The Gospel and the "Other"

The Apostle Peter was reluctant to believe that God had the same regard for believers who differed in race or ethnicity. (Acts 10) God provided a unique vision to Peter and then demonstrated how loved the "others" are. As Christians, we are called to understand this and embrace and support those who do not look like us. How are you carrying the good news to those who seem "other?"

God knows your name

We consider it a great honor when someone we think highly of knows us by name. In Exodus 3, God calls Moses with a miraculous sign (a bush on fire but not burnt) - but maybe more significant than the miracle of the burning bush, was that God knew Moses by name. The gospel is that God knows you by name, He knows everything about you and He loves you.

Who was the first to hear that God's Son was born?

The news that God had sent HIS Son, Jesus Christ, into the world was first given to 

the most socially unacceptable men of the day. Shepherds were financially poor and

socially excluded. They would not have been welcome in the worship services or Temple.

But God saw their worth, and gave the wonderful news to these "lest of these" first.

How do we treat those on the fringe our polite social circles?
(originally posted 12/25/16)

A Lonely Little Place to Live

Luke  14:12-15 - Christ encourages his followers to invest themselves in the Kingdom of God by caring for those who cannot repay.  Whose Kingdom Are You Building? Do you give your time, talent and treasure to help others, or do you try to build you own, sad and small little kingdom?

Are you a truth snob?

The Bible breaks with popular belief by declaring some things as absolutely true. In 1 John 4, God teaches that Jesus Christ's identity as the Son of God is one of those truths. While we might be afraid of declaring such a thing, we can take comfort in idea that some things can be relied up as truth. How discriminating is your palate for truth?

We need more than an example

Although we often think of Jesus as our great example, this thinking does not not fully recognize our great need, or his great sacrifice. While it's great to try to be like Jesus, we can never really live up to his perfect standard. The book of 1 John tells us that we Jesus to act supernaturally on our behalf, or save us from our sins. Have you asked Jesus Christ to be your savior or are you trying to be Jesus on your own?

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. 

Paul's Credentials

In his second letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul asks if they need him to re-certify his credentials with them (2 Co 3). While Paul is clearly correcting the church, he also explores the idea that the church itself was his greatest set of credentials. As Christians, we are flesh and blood letters of recommendation and resumes for Christ himself. When our neighbors "read us" how does it reflect on the one who is writing our story? 

What does Christ treasure?

It's easy to let our failures and shortcomings discourage us.Paul knew that and encouraged the early church (and us) by reminding us that Christ considers Christians His great inheritance. We might do well to remember that He treasures us and values who we are, even when we fail Him and ourselves. Can you see yourself as someone Christ treasures?

When your best isn't good enough

Isaiah 64:6 describes a people wholly given to sin. Their righteousness is described as "filthy rags." In Romans 3, Paul reminds us that we too are a sinful people - that our very best actions are still ugly and unacceptable to a holy God. Isaiah ends this chapter begging God to forego his anger, and we in like manner may ask God to provide His righteousness in place of our sad attempts. This is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Striving with our creator

When we find ourselves in situations we think we are ill-fitted to handle, we naturally question God. In a uniquely absurd metaphor, God asks if a pot would question it's potter. The obvious answer is "no" the potter knew what he was doing - in the same way that God knew what He was doing when he used circumstances and events to crafted us into a work of art He loves and cherishes.

Are you working for what you already have?

In Isaiah 43-45, God reminds His people that He is more powerful all the great armies of the world and their so-called "gods." Perhaps we can take comfort that this same God has already given us a place next to Himself (Eph 2:6) . Our "gods" of power and ambition are meaningless, because we already have the ear of the only true and living God.

He is Risen - Matt 28

Two women came to the grave of Jesus and were told that "He is risen." The women then saw Christ for themselves. The great joy they felt is obvious from this passage - but it might make us ask, how excited are we about Christ's resurrection? The resurrection of Christ is center to the faith of  Christianity. It gives us hope that someday we will share this resurrection.

Is GOD just an ornament?

Matthew's gospel describes the announcement of Jesus' birth as 'God with us Matt 1:23.' Thinking about what it might mean to be in GOD's presence, is that something we really want or do we just want to add God to our current box of personal ornaments?

Prophet not perfected Is6

The prophet Isaiah had been speaking God's word for years when he had a vision that reminded him of just how different God is from even the holiest of men. In his vision Isaiah saw the very Throne of God, and realized just how insignificant he was compared to God. Isaiah's humble reaction to the sight of God is rewarded when an angle "cleanses" Isaiah's mouth with a burning coal. How has God provided significance to your life? Have you humbly realized how great God is?

Seeing the destruction around us

Psalm 91:8 assures us we will only see destruction and not experience it. As Christians, we are well-versed with physical suffering, such as the apostle Paul experienced. We may experience suffering in this world, but we can be assured that God has not forsaken us, and that His Son, Jesus Christ, has also experienced this king of pain. Our assurance is not for relief, but for strength to endure.

The Darker the Moment, the Brighter Your Light

When we see injustice, cruelty, and other forms of darkness, do we bring the light of God's grace and gospel into those situations? Some days the world seems particularly dark with evil behaviors - during these times we should shine the brightest. Matt 5:14-16

What Is Your Call To Action?

In Nehemiah 4:20, a trumpet sounded the need for God's people to gather to fight for their brothers.

What is our call to gather and fight our great enemy when he attacks our brothers and sisters in Christ? May we see the suffering of others and respond with care, concern, and prayer.

Everyone Can Help - Nehemiah 3

In Nehemiah 3, we read of a list of people working to rebuild the security wall around their city. The beauty of this passage is that there was work for every hand. As Christians we can take comfort in the fact that there is work for us and all of us our important to the work (1 Co 12:12).

What ignites Your Passion?

While there are many things that could and maybe should excite us, there is really only

one passion that truly deserves our full attention. David expresses his great passion for

knowing God in Psalms 63 - How does our passion for God compare?