In John 6 there is a remarkable story that is told about Jesus feeding a crowd of thousands. He takes a kid’s lunch and turns it into a miraculous buffet. Specifically feeding 5,000 men, and who knows how many women and children? This is a stunning miracle that gives us several thoughts to grab hold of.One, for the Jewish crowd this miracle would have drawn their thoughts back to manna in the wild...  Read More

In John 5 there is a paralyzed man who has gone to a place that has a reputation for healing. But he has never been healed. As a matter of fact, he has experienced his paralysis for thirty-eight years—clearly a chronic condition. Jesus, the great healer, goes to him and asks a startling question “Do you want to get well?” Part of me thinks well of course he does, he’s been disabled for 38 years - ...  Read More

In John chapters 3 and 4 Jesus interacts with two very different people. I had always thought of them individually but author Timothy Keller proposed in a book that we should view these two interactions together. First, he has a powerful conversation with Nicodemus, the ultimate insider. This man is a pillar of his community. He is Jewish, part of the chosen people and probably looked down on us G...  Read More

Our world is so dark spiritually. Even a short time spent looking at the news and social media is a quagmire of human brokenness, corruption, and depravity. Depression is rampant. We all need some hope. Fortunately, the Scripture says that God is a God of hope. The Apostle Paul writes “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by th...  Read More

There are many views of Jesus. Some view him as a prophet, life coach, moral philosopher, profound teacher and Jewish Messiah but Christians are clear that while his identity includes these things He is more; He the Son of God, fully divine. John the apostle opens his biography of Jesus with the following. John 1:1& 14 states: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Wor...  Read More

Jesus once said the second greatest commandment was “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). What fascinates me is where Jesus looks for evidence of one who loves his neighbor. Specifically our neighbor is the one who is struggling. In the parable of the sheep and the goats Jesus commends and gathers to himself those who feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, invited in the stranger,...  Read More

Years ago I heard author John Maxwell say, “everything rises or falls on leadership.” That sentiment resonated with me. It does not matter whether it is a business, university, church or country; if the leader is healthy, wise and growing, the entity does better. If the leader is toxic or stagnant, the entity will struggle or fail. Healthy leaders have many traits such as wisdom and perseverance. ...  Read More

HEALTHY LIVINGAt the beginning of the year many spend some time thinking about their health. In my experience, churches rarely talk about our physical bodies. In contrast, the Bible does talk about the body. Starting in the creation account the human body along with the rest of creation receives God’s stamp of approval “it is good” (Genesis 1:31). In the psalms King David writes, “For you created ...  Read More

In John15:1,2 Jesus gives us a powerful picture about life with Him. He says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” This is one of the famous “I am” statements in the gospel of John where Jesus is basically making a deity claim. The “I am” part...  Read More

A NEW YEAR IS COMING!Christmas is over, a new year is almost here. Many take some time as the yearends to evaluate where they are and where they want to be a year from now. Some callthis process making new year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, most of us struggle with thefollow through. We start the new Bible reading plan, we join a gym. We try a newhobby but by the end of January many of these good ...  Read More

In Luke 2 an angel shares with the shepherds about Jesus, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born, He is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10,11).Jesus carries many names and titles but the three mentioned by the angel reveal the heart of His mission. First is Savior. Jesus saves us from our sins. This S...  Read More

The negativity of our culture can be overwhelming at times, but Christians are calledto be light. Light is about sharing the truth. Let’s focus on the light of truth we are toshare.Christianity teaches that we are the special, intentional creation of the one trueloving God. We are made by Him in His image (Genesis 1:27). Whatever our race,educational or economic level, we are all profoundly valuab...  Read More