We all know about Cain and Abel – but we shouldn’t forget that it wasn’t inevitable. God warned Cain, “Sin is lurking at the door, but you must master it.” Scripture: Genesis, chapters 3-5; Luke, chapter 2 Genesis 4:3-7 (NASB): So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord from the fruit of the ground. Abel, on his part also brought an offering, from the firstborn of his flock and from their... Read more
January 1 – a new year. In Luke chapter 1, Luke talks about the story of Jesus “from the beginning.” What might this year bring us “from the beginning”? Scripture: Genesis, chapters 1-2; Luke, chapter 1 Luke 1:1-4 (NASB): Since many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting to me as... Read more
Yesterday (December 30), I wrote about New Year’s Resolutions (“New Year’s Resolutions: How Do You Want Your 2026 to Be?”). I focused specifically on reading Scripture as a daily practice, but I closed with the thought that each of us should keep “pressing on” as Paul challenges us in Philippians 3. So what are some specific ways to “press on” and enhance your faith journey in 2026? Enhance Your Journey Through Scripture Reading As I discussed in yesterday’s post, I... Read more
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? They can help us to identify action steps to make life better in the coming year. How do you want your 2026 to be? What Kinds of Resolutions Do People Make? At this time of year, you can find all kinds of articles about “New Year’s Resolutions.” A recent survey indicated that younger people are more likely to make resolutions than older people. (Perhaps those of us who are older have given up on... Read more
Why is remembering the birth of Christ so important? How does it shape Christian hope? Earlier this month, I wrote about the themes of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. But why is the birth of Christ so important to Christianity? How does Christmas shape Christian hope? As I noted in my earlier post, Christian hope is different from “regular” hope. When I say, “I hope my team wins this game,” I’m implying that the outcome is uncertain. But when... Read more
When I was young, I remember first hearing about the use of the abbreviation “Xmas” for “Christmas.” “They’re taking Christ out of Christmas! How can you have Christmas without Christ? He’s the whole reason for Christmas!” Of course, on one level, they’re right; you can’t take Christ out of Christmas. Without the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the Christ, “Christmas” is just a generic winter holiday. And unfortunately, for many people, that’s exactly what it is. Jewish people celebrate... Read more
In 2 Timothy 2, Paul challenges us to “pursue righteousness.” But what exactly does that mean, and why is it important? Scripture: 2 Timothy, chapters 1-4 2 Timothy 2:20-26 (NASB): Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the... Read more
What is Advent all about? Everyone knows what Christmas is – even if they don’t believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. But what about Advent? While the Advent season may be familiar to many Christians, others view it simply as a long introduction to Christmas. So what is Advent all about? The four Sundays in Advent each have a theme – Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Each of these builds up to the celebration of Christ’s birth... Read more
In Philippians 1, Paul rejoices that Christ is proclaimed, whether through good motives or bad ones. What does it mean to “proclaim Christ”? Scripture: Philippians, chapters 1-4 Philippians 1:12-18 (NASB): Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brothers and... Read more
Nazarene Missions Around the World: You Can Be Part of Global Missions—Here’s How October 19 is World Mission Day. However, in the Church of the Nazarene, every day is World Mission Day! Here are some ways that people can participate in world missions through the Church of the Nazarene. How Can You Participate in Missions? PRAY! One of the most important things that every Christian can do is to pray for missionaries and mission world around the world. The Church... Read more
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