Some things just need to be addressed. Photo by Jaime Lopes on Unsplash I’ve been seeing social media ads for a couple of seemingly related conferences coming up in our region. The events feature speakers well known in the evangelical world and promote values which seem biblical. At least on the surface. Heavy promotion generates heightened excitement to draw people in. One ad promises life transformation as people step into God’s purpose for their legacy, their family, and their finances. Other promises include that attendees will “maximize their God-given Continue Reading
How Jeremiah’s Warnings Resonate Today (What We Want Most Carries Consequences)
I’ve been reading through Jeremiah, struck by how timely and relevant the prophet’s words are for us today. Jeremiah helps us discern whether someone claiming to be a prophet is genuine or a fraud. Photo by Trophy Technology on Unsplash In Jeremiah’s time, the people of Judah believe their future is safe as long as they keep offering sacrifices and uttering what scholar Carmen Imes calls their magic password, “…the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord (Jer. 7:4)!” The people think because God dwells among them they are immune to his Continue Reading
How We Can Misunderstand Jesus Just the Way the Palm Sunday Crowd Did
In fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by Zechariah (9:9), Jesus rides into Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey on Palm Sunday. Jubilant crowds wave palm branches and throw down their cloaks before him, shouting, “Hosanna!” Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash Last Sunday’s sermon at my local church highlighted the mixed nature of the crowd that day. No doubt, many of the people Jesus has taught and healed are present, gratefully singing his praises. But so are jealous religious leaders, grinding their teeth and seeking an opportunity to get rid of Continue Reading
The Resurrected Jesus Revealed Himself to Women First—and That’s Good News for Everyone (Let Me Tell You How my Jesus Treats Women – Part 2)
Jesus was no ordinary rabbi. While other religious leaders avoided women in public, especially those considered unclean, sinful, or non-Jewish, Jesus had no problem talking to women. He healed women, affirmed women, and even taught women. Photo by Bruno van der Kraan on Unsplash Mary, the Disciple at Jesus’ Feet (Luke 10) When Jesus’ hospitable friend Martha gets overwhelmed with kitchen duties and complains that her sister Mary should be helping her serve him, Jesus responds with a compassionate course correction, “Mary has chosen the better part. Continue Reading