it comes to any conversation where people want to use the Bible to justify their position: “The Bible clearly says…” What follows is usually a quotation of a certain number of verses that support that person’s view, as if the conversation is now over. But, of course, the other person can also say, “No, you’re wrong because the Bible clearly says…” as they quote their... Read more
When it comes to love, many Christians have a pretty low opinion of it. Sure, it’s great. But there’s so much more they would rather focus on. Things like Justice and Wrath, and Sovereignty and Judgment, for example, are much more important to them than love. To Christians like this, the Gospel is more about escaping the eternal flames of hell than knowing a God who loves us enough to lay down His life for the world. I’ve actually had... Read more
“In My Father’s house are many rooms (dwelling places); if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”(John 14:2-3) Most of my life I’ve understood this verse as being about Heaven. But recently someone pointed out to me that the phrase “my Father’s... Read more
You opened the eyes of the blind. Who are we to sing the songs of darkness? You opened the door to the Kingdom. Who are we to defend the way of the world? You were beaten and tortured and killed. Who are we to side with the aggressor? You were born into poverty and had no place to lay your head. Who are we to justify sending the poor away hungry? You were forced to flee a violent dictator’s sword.... Read more
“If Jesus were alive today…” This is how the question begins. It doesn’t matter what comes next. The point is that Christians keep asking like “If Jesus was here today….” which betrays the deeper problem: They don’t realize that Jesus is here today. Jesus is alive in every single person who loves Him: “If anyone loves me my Father and I will come to them and make our home in them.” – Jesus [John 14:23] “If you abide in me... Read more
After a recent gathering, the woman whose home we were meeting in (a total stranger) asked if she could pray over Wendy and me. Of course, we said, “Yes.” As she prayed for us, it was clear that she had several specific words of encouragement for both Wendy and myself. One thing she shared was that God looked at me and was very pleased. But honestly, as she prayed these things I sat there in disbelief. I did not accept... Read more
Many American Christians are convinced that the Second Amendment is necessary to prevent the US Government from ever imposing tyranny upon its citizens. Should the day ever come, everyone needs to be well-armed and prepared to overthrow the oppressive government and impose another, more freedom-loving one, they say. Here’s a handy test to let you know when your government might be approaching this threshold: If your Government is spying on your phone calls, email, and text communications, you might be living in a Dystopian Society.... Read more
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