We lived in Arkansas for fifteen years years and this is what would I tell people when giving directions to our church building. If nothing else, it usually got their attention because for better or worse, funeral homes usually stand out. Nothing else really looks quite like a funeral home. Architecturally, they might resemble a church or aContinue reading “If You Get To The Funeral Home You’ve Gone Too Far”
Tag Archives: Jesus
Grace and Community (2)
Both pop psychology and American culture thrive on playing up to our individualism. You’re different! You’re unique! You’re not like anyone else! Snowflakes, fingerprints, and DNA are all called in to make the case for how wonderfully special we are. And while that’s true, it’s a partial truth that needs balancing because we hear itContinue reading “Grace and Community (2)”
Grace and Community (1)
Luke recorded a parable by Jesus in 18:9-14 of his gospel. The story Jesus told was about two men in the temple and their approach God. The first man, a Pharisee, came before God reciting a checklist of all of the good things he had done. Interestingly, Christ never suggested that the man didn’t do the things of which heContinue reading “Grace and Community (1)”
Connecting with Church (2)
How does a person connect with God’s community (the church)? Since church is God’s community, it is entered into by coming into relationship with Him through Jesus. In the fifth chapter of Ephesians, Paul speaks of Jesus loving the church and giving Himself up for her (v. 25). He then says in v. 26, that Jesus cleansed her,Continue reading “Connecting with Church (2)”
What Sets Us Free
“Truth” is a big word in the Scripture (and life), so it’s no surprise that we find John employing the word a number of times in his gospel (23). Fittingly, he initially uses it to tell us that Jesus is “full of grace and truth” (1:14). There was veracity in the covenant that God brought through Moses, but theContinue reading “What Sets Us Free”
We Have Seen His Glory
After Israel had completed construction of the tabernacle, “the glory of the Lord” filled it (Ex. 40:34), providing the nation the occasion to once again witness the greatness of God. So majestic was the Lord’s glory that Moses was unable to enter the tabernacle (v. 35)! Wherever Israel went, God’s glory went with them (v.Continue reading “We Have Seen His Glory”
They Missed It!
John offers more to us about the “funeral” of Lazarus than just his resurrection (though who would wish to minimize the significance of that?). He tells us about two different responses people had to this great miracle of Jesus. One reaction is not surprising; but the other is as disappointing as it is difficult to comprehend.Continue reading “They Missed It!”
The Light from Bethlehem
I saw just a piece of a program on the Discovery Channel. The opening promised us a show about fearless exploration. They would leave no stone unturned. They would question everything. It featured a scientist and a paranormal researcher who were dressed like a 21st century version of Indiana Jones. They were searching for answers to theContinue reading “The Light from Bethlehem”
The Deeper Reach
Can you imagine the social media storm Jesus would have instigated? I’m referring to when he asked the man who had been unable to walk for 38 years, Do you want to get well? You can see some responses, can’t you? Wow, read the room Jesus! You just asked a man who has been unable toContinue reading “The Deeper Reach”
A Better Idea
Psalm 132 does more than look back—it also points forward. And just as David is the subject of the backward look, he is also the subject their future hopes. Sort of. No sooner had David successfully relocated the ark of the covenant in Jerusalem, then he embarked on another project—to build a house (temple) forContinue reading “A Better Idea”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 