The Absence of “if”
A belief in something always results in some sort of response or action otherwise it is just a reasonable theory. Salvation is more than just theory. It is something we must receive (John 1:12) Becoming a child of God produces transformation and that transformation bears fruit. Hence the famous statement in the book of James […]
True Sheep Share the Concerns of the Great Shepherd
In the passage below, Jesus again masterfully utilizes the local culture to press home a vital point. The heart of God cares for society’s “least”- those who are socially or physically needy. True followers of Christ (the sheep in this passage) will share that same compassion. Society has become more urban in its setting, so […]
The Heart of the Savior and the Resistance of Human Will
In Matthew 23 the entire chapter is a scathing, tirade against the hypocrisy and pride of the religious leaders of the day. In harsh, descriptive terms and in visual language Jesus rebukes the clergy class of Jerusalem. With penetrating, biting vocabulary He openly and publicly criticizes their self-inflated pride and their ability to twist everything […]
The Gift of Reading
Though it occurred in 1999, my memory of it is very clear. I had just finished teaching a lesson in the village. We were about a month into the foundational evangelism teaching at Malaumanda. Yagitasa (a widowed mother probably in her late 30’s at that time and a regular attendee to the teaching) called me […]
Resource Availability: Superfluity vs. Disparity
Introducing… The Middle-aged, Divorced, Former Small Business Owner, Urban Living with a Beard, Men’s Study Bible …because you deserve a Study Bible that is uniquely designed for you. (Available in three versions!) Yes, the above announcement is a fictitious study Bible … I think. Recently I received a message promoting another new English Bible translation that claims “… […]
Decisions and God’s Will
While on a road trip sharing about the work, I was able to visit the very spot where it all began. Though the university that I attended no longer exists and a once vibrant campus sat silently that Sunday afternoon, the spot where I acknowledged to the Lord that I would go and be a […]