At the heart of the Easter message is that we can be transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of life - through Scripture, we recognize that we can become new creations in Him.  The Bible says that while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us. The Church should be effectively communicating life transformation and proclaiming how that has become a reality for those who are called...  Read More

We are encouraged to do all that we do for the glory of God - whether it's our individual well-being, our life at home, at church, in the workplace, or in the community, we can be challenged to be excellent representatives of the Christ within us, a manifestation of the risen Savior.  And, for those participating in sports or the arts, a person should attempt to perform at his or her highest level...  Read More

In 2019, Finnish lawmaker Päivi Räsänen posted a Tweet on what was then Twitter to criticize the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland for it promotion of LGBT "pride month." The Christian Post reported that, "She questioned how the church could agree with 'shame and sin' being presented as 'a matter of pride.'"  This prompted an investigation that this leader in the nation of Finland had engaged...  Read More

Popular culture has this propensity, unfortunately, to define Christianity on its own terms, and its not necessarily accurate, or even good.  And, you have those who want to redefine Jesus and, as it's been suggested, make Him into their image rather than allow Him to make them into His.  And, the rejection of the gospel, which is an incredible sense of hope, enables people to be the losers in a h...  Read More

The Bible teaches us about good stewardship, recognizing that God is our provider, and He has entrusted to us resources that, as it's been taught, ultimately belong to Him.  There are all sorts of opportunities that we have to spend our money, and we have to be responsible for those choices.  And, we must always make sure that we are generous with what He's given to us.  1st Timothy 6 says:6 But g...  Read More

While Israel continues to partner with the U.S. to advance against the menace known as Iran, around the world, antisemitism continues to be a force to be reckoned with, and not in a good way.  We have to recognize the role of Israel in the world today and in the plan of God for the earth.  His covenant with the Jewish people has not been canceled, and as stewards of His truth, we have to recognize...  Read More

In a world that I believe is looking for hope, we can find our hope in a Savior who came to give His life for us, who cares for each one of us, and calls us to follow Him.  He is the One who can sustain us even in our darkest hours and can provide light even in the deepest darkness.  If 1st Corinthians 13 is the "love chapter," I might refer to Romans 15 as the "hope chapter."  It says:3 For Chris...  Read More

Sometimes we are called to speak in certain situations; at other times, we are supposed to listen, to be what is referred to as a "ministry of presence."  And, we should know the difference.  In James 1 (ESV), the Bible illustrates for us how we should appropriate the use of our mouths and our ears:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;2...  Read More

Following the lead of the British House of Commons, the House of Lords has now voted, as part of a Crime and Policing Bill, to decriminalize abortion.  That's according to GBNews.com, which reported: "The amendment included a clause to change the law to decriminalise abortions for any reason, including if women did not want to have a child of a certain sex - and at any point up to and during birth...  Read More

Our Savior performed the ultimate act of service when He gave His life on a cross so that humanity might be saved.  Many are celebrating a season called Lent, leading up to the commemoration of Christ's death and resurrection.  Through that new life He brings to us, He empowers us to engage in a life of service.  In Mark 10 (ESV), we can read these words:42 And Jesus called them to him and said to...  Read More

It has occurred to me that there are people who try to distort what they regard as the teachings of Jesus in order to support their political agenda.  We have to be careful not to stake out a particular position and then attempt to make the Scriptures fit our own personal agenda, rather than start with the Word and conform our thinking and behavior to Him. Jesus taught in Matthew 13 (ESV):13 This ...  Read More

On this St. Patrick's Day, I think it's helpful to think about how a person taking a brave stand impacted an entire nation.  It's a pattern we see throughout the Scriptures and as we've seen through Church history.  And, we can be devoted to asking God how He would desire to use us to impact men and women for Christ.  In Deuteronomy 31, Moses imparted wisdom and blessing to his appointed successor...  Read More