John is a new disciple who struggles with prayer. He understands his need for it but he’s a little overwhelmed by his inability—it’s difficult for him to overcome a lifetime of not praying. He shared his struggle with another believer who told him that the commands of God aren’t of great significance—they’re just externals, whatContinue reading “The School of Suffering”
Author Archives: A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green
Checked Your Anchor Lately? (Hereafter)
What happens after we die? Is there anyone who isn’t interested in this question? And, is there anything definitive that can be said or do we just have to wait and see what happens? For most of us, this is one of those areas where we have many more questions than answers. Part of the human conditionContinue reading “Checked Your Anchor Lately? (Hereafter)”
I See Trouble On The Way (1)
This is the first post in a three-part look at an admittedly difficult text of Paul’s in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12. It will make you appreciate Peter’s observation that Paul’s letters “contain some things that are hard to understand” (2 Peter 3:16). So God bless you for being here and I hope you’ll find some helpfulContinue reading “I See Trouble On The Way (1)”
Nothing Eclipses God!
The recent total eclipse got me thinking—not only about the event itself, but about the concept of an eclipse. They’ve been around as long as we have. To our distant ancestors, they were scary things. People in ancient China thought a cosmic dragon was trying to devour the sun. In response, they made as muchContinue reading “Nothing Eclipses God!”
The Second Mile Attitude
I remember watching an NFL playoff game between Seattle and Minnesota. The game was in Minneapolis and the temperature at game time was – 6! (It did warm up during the game to at least -2). Most of the players (especially the offensive and defensive lineman) were wearing short sleeves. Part of the reason forContinue reading “The Second Mile Attitude”
Growing Off The Ground
Paul has some special things to say about the disciples at Thessalonica in his first letter to them. He spoke of their faith, hope and love (1:3), how they were a model to all believers (1:7), and how their faith in God had become known everywhere (1:9). But maybe the most amazing thing is thatContinue reading “Growing Off The Ground”
No Reason To Go Back
Imagine you owe a mountain of money—much more than you can repay. It’s all your fault—you spent a little too much here, a little more there. You went through credit cards like they were candy. You didn’t plan for certain expenses you knew were coming. Before you knew it, you were in a hole youContinue reading “No Reason To Go Back”
Shaking Things Up
“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:29-30) I’ve often marveled at this prayer spoken by the church in response to the release of Peter and JohnContinue reading “Shaking Things Up”
Putting Our Weight Down On Jesus
Faith is how we overcome the world (1 John 5:4-5)—but what did John mean when he wrote these words? He didn’t mean we overcome by virtue of anything that we have done—even if we have done some good things and been used by God in some important and significant ways. God has no problem praisingContinue reading “Putting Our Weight Down On Jesus”
Merging Our Letter With God’s (1)
Hezekiah’s prayer in the temple is a powerful example of reliance upon God. Hezekiah was a righteous king who nonetheless had a penchant for trusting in foreign alliances rather than Yahweh. In order to protect Judah from the Assyrians, he made alliances with Egypt (2 Kings 18:21) and Babylon (Isaiah 39 along with 2 ChroniclesContinue reading “Merging Our Letter With God’s (1)”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 