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...

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...

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...

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,...

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. ...