Jesus’ death is not only a sin-bearing death, but also a life-giving death. And not simply because it secures life that goes on eternally, but life filled with the beauty of righteousness and love to the extent that the world will sit up and take notice (13:35). Because if you kill and bury the one... Continue Reading

Getting older has some drawbacks, but it comes with some benefits that more than compensate. There are old guy benefits that should never be underestimated by the young. Many people see aging negatively, but there’s beauty in loving the same woman for decades and enjoying the joy brought by grown children and their children. There’s... Continue Reading

A truly blessed life, filled with joy and peace, will be experienced through our commonplace minor actions and decisions. We have the Holy Spirit to help us weave this into the rhythm of everyday life. Reorienting our faithfulness may take only five minutes at the beginning of each day; or ten minutes during a lunch... Continue Reading

What does it mean to live a life that’s truly good? Culture may constantly shift its standards of right and wrong, but God’s goodness remains the ultimate guide. His nature shows us how to live, love, and make choices that honor Him.   Life can feel overwhelming and uncertain sometimes, but the goodness of God... Continue Reading

In Acts 4, Peter and John healed a crippled man at the temple gate called “Beautiful”. The miracle stirred opposition. The rulers hauled them in and commanded: “Do not speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” But Peter and John answered, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen... Continue Reading

If you are a church leader, do you think about church ministry with Christ’s activity in view? When you woke up in the morning, after the coffee cleared the fog, does this reality focus your motivation? Are you committed to building up those whom Jesus loves?    What’s your reaction when you hear, “It’s time... Continue Reading

“We hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—God.” Here we have a hymn, called ancient when cited in the 4th century, that helped Christians all around the Mediterranean articulate the doctrine of the Trinity. We praise God—singular—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.   Hymns are a theological repository of the church. Through hymns... Continue Reading

Today, when we think of the term “hospitality,” our minds often drift to various images. The over-one-billion-dollar hospitality industry. The hospitality majors in college. The hospitality ministry in our churches. The after-service coffee and donuts in the fellowship hall or the coffee cart and barista in the church lobby.   How often, if we’re honest,... Continue Reading

Listen thoughtfully when someone is talking to you—be understanding and empathetic. You don’t need to have an answer for everyone’s problems. People need family and friends to stand with them and hold them up when they have trouble walking on their own (Eccles. 4:10).   It feels like we are “really doing something” when we... Continue Reading

Murderers and meddlers are in the same list with thieves and evildoers for a good reason: they both kill by taking what’s not theirs to take. In the end, though pretending to do good, they actually do evil.   My grandfather was known to grumble about the “do-gooders” and all the trouble they cause. They... Continue Reading