Since Hebrews is more a first-century sermon than letter, it begins not with a greeting but rather with an enormously staggering statement about Jesus (1:1-4). This introduction is like the lavish entrance to a magnificent estate. The writer wants his audience to (once again) be overwhelmed with Him. They had been that way before (10:34-35),Continue reading “Overwhelmed By Jesus”
Tag Archives: Jesus
Details That Make A Difference
A significant part of what the Hebrew writer has to say revolves around the truth that Jesus is mediator of a new, better covenant (8:6, 9:15, 12:24). What is involved in this? We know from other texts (1 Timothy 2:5 for one), that Jesus is our mediator and we understand that we come to God through Him. ChristContinue reading “Details That Make A Difference”
Christ And His Outrageous Claims
Knowing what we do about the context of Hebrews (i.e., that it’s written to Jewish Christians who are under pressure from family, friends, and enemies to go back to simply being Jewish), imagine the following conversation in the marketplace between a Jewish Christian (Jonathan) and his non-Christian brother (Micah) in light of what we hearContinue reading “Christ And His Outrageous Claims”
Dogs In Heaven?
Years ago, there was an email making the rounds that featured pictures of two churches fighting (via their marquee signs), over whether or not dogs go to heaven. The email is almost certainly bogus (check it out on Snopes), since the background in the pictures remains exactly the same through all of the sign changes. ButContinue reading “Dogs In Heaven?”
Praying Up
In 1 John 3:21-22, John writes: 21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. What does John mean by this? Is he saying God gives disciples carte blanche when it comes to them asking and Him answering? Understand,Continue reading “Praying Up”
Who Is My Neighbor? (Crash)
“It’s the sense of touch.” “What?” “Any real city, you walk, you know? You brush past people. People bump into you. In L.A., nobody touches you. We’re always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much we crash into each other just so we can feel something.” Those are the opening lines from theContinue reading “Who Is My Neighbor? (Crash)”
Singing, Hope, Joy, And Life (Enchanted)
Enchanted is enchanting! It’s utterly predictable, completely over-the-top, and there’s not a single car chase in the movie. Nonetheless, it’s wonderfully refreshing and uplifting! Enchanted is about what happens when a young lady leaves her fantasy/animated world and goes into the “real world” of New York City. Will, she change? Of course she will! How will she change? Well, that’s the story.Continue reading “Singing, Hope, Joy, And Life (Enchanted)”
No Treasure Like This Treasure (National Treasure: Book Of Secrets)
National Treasure: Book of Secrets is a fun movie (as long as you’re not watching it to learn history). It’s what would happen if Indiana Jones went on The Amazing Race. Benjamin Gates and company travel to Paris, London, Washington and Mt. Rushmore. They visit Buckingham Palace, the White House, Library of Congress, and Mount Vernon—retrieving clues and solving puzzles. It’sContinue reading “No Treasure Like This Treasure (National Treasure: Book Of Secrets)”
Lonely Eyes And Jesus (The Graduate)
Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio,Our nation turns it’s lonely eyes to you.What’s that you say, Mrs. Robinson.Jolting Joe has left and gone away. My memories of the song, Mrs. Robinson, have to do with my older brother and my mother. My brother was taking a class to learn Morse code that was taught at theContinue reading “Lonely Eyes And Jesus (The Graduate)”
The Fear of (Not) Falling
Our daughter, Amy, and her family live in Raleigh, NC (about 8 hours away), so when they told us they would be in Birmingham (2 hours away) for a wedding—we were excited about the opportunity to see them. As it worked out, we were able to spend some time with Amy and her husband, Drew,Continue reading “The Fear of (Not) Falling”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 