When Jesus was traveling along the border of Samaria and Galilee, He went into one of the villages. On His way in, He came across ten lepers. It wasn’t uncommon for such groups to station themselves outside of towns and villages so they could petition passersby for help. They were somehow aware of who JesusContinue reading “Grateful Hearts Make Us Whole”
Category Archives: Opening the Bible
After Dinner Conversation
When you’ve eaten well and are among friends, the conversation can flow like a river. It might be light-hearted or substantive, but it is always special. In Luke 22:24-32, Jesus had an after dinner conversation with His disciples that continues to speak to us today. In that conversation: Jesus taught about true greatness. As He institutedContinue reading “After Dinner Conversation”
Some Thoughts on Inspiration
Paul tells us all Scripture is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and we believe that. But what does that mean? One answer has to do with origin—it means the Scripture ultimately comes from God rather than man. This is Peter’s point in 2 Peter 1:19-21. Even in instances where the writer “carefully investigated” his subject matterContinue reading “Some Thoughts on Inspiration”
The Leader of the Band
Dan Fogleberg was a singer-songwriter who enjoyed his greatest popularity during the late seventies and early eighties. He had several hit songs: Part of the Plan, Longer, Same Old Lang Syne, and the song he is best known for—Leader of the Band. Leader of the Band is a tribute song to his father, Lawrence, who was a high schoolContinue reading “The Leader of the Band”
Finishing Strong
Moses’ mission was accomplished. Joshua had been commissioned as his successor (Deuteronomy 31:14,23). Israel was on the brink of entering the land of Canaan. They had renewed their promise to live under the covenant first given to the nation at Sinai (29:9-14). The next chapter of their story will be told in the book ofContinue reading “Finishing Strong”
When Church is Over
I suppose just about everyone can relate to the story of Jesus returning to his home town of Nazareth (Luke 4:14ff), but especially those who have been away from the place where they grew up for a significant amount of time. Just as it’s hard for us not to think of our hometown in theContinue reading “When Church is Over”
The Strength of the Insignificant
The book of Judges prepares us for the monarchy. In 17:6 and again in 21:25 we hear, “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” Rather than there being a central human authority who united everyone and led them in the same direction, tribalism prevailed in Israel. We see thisContinue reading “The Strength of the Insignificant”
The Reaching Hand of the Flawed Man
The psalms are different than the bulk of Scripture in that they are the record of people speaking to God rather than God speaking to people. Under the guidance and oversight of the Spirit, they have become part of the biblical witness. That doesn’t mean everything in them is in line with God’s will orContinue reading “The Reaching Hand of the Flawed Man”
Blessed
Psalm 128 begins in a way familiar to the psalter—with the word Blessed. Half a dozen psalms start this way and another thirty-seven pronounce this desired state of being at some point in their writing. This much should be clear—God is in the business of blessing people! That’s not just what He does—it’s who He is.Continue reading “Blessed”
I’ve Been to Church!
In Psalms, there is the principle I like to think of as the “I’ve been to church” principle. (Yes, I know disciples are “the church,” but there is also something to the idea of “coming together as a church” – 1 Corinthians 11:18 and I’m after something like that here). You’ve “been to church” when you’veContinue reading “I’ve Been to Church!”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 