Serving Christ in México
One of the functions of the Bible is to provide us with a trustworthy framework for life. Like a map we consult when we are lost in a maze of crisscrossing streets, the Bible orients us in the world so we can tell which way is which. Not only does the Bible keep us on the right road, but it ensures that we are not surprised or taken off guard by the sudden turns or dead ends.
Continue reading “The Truth For a Lie “
When it comes to theology, we tend to take a doctrine and strip it down to its basic form, leaving out all the intricacies and complicating details. We zero in on a particular verse or repeated theme in Scripture and then we say “That’s what it is all about.” We do this so that we can fit the doctrine neatly in our minds, keep it there, and pass it on to others.
Continue reading “Multidimensional Gospel”
Peter’s passion for the gospel is evident as he begins his letter and explains the power and love we possess in Jesus Christ to live transformed lives. He uses strong, bold language (e.g. “make every effort” or “be all the more eager”) and emphasizes how he wants his readers to remember all that he is teaching them. But passion and sincerity do not equal the truth, and Peter knows that. Later in his letter he will speak about false teachers who are bold in their preaching and make grand promises, but who are empty and vile. They have passion, but for all the wrong reasons. So, before Peter continues, he gives reasons why his passionate words are also true. Consider what he says in verse 16:
Continue reading “Eyewitnesses of His Majesty”
We are by nature sinners. That’s why the apostle Paul writes to the church at Ephesus that we are “by nature children of wrath.” Our hearts are bent towards the desires of the flesh, not the will of God. Without any correction, our hearts will always default to sin – doing the opposite of what God has commanded.
Continue reading “Reminders”
It’s a strange feeling. A mix of sadness and awe. A glimpse of both heartbreaking brokenness and beautiful hope. It brings tears to my tired eyes while at the same time I can’t help but smile. It makes me want to curse the Devil and bless the Lord. First, I despair, then I hope.
Continue reading “The Gospel in the NICU”
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 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”
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”
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”
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”
The Rabbi's Burrito 