If you lived in a village in France during either World War, your attention would be riveted on the war as it related to where you were. How close is the fighting? Are you in danger of being bombed or invaded? How is the food supply? If you have to evacuate, where will you go?Continue reading “Thinking Big About The Cross”
Category Archives: Coming to God
The Cry From The Cross
Jesus’ cry of dereliction, My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? (Mark 15:34), has been the subject of much discussion. Some believe that these words are to be understood literally—that God separated Himself from Jesus as part of Him bearing our sins. I’m not aware of anything regarding Christ’s atoning work that necessitates GodContinue reading “The Cry From The Cross”
Where We’ll Find Jesus
Imagine that one of the palace officials sees the prophet Nathan off in his chariot after his closed-door visit with David (2 Samuel 11). He returns to the court and asks the king, “Are things well in the kingdom, your majesty?” “Well, let’s see,” David begins, “Nathan just rained all over my lack of maritalContinue reading “Where We’ll Find Jesus”
War and Peace
Paul tells the disciples at Ephesus not once, but twice, to “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11,13). These words are part of a larger call to battle in what (by anyone’s point of view) is an extremely militaristic text. We’re to understand in no uncertain terms that there’s a war going on and we’re part ofContinue reading “War and Peace”
How do we see Hardship? (2)
Treating hardships as one-dimensional, one-size-fits-all occurrences that need to be prayed away ASAP is neither healthy nor holy. The biblical witness encourages us to view them as unique, layered, and existing for reasons we are often unable to understand. Our assignment is to, by faith, respond to them in a way that brings glory andContinue reading “How do we see Hardship? (2)”
How do we see Hardship? (1)
The first land battle of the Civil War was the Battle of Bull Run in Manassas, Virginia. It’s sometimes referred to as the “Picnic Battle.” After the capture of Fort Sumter by Confederate forces in April, both the North and the South had been enlisting men and building their armies. Nonetheless, many thought the conflictContinue reading “How do we see Hardship? (1)”
A substitute for prayer?
“I’m sending positive thoughts your way.” Let’s start by acknowledging the good will and intent behind these words. People say such things because they are concerned about someone in difficult circumstances and they want to voice their support for them. We’ve all been in this situation and know the powerlessness you feel—someone you care aboutContinue reading “A substitute for prayer?”
The Power of the Cross
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (Paul to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 1:18). I grew up in a small southern town. Like so many small towns in the south, it owed its origin to the railroad. OurContinue reading “The Power of the Cross”
Are Your Feet Touching the Bottom?
Our three grandsons (7, 9, 11) were watching a water polo match on television during the ’24 summer Olympic Games. The players were jostling for position, splashing up a storm, all while trying to either throw a ball into the net or prevent the other team from doing so. The boys thought it looked likeContinue reading “Are Your Feet Touching the Bottom?”
Israel, the Pharisees, and Prayer
Israel wanted a king (1 Samuel 8)! There were some legitimate reasons why they needed a king. A king would help them to be something more than the loose confederation of tribes they were—characterized by infighting and the failure to come to the aid of each other when under attack (see the book of Judges). Furthermore,Continue reading “Israel, the Pharisees, and Prayer”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 