The “Stronger Man” and His Kingdom

We often read episodes in the gospel as instances of how Jesus helps us.  Often that is what they are.  But always there is more going on as well.  Jesus achieves a victory over the evil one and evil itself, such that the whole world can change.  And does change, under the governance of God …

“The Rest of our Lives”

We are three weeks into “the rest of our lives.”  The world calls it “retired.”  I’m calling it “repurposed” and “redeployed.”  I am not in denial, at least not severely.  Things have changed.  Quite suddenly, the volume of email has diminished, blank spaces on the calendar have multiplied, and the sense of demand and urgency …

Our Story, and Song!

As we approach an historic gathering of our church from across the nation, I’ve been reminded of Fannie Crosby’s classic gospel song, “Blessed Assurance,” especially its chorus, which I would adjust slightly, as follows: This is our story, this is our song, praising our savior all the day long! I suggest that this chorus is …

What if Jesus Cleaned the Temple Again?

This Monday of Holy Week 2019, we read of Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple in Jerusalem on the Monday of that week (see Matt. 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48).  As we continue to follow Jesus on his way to garden, cross, and tomb,  I have wondered: What would happen if Jesus, son of God, did …

Retaliators or Reconcilers?

We were all shocked to learn of the massacre of 49 persons in New Zealand, in two Mosques, during Friday prayers.  Thirty-nine others are in the hospital, eleven in critical condition. Then, again, such massacres have become common; so common that over time they shock us less and less.  In fact, we live in a …