Paul is passionate about the gospel he proclaims. He recognizes human failure, but that is background only. Against that backdrop he shows how the grace of God has been moving through people’s failures to accomplish his purposes. As Paul finished his sermon he restates the major events in the life of Jesus, and rehearses the ways that people responded to him.
Read More freedom, forgiveness, invitation, good news
Read Reflect So often, we can be so hard-headed and stubborn. We want things our way and we want to do them how we choose. Yet just as often we find that our way may not have been the best way – sometimes finding that we’ve worked our way into precarious, but easily avoidable situations. […]
Read More forgiveness, God’s love, God’s plan, refine, chosenRead Reflect Hailing from a subregion of the world that has had its share of horrible political upheavals and atrocious civil wars, I recall my shock when one local missionary I was traveling with, upon hearing me cursorily mentioning the name of a particular military dictator, actually say something to this effect: “I hope he […]
Read More sin, grace, repentance, forgiveness, restoration
Read Reflect Have you ever heard someone tattle about one of the employees to a person in authority? The comment could have been made to you or even made about you to the boss. I have personally experienced this type of situation in my professional career when I was a director at a company that […]
Read More gossip, criticism, understanding, forgiveness, judgment, graceRead Reflect When life was difficult, when you felt all alone, when you weren’t sure what the next step to take in your life was, you trusted the Lord your God. Since then has God blessed you, has God brought you to a safe place? Are you still trusting in the Lord? Or have you […]
Read More punishment, forgiveness, trust, rejecting GodRead Reflect Do you listen to country music? Most of us probably wouldn’t admit it. Pickup trucks, pretty girls, lost dogs and the hardships of life. Hurt and revenge and a nostalgia for back home. Country music tends to be a whole lot of sadness and just a glimmer of hope. Today’s scripture passage reminds […]
Read More unfaithfulness, forgiveness, justice, mercyRead Reflect This passage may sound straightforward, but when put into practice it can become more of a challenge. We all want to be “good people” who offer a helping hand to others, whether it’s through making soup at our local soup kitchen or paying for the person’s order behind us in the drive-thru line. […]
Read More forgiveness, graceRead Reflect Leadership is always challenged. Yesterday’s reading showed that Paul’s delay in visiting Corinth resulted in public criticism that he was fickle and unreliable as a leader. Paul continues to address this personal attack in today’s reading. Paul calls on God as his witness. The main factor in his decision to change his travel […]
Read More forgiveness, fellowship, discord, destructive behaviour, church disciplineRead Reflect How well do you remember what happened after the death of Solomon? The kingdom of Israel split, with the northern part following its own kings, and the southern part, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, continuing David’s line. The name “Israel” (usually) refers to the northern kingdom, while the southern kingdom […]
Read More forgiveness, love, disciplineNothing costs more than sin.
When Adam and Eve rebelled in the garden, death invaded their bountiful life. The seed of their sin passed to each successive generation, thwarting God’s plan for abundant life – a close relationship with himself.
Read More forgiveness, sacrifice, lamb