We arrived in Canada, via Vancouver, almost two weeks ago. It only took about twenty-four hours of travel time thanks to thunderstorms and delays in Denver. All things considered, it actually went quite well.
En Canada
Nahum’s Good News
Nahum’s short prophecy is tucked away, often out of sight, in the middle of all the other minor prophets who are lumped together. The main focus of Nahum is a pronouncement of impending doom for the “great” city of Nineveh. Nahum writes, or speaks, with a captivating poetic style that makes his words come alive. But there is more to Nahum than a lyrical prophecy of doom. There is good news here. It is the good news of the just punishment of the wicked which results in lasting peace for the righteous.
Continue reading “Nahum’s Good News”The Great Reversal
The prophecies of Joel revolve around a devastating locust plague. What do these locusts have to do with the gospel? Turns out, they provide a picture of what God will do through Jesus and they provide hope for those who turn to Jesus with repentant hearts. What happens on a relatively small scale in Joel, is going to happen on a world-wide scale sometime in the future.
Continue reading “The Great Reversal”The Prodigals
In the second chapter of Hosea we read of Israel’s shocking unfaithfulness in allegory form. Meanwhile in Luke 15, Jesus tells a parable about a son who shockingly leaves his family in disgrace. These initial similarities beckon us to camp out in these passages and discover more.
Continue reading “The Prodigals”That We Might Speak
Most of us have tried to learn a language at one point or another. For many this attempt came in the form of a required class in school. We had to learn French (or whatever language) and would show up to class (maybe?) and endure the lesson. Trying to learn a language without the motivation necessary usually ends up as an exercise in futility, as many teachers can attest to, including and perhaps especially, my own.
Continue reading “That We Might Speak”When the Spirit Moves – Part 4
This is the fourth of a four-part series on the Spirit of God in the book of Acts
Part One – Part Two – Part Three
From Ephesus Paul presses on to Jerusalem. In both the cities of Tyre and Caesarea Paul is warned by fellow believers not to go to Jerusalem. In the preceding chapter, Luke mentions that Paul had also been warned “in every town” of the chains and suffering that awaited him in Jerusalem. Even though it is the Holy Spirit warning him, Paul resolves to forge ahead and finish the work set before him. It seems the Spirit is not forbidding Paul to travel back to Jerusalem, rather, he is making him fully aware of what lies in his path. This view is supported by the end result of Paul’s Jerusalem visit which accords with God’s plan for Paul: a visit with Caeser in Rome.
Continue reading “When the Spirit Moves – Part 4”When the Spirit Moves – Part 3
This is the third of a four-part series on the Spirit of God in the book of Acts
Paul’s vision of gospel advance is as large as his knowledge of the known world. This vision, together with the guidance of the Spirit will bring Paul to the epicenter of the Empire and before the world power.
Continue reading “When the Spirit Moves – Part 3”A Day in the Life…
Thus far in our time in México we have not been able to settle into a routine. We are getting there though. More and more details are falling into place and our house is slowly transforming into our home. But if you asked what a typical day has been like, we couldn’t really tell you.
Continue reading “A Day in the Life…”When the Spirit Moves – Part 2
This is part two of a four-part series on the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts
Zealous and pious Paul did not stand a chance against the Holy Spirit. The brilliant reality of Jesus struck Paul blind and upon receiving his sight back in Damascus he is filled with the Spirit. The effect of Paul’s dramatic conversion brings peace to the church and as it increased in number the believers were “encouraged by the Holy Spirit.”
Continue reading “When the Spirit Moves – Part 2”