John 4:46-54 – A Progression of Belief
A healthy dose of skepticism is a good thing as we read about the latest buzz. False and misleading assertions are commonplace – the end supposedly justifying the means. Deceptive…
A Ministry for All
Every so often, I will be asked via email to weigh in on theologically controversial topics. For instance, what day is the right day to worship? Or, what is the…
John 4:31-45 A Ready Harvest
There is a common progression in many activities of life. This progression is seen in baseball and that moment when pitcher and batter face off. There’s anticipation in the pitcher’s…
John 4:5-26 The Encounter at Jacob’s Well
Earthquakes are terrifying. Without warning, the ground shifts and rolls. Buildings crack and collapse. In a few brief moments, life changes for those near the epicenter. Where I live, earthquakes…
John 3:22-26 I Must Decrease
Have you ever heard of Bill Alexander? Perhaps a few of you have. How about Bob Ross from PBS’s The Joy of Painting? He’s the fuzzy-headed guy that painted “happy…
We Are Not Alone
I think that sometimes God speaks to us through the songs that get stuck in our heads. Over a week ago in church, we sang Open Up Our Eyes by…
John 3:16-21 A Nighttime Conversation Part Three
For God so loved the world… Those words begin what is perhaps the most beloved single verse of the entire Bible. Creed like in scope, pledge like in cadence, succinct…
John 3:1-21 – A Nighttime Discussion Part Two
The term “born again” is often used to describe victory over an addictive habit, a new leaf being turned in someone’s life, or a dramatic change of attitude and outlook.…
John 3:1-21 A Nighttime Discussion (Part One)
There was a man named Nicodemus. That’s how John begins the next scene of his Gospel. The roughly 470 words (in the English translation) of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in…
In Your Midst
Directly applying the words of Judah’s ancient prophets is a dicey proposition. And yet, those words not only apply to the near context of the original audience but can also…
John 2:13-22 A House of Prayer
A few years back, Betty and I traveled to Alaska. To get there, we needed to cross into Canada. Now, we’re used to being able to travel between states without…
John 2:1-11 Water into Wine
Where I live, we experience four seasons. The bleak grey cold of winter, the warm renewal of spring, the hot sweltering days of summer, the glorious crispness and colors of…