Serving Christ in México
With King Cyrus’ decree of freedom in 538 B.C. the captive Israelites in Babylon were able to return home to the Promised Land. However, many of them chose to stay in Babylon where they could live comfortable and familiar lives in an established and wealthy society. Meanwhile, the “Promised Land” of milk and honey was now the land of rubble and weeds. Not very enticing.
Continue reading “The Return of the Returned”
Previously, I delved into some of the history behind México’s independence. This time around I want to go a bit deeper and look at some of the major threads which weave themselves through México’s history. I’ll do this through the lens of Miguel Hidalgo and the war for independence. I don’t pretend to be an expert on Mexican history, and especially Mexican politics, but I hope to highlight these common themes I have come across in my readings. Hopefully it will give you a better understanding of México and its people.
Continue reading “The Cry For Independence – Part 2”
The New Testament employs the metaphor of building to convey what the church is and how it functions. One merely has to open their bible to the book of Ephesians to see a prime example of this. In this letter Paul speaks of how the church in Ephesus, and by extension all churches, are like a building which is built on a foundation (the teaching about Christ) with an immovable cornerstone (Christ himself) as the unifying factor giving stability and direction. This building rises up from the ground and becomes a place where the presence of God, through his Spirit, really and truly lives: in other words, it becomes a “holy temple”. Furthermore, Paul explains how God gives leaders in the church who are tasked with building up the believers into unity in faith and a deeper knowledge and maturity in Christ.
Continue reading “Careful Building”
As many of you have heard, we are expecting another baby! However, not everyone may have heard about the story of God’s protective hand over this baby.
Continue reading “Providence In Action”
The countless street vendors are selling everything green, white, and red. Lights, banners, and a host of other decorations adorn the old, historic buildings and cobblestone streets. Rusty carnival rides have been towed into town and await patiently for the festivities to begin.
Continue reading “The Cry for Independence – Part 1”
God is holy. It is a fearful thing to come into the presence of such a holy God – just ask Isaiah. And it is an even more terrible thing to come under the wrath of God. God compares himself to a lion who will rip the wicked to shreds. Clearly we cannot relate to God in a casual, relaxed way, but rather must come to him in reverence, awe, and humility. We must throw ourselves at his feet, confess our evil, and depend only on his mercy. The mercy and grace by which God saves us demands a life of piety, holiness, and sacrifice.
Continue reading “The Rejoicing God”
The problem of evil is this: How can a good God allow evil to exist? This is not a new problem, but it remains both perplexing and complex. The prophet Habakkuk, like countless others, also wrestled with the seemingly contradicting realities of the goodness of God and the presence of evil. The difference with Habakkuk is that he was able to converse with God directly. As we listen in on their conversation, God’s answer gives us insight into how we should shape our thinking about the problem of evil.
Continue reading “Habakkuk and the Problem of Evil”
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.
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”