Touching Jesus

The Jesus of the Bible is described as someone who could be touched and handled (1 Jn 1:1-5). He was found in the homes of "sinners" and other social pariahs. Is this the Jesus that Christians bring to the world today, or do we bring a false Jesus that is built on our own fears and prejudices? 

Known and loved

The human condition is to desire to be known and loved. While we often fail to find and give this kind of relationship, we can take comfort that this is exactly the relationship God offers us through Jesus Christ. As we receive the love of someone who really knows us, we can begin to give that kind of relationship to each other. May the church find the grace to love while knowing the truth. 1Jn. 1

Advent Announced

The Christmas story found in the gospel of Luke culminates in a Heavenly vision to the most common of men. Angels appear to shepherds and they are among the first to hear of the amazing news that God has come to live among mankind as a man. This was just the beginning of God's demonstration of His great and undying love for us. 

Sure, the door's open, but do I want to go through it?

Christians often speak of being "freed from captivity." While this popular motif has come to represent a wide variety of things we are freed from (Sin, punishment, etc), one of the greatest things we are freed from is our own self-destructive behaviors. Ephesians 1:22 describes Christ's domination of all things - including the power to set us free. Do we want that power in our lives?

Fancy Meeting You Here

The Bible describes God as pursuing us, even when we are hidden in the sewers of our own bad choices (Psalms 139). The good news of the gospel is that God loves us and seeks us no matter what we've done or in what condition we find ourselves.

The Advent Season brings Hope

One of the many promises that Christians enjoy, is the hope of Christ's return. Although our efforts to encourage justice and mercy often fail, we cling to the strong hope that Christ will ultimately win these battles and bring us to a place of agreement and peace (Eph 2). Can you think of people of great vision who began a work that only succeeded after their deaths? 

Use the Right Tool

As Christians, we often feel helpless when faced with the injustices and fears around us. While we are morally obligated to take action, we often feel the inadequacy of our work. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10 that we are facing spiritual problems that require spiritual tools to solve. Perhaps we should consider spending great effort asking God to intervene.